We would like a white christmas in europe with our two children (8yrs & 6yrs) bit of ski-ing bit of shopping and touring - we have three weeks - any help with an itinerary - we are flying from australia.
THnaks,

ttt

Is there any particular country you would favor over others? There are lovely ski resorts in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, and probably other countries as well. In three weeks, you could visit several, as well as a major city or two if you like. Does the idea of a car-free, family-oriented ski village appeal to you, or would you prefer a "full-service" major resort?

I have heard here that Christmas is a bit early for skiing in some areas, so hopefully someone here will come on and suggest places where late December skiing is reliable.

Hi newtraveller01,

Yes, Switzerland would seem to be a perfect fit -- mountains & snow & skiing. However, you should know that the Swiss (I've been told) consider Christmas a personal, family holiday & celebrate privately. So, outside of the big cities, there won't be many decorations & lights. I spent Christmas in Gstaad in 2004 and can confirm that: I saw only a few fat Santas.

I suggest you think about Germany, and specifically Bavaria. Lots of Christmas markets, snow, decorations, etc. There's an old trip report here from someone who spent Christmas in Garmisch, I think. But that's what I would suggest -- Garmisch. Personally, I'm heading for Mittenwald for Christmas 2006.

Have fun!

s

Bavaria would be lovely, as would the Danube area around Regensburg and Passau. And of course the hills of Austria!

I don't know if you'll be in this area at all, and I don't know if there would be snow here, but I ran across this today:

"The Umbrian city of Gubbio has a spectacular way to mark the end of Christmas. 800 water fountains illuminated with thousands of lights form a gigantic Christmas tree climbing the side of Mount Igino. The ‘biggest Christmas tree in the World’ (according to the Guinness Book of Records) is on show from 1-10 January and is absolutely spectacular."

http://www.knowital.com/tourist/italy-festivals.html

I too can vouch for Germany being the place to go for a White Christmas. We went this past Christmas and that White Christmas feeling persisted through New Year's. The area around Berchtesgaden is full of beautiful lights and plenty of snow. What I find most remarkable is that the Germans don't go for the tacky colored lights and inflateable yard decorations some of my American neighbors seem to love. The Germans use a lot of real pine boughs, straw and other greenery to decorate. As a child of the 1960's I find my Christmas trips to Germany to be very reminiscent of that less-commercialized era.

I would also recommend Salzburg and Innsbruck Austria as very "Christmassy". The Garmisch-Partenkirchen/Oberammergau/Fussen triangle is also fantastic. The family (6 of us) took a scenic sleigh ride from just outside Oberammergau to Linderhof Castle two days after Christmas - tons of fresh snow and one of the most memorable birthdays my wife ever had. And only 75 Euro for the two and a half hour ride.

We spent last Christmas in Switzerland in Lauterbrunnen - rather than retype all the reasons we loved it, you might want to read my trip report is on this link:
http://tinyurl.com/p7evf

We had a lovely time and the time spent in Lauterbrunnen made for an incredibly perfect Christmas. Have fun wherever you decide to go - I do wish we had at least 2 more days in that area.

How about further north? Lapland is guaranteed snow and you can take the kids to see the 'official' Father christmas/santa claus out in the woods. Go reindeer riding/sledging, dog sledging, all sorts.

Hi again,

Here's a link to the report I was remembering:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34554134

Hope it helps!

s

Nona

just worthwhile pointing out that Xmas in Lapland has very short days. In fact, Northern parts have 24 hr nights !

Peter

Would like any updates on info in this post as we are in Australia and aiming for a white European Christmas too...in 2008!

For me I would look at the valley whihc has zell-am-zee in it. Austrian skiing, chalets, shops and high chance of snow on the glaciers

Come to our house! It is snowing as I type - we are expected to get more.

But you did say Europe. I, too, would suggest Germany, Austria or Switzerland. Very beautiful.

I like the Bavatia idea too. We had a lovely time in Bamburg, Rothenberg, Regensberg, etc, many years ago. We visited the xmas markets, and spent the holiday at a cross-country ski resort and spa with lots of snow, walks in the winter woods , hot-water spas, and and beautiful scenery.

I don't think there is much downhill skiing in Bavaria, though -- for that try Austria or Switzerland. How about 10 days in Bavaria before/during Christmas (markets etc.), then 10 days in Switzerland / Austria for New Years? I recall staying in a Swiss town (Luzern, maybe?) that celebrated New Years with a midnight parade and fireworks...

I realize this thread is old...but if you can get ahold it, Rick Steves has a killer program about celebrating Christmas in various European countries - and he brings his kids with him too. It shows all kinds of snowy and beautiful places. I just saw it on PBS a few months ago. You might see if you're library has the DVD - it might give you some new ideas.

http://www.amazon.com/Rick-Steves-Eu.../dp/1598800396

Tromso ! Tromso !Tromso! - In Norway.

We went this NYE - very cheap to get there with the new low cost flights - great little place to stay - not too cold - usually around 0oC.

Trips out including snowmobiles, reindeer farms and dog sledding. The winter sun is amazing and you are as far north as you would dare go with children. Any higher latitudes get a little wild.

Thrown into all this it is one of the best locations in the world to see the Northern Lights - we saw them on all three nights - experience of a lifetime.

You can also snorkel with Orcas using survival suits in freezing water - down the road in Bodo. One of the few places in the world this is possible.

If you did want to go further - there are trips from Tromso to Spitzbergen to see the Polar Bears in the wild.

Skiing seems a bit light-weight after all that!

ps we went with our two year old and I doubt he will ever forget it.

One thing that is so nice about European winters is that they are very mild so you are able to spend a lot of time outside.

travel2live2

spoken like a true Canadian!