Ski, Christmas Markets & Winter Wonderland - 2026/27

The Season's Best Way to Slow Down

Whether you are dreaming of carving the first tracks through fresh Alpine powder on a Club Med Resort slope, watching storybook Christmas markets glide past your river-cruise window, or gazing up at the Northern Lights from a glass igloo above the Arctic Circle, this edition is your gateway to Europe’s most magical winter experiences.

Here is the secret to a flawless winter escape: extraordinary moments demand early planning. The finest ski chalets, prime river-cruise suites, and coveted glass cabins-especially over the high-demand Christmas and New Year fortnight-fill up months in advance.

Consider this your exclusive invitation to beat the rush and secure your piece of winter magic before the world catches on.

Step onto pristine Alpine slopes where world-class skiing meets total peace of mind. Club Med's all-inclusive winter escapes take the hassle out of the mountains: lift passes and ski lessons are seamlessly bundled into your stay, and kids under four stay free. Whether you are chasing high-altitude powder in the French Alps or seeking sun-soaked Italian charm, these handpicked resorts deliver unforgettable runs and effortless luxury from start to finish.

France: Club Med Val Thorens Sensations

France: Club Med Val Thorens Sensations is the ultimate match for guests who want to ski hard all day and celebrate long into the night, making it perfect for seasoned skiers rather than absolute beginners.

Italy: Club Med Pragelato Sestriere

Italy: Club Med Pragelato Sestriere, perched on the edge of the cross-border Via Lattea ("Milky Way") ski area, this Italian gem lets a single lift pass unlock vast terrain - from gentle blues to long, sweeping reds. Club Med Pragelato Sestriere is our top value pick, blending serious mountain mileage with authentic Italian charm at a far sweeter price point than France's big-name resorts.

Zermatt, Switzerland

There's a reason Zermatt keeps coming up for a Christmas trip: it's car-free, so the only sounds are sleigh bells and snow crunching underfoot, and the Matterhorn looms over the village like it was placed there for the postcard. Snow is about as reliable as it gets in the Alps.

Perched above the village, The Omnia, Zermatt offers breathtaking Matterhorn views and a cinematic arrival via a mountain tunnel and glass lift - making it the ultimate stay for guests seeking something truly extraordinary.

Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck seamlessly combines world-class skiing with festive magic, letting you enjoy snowy peaks and Christmas lights in one trip. The old town's market nestles against dramatic Alpine slopes, keeping you surrounded by snow even as you sip mulled wine.

The Grand Hotel Europa, Innsbruck offers historic five-star luxury right beside the market stalls, providing easy access to nearby ski areas and festive celebrations.

Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy

Cortina balances high-fashion glamour along the festive Corso Italia with breathtaking Dolomite skiing, proving it has serious substance behind its style.

The Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa is our premier pick, featuring ski-in/ski-out access, a world-class wellness spa, and spectacular mountain views from nearly every room.

A night at the original Icehotel, Sweden

Every winter, a hotel is hand-carved entirely from the frozen Torne River-complete with sculpted art suites and an ice bar-before naturally melting away in spring.

A night in an Art Suite at ICEHOTEL, Jukkasjärvi offers a truly iconic stay. Pair it with an overnight in a riverfront Aurora Hut for zero light pollution and prime Northern Lights viewing.

Lapland's Arctic Circle charm, Finland

For guests chasing a true snow-globe Christmas, Rovaniemi delivers pure festive magic with Santa Claus Village, husky and reindeer sledding, snowmobiling through silent forests, and stellar Northern Lights viewing.

The Arctic TreeHouse Hotel is our top recommendation, featuring glass-fronted suites that let you watch the dancing aurora right from the comfort of your bed.

Avalon Waterways - Christmastime on the Danube

This is the ultimate sailing for guests dreaming of mulled wine, twinkling stalls, and snow-dusted church spires. Cruising through Austria and Germany during Advent, it glides past the Wachau Valley, stops at Melk's 11th-century Benedictine Abbey, and offers plenty of time to wander Passau and Vienna's markets with a warm glühwein in hand.

Sailing both westbound and eastbound, Avalon's Christmastime on the Danube features their signature wall-to-wall Panorama Suites for unmatched festive views.

Viking Cruises - Christmas on the Danube

A festive twist on the classic river voyage: this 7-night sail between Regensburg and Budapest connects Christmas markets across four countries-Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Between ports, the holiday spirit continues onboard with traditional tree-trimming and gingerbread-house decorating.

Sailing aboard a 190-guest Longship, Viking’s Christmas on the Danube is the ideal choice for guests who favour Viking’s sleek, Scandinavian style.