27 Feb 2026
With the Easter school holidays falling two weeks earlier this year and recent heavy snowfall across the Alps, 2026 is shaping up to be a bumper year for Easter ski trips. Current Google Trends and booking data reveal a dramatic spike in demand.
The latest figures from Heidi, the UK's second-largest ski holiday operator, show Easter ski bookings have jumped 76% year-on-year, which reflects a surge in online UK search interest.
According to current Google Trends data (captured on 23 February 2026*), UK search interest for “easter skiing” is up 144% year-on-year, and has more than tripled for “spring skiing”, which is up 335%. Both terms have reached their highest level in five years, highlighting growing interest in late-season ski breaks:
Italy benefiting from Winter Olympics spotlight
Heidi also reports a shift in Easter destination trends this year, with Italian resorts gaining ground on French favourites - likely a halo effect from the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, which has showcased the Dolomites and other Italian ski areas to UK audiences.
Last Easter, Heidi's top-selling resorts were largely French favourites, including Avoriaz, Flaine, Val Thorens, and La Plagne. This year, several Italian resorts - including Sauze d'Oulx, Sestriere, and Selva di Val Gardena - have moved into the top sellers list, alongside Kirchberg in Austria.
While classic high-altitude Alpine resorts have traditionally been the safest bet for late-season skiing, recent heavy snowfall has broadened the range of viable destinations, appealing to families and budget-conscious skiers.
Why Easter skiing is growing in popularity
Easter offers several advantages over the February half-term peak, making it ideal for families and beginners:
- Quieter slopes and shorter lift queues
- Longer daylight hours
- Milder, sunnier weather
- Better-value prices
Marcus Blunt, Co-founder at Heidi, comments: “With the Easter holidays falling earlier this year and exceptional recent snowfall across the Alps, we're set for a strong spring ski season ahead. The surge in Easter bookings reflects this, and there's increased demand for Italian resorts compared to last year - likely a halo effect from the Winter Olympics spotlight.”
Top Easter family ski deals under £500pp
With five weeks left to book and Heidi's late-season sale underway, there are great deals available, whether you're after a full week or a short break:
Montgenèvre, France - 7 nights, £487pp - Includes 7 nights' self-catering at the 4-star Résidence Club mmv Le Hameau des Airelles, return London Stansted - Turin flights, and airport transfers. Departing Sat 4th April 2026
Samoëns, France - 7 nights, £434pp - Includes 7 nights' self-catering at Lagrange Vacances Les Fermes de Samoëns, return London Gatwick - Geneva flights, and airport transfers. Departing Sat 4th April 2026
Sauze d'Oulx, Italy - 5 nights, £489pp - Includes 5 nights at Avalanche - Alpine Boutique Hotel, return London Stansted - Turin flights, and private airport transfers. Departing Sun 5th April 2026
Avoriaz, France - 4 nights - £474pp - Includes 4 nights self-catering at ski-in/ski-out Résidence Pierre & Vacances Saskia Falaise, return London Gatwick - Geneva flights, and airport transfers. Departing Sun 5th April 2026
Alpbach, Austria - 4 nights - £412pp - Includes 4 nights at Das GÄSTEHAUS SCHNEIDER am Dorfplatz, return London Luton - Innsbruck flights, and private airport transfers. Departing Tues 7th April 2026
ENDS
Notes to editors
*Percentage increases based on analysis of Google Trends' relative UK search interest index scores:
- “easter skiing” is up 144% year-on-year (an index score increase of 35 to 100),
- “spring skiing” has more than tripled - up 335% (index score increase of 23 to 100).
Rachel Follett
+44(0) 7813 803936
