Scratch your ski holiday itch; we’re running through where to ski in January with our team of Ski Specialists. Consider one of our top picks for your next mountain trip.
January is one of the best times to hit the slopes; the pistes are covered in snow, the crowds of Christmas and New Year have dispersed, and holiday prices are remarkably lower than peak season dates. There’s no better way to kick off your year and ski away any January blues that could come calling.
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Updated: 18th December 2025
Why Ski in January
January is one of the smartest times of the season to book a ski holiday. Snow conditions are typically at their best, with cold temperatures helping maintain fresh, grippy pistes across the mountains. With the festive rush over, resorts feel calmer, lift queues are shorter, and you’ll often have wide-open runs to yourself — perfect for clocking up the miles.
It’s also one of the best-value periods of the winter. January ski holidays often come with lower accommodation prices, flight deals, and great availability across resorts. If you’re looking to maximise snow, minimise crowds, and stretch your budget further, January ticks every box.
Where to Ski in January
When choosing where to ski in January, snow reliability is key. High-altitude resorts, glacier access, and north-facing terrain all help ensure excellent early-season conditions. These destinations consistently deliver strong snowfall, well-prepared pistes, and plenty of terrain for every ability level.
Here are our top January ski resort picks, recommended by our Ski Specialists.
Meribel, France
“Set right in the heart of the Three Valleys, Méribel is an excellent January choice for skiers who want access to vast terrain and reliable snow. While the village itself sits at a lower altitude, fast lifts whisk you up to higher slopes early, where snow conditions are consistently strong.
January skiing in Méribel never misses thanks to quieter pistes, beautifully groomed runs, and easy links to Courchevel and Val Thorens. Add charming alpine architecture, a lively but relaxed après scene, and excellent catered chalets, and it’s a well-rounded destination for all skier levels.”
– Marc, Ski Specialist
Val d’Isère, France
“Val d’Isère is a January powerhouse. With high-altitude skiing, extensive snowmaking, and glacier access, it’s one of the most snow-sure resorts in the Alps. Early-season conditions are typically excellent, with deep bases and reliable coverage across the mountain.
Advanced skiers can tackle iconic runs like La Face de Bellevarde, while beginners and intermediates benefit from wide, confidence-building slopes. Fewer crowds in January mean more space on the pistes, and better access to Val d’Isère’s vibrant après-ski scene once the lifts close.”
– Dom, Ski Specialist
Les Deux Alpes, France
“If snow security is top of your January checklist, Les Deux Alpes delivers. Home to one of Europe’s largest skiable glaciers, the resort offers skiing above 3,500m, ensuring fantastic conditions even early in the season.
January is an ideal time to enjoy the glacier without the late-season crowds, and there’s terrain for all abilities, from long cruisy blues to steeper challenges and excellent off-piste. Combined with good-value accommodation and a lively village atmosphere, Les Deux Alpes is a strong contender for January skiing.”
– Ella, Ski Specialist
Chalet Valluga in St Anton
St Anton, St Anton
“St Anton is legendary for its snow, its skiing, and its après-ski, and January is when it really shines. Frequent snowfall, north-facing slopes, and high alpine terrain make it one of Austria’s most reliable January destinations.
This is a paradise for confident skiers and powder lovers, with challenging pistes, famous off-piste routes, and deep snowpack early in the season. With fewer crowds than February, January offers a perfect balance of big-mountain skiing by day and iconic après by night.”
– Phil, Ski Specialist
Corvara and Colfosco, Italy
“For scenic skiing and consistent January conditions, Corvara and Colfosco in the Dolomites are hard to beat. While the Dolomites are known for sunshine as much as snow, January brings colder temperatures that preserve piste quality beautifully.
These resorts are ideal for intermediates, offering access to the vast Dolomiti Superski area and the famous Sella Ronda circuit. Expect quiet slopes, stunning views, exceptional food, and a relaxed pace offering a very different, but equally rewarding, January ski experience.”
– Giorgio, Ski Specialist
Banff, Canada
If you’re willing to travel further afield, Banff is an outstanding January ski destination. Cold, dry temperatures create legendary powder conditions, and snowfall across Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, and Mount Norquay is consistently strong.
January in Banff means light crowds, incredible scenery, and world-class snow. It’s ideal for skiers seeking wide-open terrain, reliable conditions, and a true winter wonderland feel, with the added bonus of lively town atmosphere and unforgettable mountain views.
– Miles, Ski Specialist
January Skiing: Snowfall Update
January typically marks the point where the winter snow base is fully established across most major ski regions. High-altitude resorts and glacier areas offer particularly dependable conditions, while regular snowfall and cold temperatures help keep pistes in excellent shape.
While snowfall always varies year to year, January consistently ranks as one of the most reliable months for skiing, combining strong snow depth, good visibility, and fewer crowds. For many skiers, it’s the sweet spot of the season.
Check out the averages here.*
| Resort | Average January Snowfall | Average January Snow Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Méribel | ~87 cm | ~67 cm base | Part of Three Valleys; base influenced by lower altitude. |
| Val d’Isère | ~136 cm | ~141 cm upper / ~85 cm lower | High‑altitude resort with strong midwinter bases. |
| Les Deux Alpes | ~78 cm | ~139 cm upper / ~39 cm lower | Glacier terrain helps with snow reliability up high. |
| St Anton | ~116 cm | ~161 cm upper / ~50 cm lower | North-facing slopes and alpine location give reliable snow. |
| Corvara & Colfosco | ~19 cm | ~114 cm upper / ~53 cm lower | Dolomites resort with moderate snow depths, good early-season snow. |
| Banff / Lake Louise | ~79 cm | ~132 cm upper / ~112 cm lower | Cold, dry conditions in the Rockies make for reliable snow. |
*“Avg. January Snowfall” figures come from available resort historical snowfall stats, where provided (cm of new snow over the month). “Avg. January Snow Depth” refers to the typical accumulated base depth mid-January (upper and lower mountain) based on recent historical records.
A winter lover, Annie first hit the slopes in her early teens before going on to complete her ski instructor qualification and two seasons in St Anton. While she’s now most often spotted on a snowboard, Annie still thrives on the thrill of chasing fresh powder and capping off her day with a little boogie – preferably at the Krazy Kanguruh!
Other articles you may like:
Best Snow in Europe: Where is Good to Ski Right Now
Val Thorens: An Insider’s Guide to Europe’s Highest Ski Resort