Summer holidays have their appeal, but winter travel offers something distinctly its own: a slower pace, great scenery and experiences that simply aren’t available when the sun is at its height. For couples, families and anyone looking for a change of rhythm, a well-chosen winter getaway can be one of the most rewarding trips of the year.
The Appeal of Escaping During the Colder Months
There is a strong and growing case for travelling in winter instead of waiting for summer. According to ABTA’s Travel Trends for 2025 report, more than two-thirds of UK adults planned to travel abroad in the coming year, with experiential winter getaways among the trends gaining the most momentum. Breaking the routine of a grey January or February with something genuinely different, like mountain air, alpine villages, and snow-covered landscapes, has an appeal that a beach holiday in August rarely matches in terms of contrast.
Activities That Make Winter Trips Stand Out
Part of what sets winter travel apart is the quality of the activities on offer. Mountain dining with panoramic views, snowshoeing through quiet forest trails, ski runs with fresh powder underfoot and spa facilities designed around recovery after active days all combine to create a type of holiday that feels complete rather than passive. The scenery alone, with crisp mornings, clear skies at altitude and the particular quality of light over snow, gives winter destinations a character that summer travel rarely replicates.
Finding the Right Type of Winter Getaway
Winter travel covers a wide spectrum, from city breaks and Christmas market trips through to fully active mountain holidays. Ski resorts are one of the most popular choices for UK travellers who want activity, scenery and social atmosphere in a single destination. Tignes ski holidays are a strong example of the broader appeal: a high-altitude resort with glacier skiing, a long season running from October through to May, and a range of runs suited to beginners and experienced skiers alike. For those less drawn to skiing, many alpine resorts offer snowshoeing, spa facilities and mountain walking as equally valid ways to spend the days.
Planning Ahead for a Smooth Winter Escape
Winter travel rewards a little more preparation than a summer beach break. YouGov research from December 2024 found that weather conditions at the destination and ease of travel tied as the second most important factor for UK winter bookers, after cost, underscoring the value of choosing a resort with reliable snow and good transport links. Packing layers rather than bulk, booking ski hire and lessons in advance, and checking resort opening dates against school holiday windows all make a significant difference to how smoothly a trip comes together. For first-timers especially, choosing a resort with a strong beginner infrastructure takes much of the uncertainty out of the experience.
A winter holiday asks something different from a summer one, such as for more clothing, more planning, and more willingness to step outside when it is cold. The rewards, for most people who make the effort, tend to more than justify it.
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