Enjoy a winter vacation in the snow - With or without skis!

A vacation in the snow offers a wide range of activities, from skiing and snowboarding to tobogganing. With so much on offer, many winter sports enthusiasts ask themselves: Where to for my winter vacation? There are numerous destinations in Europe for an unforgettable winter vacation. Numerous off-piste activities make a winter vacation a unique experience even for non-skiers.

Winter holiday in Austria

Austria is the winter sports paradise par excellence. Whether young or old, everyone will find their perfect winter fun here. With a multitude of excellent ski resorts such as Kitzbühel, Sölden, Ischgl and Mayrhofen, Tyrol offers perfect conditions for beginners, advanced skiers and experts. Fun is also guaranteed in Carinthia with its more than 200 lakes and in neighbouring Salzburger Land. And away from the pistes, Austria also offers many other outdoor activities such as winter hikes, dog sledding and tobogganing.

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Winter holiday in France

France attracts visitors with its majestic Alpine peaks, in the shade of which skiing fun and relaxation are guaranteed for the whole family in winter. Ski resorts such as Chamrousse, Valmeinier and Val Thorens offer a wide range of pistes, from easy to challenging. In ski resorts such as Les 2 Alpes, snow is guaranteed thanks to the nearby glacier. And it's not just the skiing that makes a winter holiday in France so special, but also the offers for relaxation, spa and unforgettable snow hikes.

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Winter holiday in Italy

Italy enchants with charming winter experiences and a large selection of pistes. "Dolomiti Superski" in South Tyrol alone comprises twelve fantastic ski resorts with around 1,200 kilometres of pistes, making it one of the largest ski regions in the world! Winter holidaymakers will also find the best conditions for excellent skiing in provinces such as Trentino and Lombardy, especially in the ski resorts of Cavalese and Livigno. Away from the pistes, the sun-kissed landscapes in the Italian Alps are the perfect place to simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere, even in winter.

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Winter holiday in Switzerland

Switzerland is known for its impressive mountains and exclusive winter offers. From luxurious accommodation in St. Moritz to family-friendly hotels in Davos or Flims Laax Falera, the Confederation offers both high-priced and affordable accommodation options for a wonderful winter holiday between dozens of 4,000-metre peaks. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, winter guests in Switzerland can also experience winter hikes or first-class spa offers, so there is something to suit everyone.

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Winter holiday in Germany

Germany offers ideal conditions for a winter holiday. There are numerous attractive ski areas in the Bavarian Alps, especially around ski resorts such as Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Oberstdorf and Berchtesgaden. The low mountain ranges, such as the Black Forest with pistes on the Feldberg, also offer many other winter activities in addition to skiing. Whether for a short trip or a longer stay, Germany is an excellent choice for your next winter holiday.

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Winter holiday in Andorra

Andorra may only be a small country in the middle of the Pyrenees, but it is the ideal place for a varied winter holiday in the snow. Here you will find the impressive Grandvalira ski area with pistes for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. There are also other off-piste winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The country also attracts visitors with duty-free shopping, a varied après-ski scene and one of the largest spa and spa centres in Europe.

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Winter holiday in Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, a wide range of winter sports options await in the Ore Mountains, the Giant Mountains and the Bohemian Forest. Here, family-friendly ski areas such as Spindleruv Mlyn and Pec pod Snezkou are ideal for skiers of all ages. In addition to the pistes, they also offer toboggan runs and winter hiking trails, which are ideal for exploring the picturesque landscapes. Its easy accessibility from most Central and Eastern European countries, combined with a wide range of well-equipped hotels and wellness facilities, makes the Czech Republic an attractive and affordable destination for a winter holiday.

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Winter holiday in Poland

In Poland, mountains such as the Carpathian Mountains offer excellent conditions for skiers and snowboarders. Well-known winter sports resorts such as Bad Flinsberg (Świeradów-Zdrój), Krummhübel (Karpacz) and Zakopane attract many visitors every winter. Away from the pistes, the historic cities of Wroclaw and Krakow invite you to go on cultural discovery tours. The well-equipped hotels in these regions also offer a wide range of wellness facilities to round off your winter holiday perfectly. For price-conscious travellers, Poland's small ski areas are also ideal for a short break in the snow.

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Winter holiday in Slovakia

Slovakia surprises with a variety of winter sports options in almost every region, especially in the ski areas of the High Tatras. Resorts such as Tatranská Lomnica are known for their excellent skiing conditions, which are enjoyed by families as well as keen skiers and snowboarders. In addition to well-groomed pistes, there are also numerous hiking trails and toboggan runs. There are also numerous offers for those seeking relaxation, from cosy bars and restaurants to culinary delights from the region, which round off a winter holiday in Slovakia.

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FAQ's

Where are some good places to go on a winter holiday?

There are numerous regions across Europe that are ideal for a successful winter holiday in the snow. Particularly popular are the Alpine countries of Austria, Switzerland, France and Italy, which impress with their excellent infrastructure, varied ski resorts and high guarantee of snow. However, Germany – with regions such as the Allgäu, the Bavarian Forest and the Harz Mountains – as well as Eastern European countries such as the Czech Republic and Poland are also attractive destinations for winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation.

