Next season, Easter Weekend and to some extent the school Easter Holiday fortnight, arrives two weeks earlier than last season. The weekend, the first in April 2026, falls mid-range in terms of the possible Easter timing — slightly later than 2021 and 2024, but earlier than 2020 (which we lost to Covid anyway), 2022 and this year.
Ski travel agencies are reporting that the earlier date has already led to booming ski holiday sales as families look to book the most affordable school holiday weeks of the season and see a higher chance of good snow conditions to low altitudes thanks to the earlier dates.
“With Easter Sunday falling earlier on 5th April 2026 (versus 20th April this year), Heidi is seeing a boost in 2026 April bookings – up by 60% compared to last year,” a statement from the ski holiday company this week announced, adding “Heidi recommends going high-altitude for late-season ski trips due to better snow conditions. Bookings reflect this, with some of Europe’s highest resorts among April’s top sellers – including La Plagne (up 350%), Tignes (up 80%), and family-friendly favourite Avoriaz up by 33%.”
Ski holiday company Sunweb, who include lift passes in their package prices, also report a big jump in Easter sales compared to this point last year. Company spokesperson Jack Bolus confirmed:
“With Easter arriving early this year, we’ve seen a surge in bookings, with sales up by 79% versus the same period last year.”
Another ski holiday specialist SNO.co.uk said their Easter week sales were well up too, but company boss Richard Sinclair said with the earlier dates, the highest altitude is perhaps not quite so essential in 2026.
“Clients saying they feel confident of good Easter skiing without needing to book the highest and most expensive resorts, said Richard, adding, “Top sellers for Easter are still the big and high favourites of Val d’Isere, Val Thorens, Tignes, but we’re seeing a lot more confidence to book skiing in resorts without glacier skiing. St Anton is proving the most popular Easter destination to ski in Austria.”
Simon McIntyre, travel agency Iglu Ski’s Managing Director noted Easter is also building a reputation for good snow cover.
“Easter sales are certainly ahead of last year, not only due to the earlier date, but also as the snow conditions last April were so fantastic. We’re finding the additional bonus of early booking benefits such as the current lift pass offers are driving bookings, especially from families and large groups,” he said.
Robert Dixon of ski holiday company Skiworld pointed to Easter’s lower prices compared to other school holiday periods and said they’d also noted that thanks to bank holidays, parents can head off for a week without needing to take five day’s leave.
“The Big one for parents is that the Bank Holidays fall in the middle of the two school holiday dates, meaning only four days off needed for either Easter week. We find there are generally quieter slopes – the mainland European skiers don’t think of skiing as much at Easter. The normally warmer weather is great for learner and younger children,” said Rob, adding, “Snow tends to come overnight – as the temperature is warmer in the days, it tends to snow overnight when it drops therefore bluebird fresh tracks are more common than you might think.”
Looking at pricing Skiworld found a holiday in the second week of the Easter holidays was typically 39% cheaper than February half term and 41% cheaper than New Year 2026 for the identical trip.
“At Skiworld, we have an annual staff trip, and we always go at Easter or just after…! (Always high though – Tignes last season),” Rob concluded.
“Easter offers the irresistible blend of spring skiing with longer, sunnier days, uncrowded slopes, shorter lift queues, and still plenty of snow. Warmer daytime temperatures are more comfortable for families, and those learning to ski, while the nights remain cold, preserving the snow,” says Laura Hazell, MD for ski chalet company Ski Beat, “It’s my preferred time to ski, and very popular with our guests, when resorts have a relaxed, but vibrant atmosphere, with many organising Easter egg huts and snake gliss egg races for the children, and snow conditions are still good. All of our resorts are high altitude, and snow sure. For me, you cannot beat spring skiing, and we are expecting strong bookings after a very positive start to the season.”
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Picture copyright: Ski Beat