Decmber conditions can be pretty dicey no matter where you go in Europe (especially compared to the Western US).

Most of my experiences are in the "german-speaking" regions. Can highly recommend both Lech, Austria (more high-end) or Schladming, Austria (more family-oriented).

Best part is Schladming can be quite reasonably priced (especially with the strong US$). Both of these places are painfully quaint and a little off the beaten path for most US tourists.