A number of tour operators and travel agencies are reporting strong bookings for January 2026. Traditionally one of the quieter months of the season, January has gained in popularity in recent years, in part due to usually lower accommodation costs and (usually) low temperatures.
Holiday company Sunweb are reporting a 55% year-on-year increase in bookings. They report French destinations such as Val Thorens, La Plagne and Les Deux Alps remain the most sought-after destinations, showing Brits are opting for tried and tested resorts.
However, according to Sunweb’s early bookings data, Châtel, Tignes, Morzine in France and St. Anton and Saalbach in Austria show the biggest increase in bookings compared to last year.
“After what feels like the hottest summer we’ve had in a long time, early interest in winter holidays is booming as Brits look to cool off for their next adventure. People are booking earlier than ever before in order to benefit from attractive deals and a wide range of options,” Sunweb spokesperson, Jack Bolus, commented.
Travel agency Iglu Ski also report strong January sales. Cormac Stanford, the company’s Head of Marketing comments:
“January has been selling well, especially in high resorts such as Val d’Isère, Cervinia and St. Anton. The plethora of lift pass offers, some of which are still on, with up to 50% off a lift pass, is encouraging skiers to commit to the best available accommodations in popular resorts, who otherwise might have settled for a lower altitude property. This may also enable group leaders to increase the size of their group, with the value-for-money being so good. As schools don’t go back until Monday 5th January, it is perfectly possible to depart for a 7-night new year ski trip on Saturday 27th December, and be back for the first day of term.”
“We’re seeing strong bookings for January 2026 ski holidays across the board, with a big focus at both the luxury end and also the most discounted. It’s the most affordable time of mid-winter to ski, while snow sure mid-season,” confirmed Richard Sinclair of SNO.co.uk who added, “For the highest chance of big powder days, my pick would be late January – for the very best prices, ski holidays at the start of Jan are usually cheapest. Many clients are tempted by Canada packages from around £1300 and at the very cheapest end, you can self-drive for £250-300pp with the ferry included – it’s like 1990’s prices!”
“The holiday weeks such as Christmas and Easter will always be a popular choice for skiers, but we’re also seeing a growing interest in January bookings. People are desperate to get on the slopes this season, with many booking in January to start their year off in the best way possible,” Sunweb’s Jack Bolus concluded.
“Overall, my main advice is to act now to secure a good deal for January – there are some great discounted packages to Norway for example, but also across the board from budget Bulgaria to the luxury of the U.S. There is plenty of choice of flights, train travel (in Europe) and accommodation right now, but this will change as the weeks pass,” Iglu ski’s Cormac Stanford adds.
(Pictured top: Jasper, Alberta, Canada in January)