As we head into 2026, we have taken the opportunity to think about the trends we are seeing in ski holidays here at Peak Retreats. Whether you’re planning your next trip or just dreaming about fresh snow, here are the trends and ideas shaping ski holidays in the year ahead.
1. Why train travel is trending
Research by Utopies & Ademe shows that 60% of a ski holiday’s carbon emissions can come from transport when flying. Here at Peak Retreats, we’ve always been big fans of overland travel, specialising in self-drive and ski holidays by train.
We’ve noticed a big uptick in demand for train travel this season and we can see why. For a start, it's one of the most relaxed ways to reach the French Alps. You board in the UK, stretch out, and settle in for the journey, with a change in Lille or a couple of hours in Paris.
Carbon-conscious travellers will be reassured to hear that train travel can cut emissions by up to 94% compared to flying (skiflightfree.org).
Additionally there are no luggage charges for skis or boots, no stress about weights or bags, and you can move around freely instead of staying in one seat. The journey becomes part of the holiday, with views shifting from countryside to snow-covered peaks long before you reach resort.
2. Multi-family ski holidays
P Tournaire_OT Val Thorens
Multi-family ski holidays are becoming a top choice for 2026, and it’s easy to see why. They offer the best of both worlds: the fun of travelling with friends or extended family, plus the privacy and comfort of your own apartment.
Each family has its own space to relax, cook, and keep to their own routine, while still enjoying shared moments on the slopes and during après-ski.
A ski holiday with friends allows you to coordinate ski school drop-offs, meet up for mountain lunches, and plan group activities where shared experiences create lasting memories and stronger friendships.
Find out more about multi-family ski holidays
Get The Inside Track: a multi-family ski holiday in Val Cenis
3. Ski with confidence
To get the most out of their holidays, more skiers are looking for ways to help them feel calmer, more prepared, and more in control on the slopes, especially after a break from skiing. Whether it’s a break after having children, returning after an injury or just having had a season or two off.
To kick off the season, we hosted a Ski Confidence Q&A on Instagram with coach Louise Pode.
If your New Year’s resolution is to feel more confident on snow, this is the perfect place to start. We’ve saved it in our Instagram Highlights – view the Ski Confidence Q&A here.
In conjunction with this, we’re also running an online ski confidence course with Louise for our clients starting in January 2026. If 2026 is the year you tackle your ski confidence, this course is for you!
Looking ahead to 2027? Details of our new Ski Confidence Week will be revealed very soon. Join the waitlist.
4. Easter skiing continues to grow
@APernet Val Cenis
One clear pattern we’ve seen over the last few winters is the rise of Easter ski holidays, especially for families who are lured by longer days, a more relaxed atmosphere, quieter slopes and great value.
We have clients who come back for an Easter ski holiday year after year, and word is getting out that it’s a great time to head to the slopes. All the ski resorts we feature have slopes above 2000m and factors like orientation and microclimates often mean conditions hold up really well late into the season. For many, Easter has become their favourite time to hit the slopes.
If you’re looking to ski at Easter, selected Directors’ Choice residences are offering a free Premium Option upgrade for arrivals on 28/03/26, with early check-in, late check-out, parking, bathrobes, slippers and a welcome pack. We’re the only UK tour operator able to offer this!
5. Experiences beyond the slopes
More people are heading to the mountains for a winter holiday where they might not ski every day, or even at all. The French Alps are such a great place for a full week of fresh air, good food and a mix of activities, and we’re seeing more travellers build their holiday around that wider experience.
Taking part in activities off the slopes is also ideal for mixed-ability ski groups who don’t always have the opportunity to ski together but can still benefit from shared experiences in the mountains.
We took on board feedback from our clients who said it can sometimes be tricky booking activities themselves. So new for Winter 25/26, we are now able to pre-book a whole range of activities before you travel in selected resorts. From an adventure-filled mountain rescue escape game to a magical evening in a yurt, pre-booking activities and experiences makes it easier to plan a trip that suits everyone.
6. Ski and wellness
Wellness has been a growing trend for a few years but it’s now really breaking out into winter holidays. More skiers are looking for ways to balance the thrill of the slopes with time to relax and recharge.
We’ve seen a growing demand for accommodation that offers wellness facilities as standard and many of our residences feature dedicated wellness areas with indoor pools, steam rooms, hot tubs, saunas and fitness rooms.
For those that want to treat themselves and take their relaxation to the next level, our Directors’ Choice properties offer spa treatments which are pre-bookable through Peak Retreats. From massages to facials, it’s the ultimate way to relax after a day on the slopes.
7. A bucket list challenge for keen road cyclists: Epic21
A new year is a great time to review your bucket list. If you love the mountains even when the skis come off, or you’re tempted by a summer challenge to pair with your winter trip, Epic21 is worth a look.
Our brand-new road cycling challenge event in Alpe d’Huez is taking place from 6th-11th June 2026, built around endurance and iconic climbs. It’s a different way to experience the Alps, and an amazing goal to put on your bucket list.
Whether you’re planning a family trip, a wellness-focused escape, or a summer cycling challenge, 2026 is full of new ways to experience the French Alps.
Want to know what’s new? Read about the latest news from our resorts and find out about new accommodation added to our programme for the winter 25/26 season.
Book your French Alps ski holiday
Are you ready to book your ski holiday or would you like to pick our brains? Peak Retreats are French Alps experts and we have a small friendly team on hand to help with any questions you may have. Give us a call on 023 9283 9310 or email reservations@peakretreats.co.uk.