Where can you find affordable winter holidays?

There are numerous ski resorts across Europe where winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy affordable holidays in the snow. In Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland in particular, there are many good-value offers for winter holidays, with or without skiing. These countries not only offer affordable skiing, but also plenty of off-piste activities such as tobogganing, winter walking and cultural events to enrich your winter holiday.

When are winter holidays cheapest?

The cheapest time for a winter holiday in the snow is usually the off-season. Before the Christmas holidays or after New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, prices can be significantly lower. If you also travel during the week, you can sometimes save even more and often find less crowded ski resorts.

Which destinations are best for a short winter break?

Regions with guaranteed snow, short journey times and a compact infrastructure are particularly well-suited to a winter short break. In Austria, Tyrol and the Salzburg region offer maximum convenience for 2 to 4 days thanks to numerous ski-in/ski-out options. In Germany, the Sauerland (Winterberg), the Ore Mountains (Oberwiesenthal) and the Black Forest (Feldberg) are usually the top choices for weekend breaks, weather permitting. In the Czech Republic, the Krkonoše Mountains are a particular highlight, with reasonable prices, well-maintained slopes and a manageable size – ideal for families.

An overview of the top destinations for short winter breaks:

• Winterberg (Sauerland): Boasts the most efficient lift infrastructure in Germany’s low mountain ranges and, thanks to regular floodlit skiing, offers maximum time on the slopes well into the evening.
• Erzgebirge (Germany): The spa town of Oberwiesenthal on the Fichtelberg (1,215 m) is the highest-altitude ski resort in eastern Germany and is therefore within a few hours’ reach for many winter holidaymakers.
• Feldberg (Black Forest): As Germany’s highest low-mountain range (1,493 m), the region impresses with its alpine conditions and good accessibility by car or public transport.
• Krkonoše Mountains (Czech Republic): Around Špindlerův Mlýn and Pec pod Sněžkou, compact ski resorts offer excellent value for money – ideal for weekend trips with a short journey.
• Zillertal (Austria): With the Zillertal Superskipass, it offers access to over 540 kilometres of slopes and excellent rail links – ideal for efficient multi-day trips.
• South Tyrol (Italy): Easily accessible via the Brenner motorway; the Sellaronda (Dolomiti Superski) offers direct access to one of the world’s largest ski networks.

SnowTrex tip: To make the most of your time in the snow when you’re only staying for a few days, you should specifically choose accommodations near the slopes. This minimises transfer times and allows you to head straight out onto the groomed slopes immediately after breakfast.

When can you book a winter holiday?

You can book your next winter holiday as early as spring or summer. Those who book early often benefit from early-bird discounts and have the widest choice of accommodation and travel dates. Especially in popular ski resorts and during school holidays, it’s advisable to book well in advance to secure your preferred accommodation. However, last-minute travellers can also often find attractive last-minute deals.

How much does a week’s winter holiday cost?

The cost of a week’s winter holiday depends heavily on the destination, the accommodation, the time of year and the planned activities. In Germany or Eastern Europe, basic accommodation can be found from as little as €300 per person, whilst in the Alpine regions and during peak season, prices of €600 or more per person are common. On top of this, there are costs for lift passes, equipment, meals and getting there.

Where can you find winter holiday destinations with guaranteed snow?

Winter holiday destinations with guaranteed snow are primarily found at higher altitudes in the Alps, for example in Tyrol, the Salzburg region, Valais or South Tyrol. In many regions, modern snow-making systems ensure good conditions for winter sports. Those who prefer natural snow should find out in advance about the altitude and snowfall statistics of their chosen holiday destination.

Where can you go on a winter holiday with children?

Destinations that cater specifically to the needs of young guests are particularly suitable for families with children. In Germany, the Bavarian Forest, the Allgäu and the Harz Mountains are good options. In Austria, the Zillertal and Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis are known for being family-friendly. Many ski resorts have special children’s slopes, ski schools and family hotels with family-friendly facilities. Away from the slopes, there are also plenty of activities such as tobogganing, ice skating or winter walks that are fun for young and old alike.

What equipment is needed for a winter holiday?

For a winter holiday, non-skiers should pack weatherproof and warm winter clothing, a hat, gloves, a scarf and sturdy, non-slip footwear. Anyone wishing to go skiing or snowboarding will also need a helmet, ski goggles, technical base layers and, if necessary, their own ski equipment. However, many ski resorts also offer the option of hiring equipment on site. Sun cream and a small first-aid kit should also be packed.

What alternatives are there for non-skiers on a winter holiday?

Many regions offer a wide range of off-piste activities for non-skiers. These include winter walks and snowshoe hikes, tobogganing, ice skating, cross-country skiing and guided snow tours. Spa/wellness hotels and thermal spas, as well as culinary experiences, ensure relaxation and enjoyment. Cultural excursions, torchlight walks or horse-drawn sleigh rides also add variety to a winter holiday – quite apart from skiing.

Are package holidays or individual bookings better for winter holidays?

Ski package holidays, where accommodation and a lift pass can be booked together, are often cheaper and easier to organise. With SnowTrex, you also enjoy complete flexibility, as you can opt out of the lift pass included in the price for individual participants.