Alps in December?
 

So I'm being an optimist that I can find a place to stay... Myself and several friend from my study abroad trip have about 3 weeks in December to do independent travel around europe, and we want to go skiing... Does anyone have any advice on where is a good mountain in the French / Swiss / Italian Alps in the middle of December? Theres a decent chance I can land a free place, but does anyone have packages for rentals/passes? I've never skiied in Europe, but have been a hardcore weekender in New England for my whole life. TIA.