UAE travellers turn to ski holidays and Arctic adventures for winter 2026/27
Snow holidays gain momentum across Europe and Asia
DUBAI – All-inclusive ski holidays and Arctic adventures are among the fastest-growing travel trends for UAE residents this winter, according to the latest booking data from dnata Travel.
The company is seeing growing demand for snow-based holidays and cooler-climate escapes across Europe and Asia. Japan has entered dnata Travel’s top five most-booked international destinations for winter 2026/27 to date, while Finland, France, Switzerland and Georgia are recording some of the strongest year-on-year increases in bookings and climbing the company’s top 20 winter destinations ranking.
The trend reflects a growing appetite for experience-led travel, with UAE travellers increasingly seeking outdoor adventures and memorable seasonal experiences, from world-class skiing and snowboarding to Arctic activities and nature-focused escapes. All-inclusive ski holidays are proving particularly popular, offering convenience and value through packages that combine accommodation, meals, lift passes and lessons.
A range of destinations is benefiting from this shift in traveller preferences. In Finnish Lapland, demand is being driven by opportunities to witness the Northern Lights, enjoy husky and reindeer safaris, and experience life above the Arctic Circle. Japan continues to attract travellers with its internationally renowned powder snow and extensive ski terrain, combined with its popular culinary scene and traditional hot springs, known as onsen.
France and Switzerland remain favourites for premium alpine escapes, with resorts such as Courchevel, Megève and Gstaad continuing to feature among sought-after winter destinations. Georgia is also gaining momentum as a value-driven ski destination, offering winter sports experiences within easy reach of the UAE.
Improved air connectivity is further supporting demand, including Emirates’ new Dubai-Helsinki service launching next month, providing greater access to Northern Europe and Finland’s Arctic regions.
The findings were revealed at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2026, where dnata Travel showcased its latest winter holiday collection.
Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, said: “We’re seeing a clear shift towards experience-led winter travel. More UAE travellers are choosing holidays that offer memorable outdoor experiences, whether that’s skiing some of the world’s best slopes, exploring the Arctic wilderness, or witnessing the Northern Lights in Lapland. These trips offer a complete contrast to the region’s warmer climate, which is a major part of their appeal.”
She added: “At the same time, we’re seeing growing demand for all-inclusive ski holidays among families, couples and groups. Travellers value the simplicity and certainty of having key elements of their trip included in one package, allowing them to focus on the experience and make the most of their time away.”
Winter 2026/27 holiday offers
Skiing in Gudauri, Georgia
Stay six nights combining stays at the four-star Gudauri Inn and five-star Lopota Lake Resort & Spa with dnata Travel, including breakfast, a three-day ski pass, a two-hour ski lesson, transfers and return flights, from Dh6,015 per person.
This multi-location trip includes a stay in the Caucasus Mountains with easy shuttle access to Gudauri’s high-altitude ski slopes, followed by the opportunity to stay at Lopota Lake Resort & Spa and ice skate on a frozen lake.
Skiing in Hokkaido, Japan
Stay four nights at the five-star Hilton Niseko Village in a Family Room with dnata Travel, including breakfast, return private airport transfers, and return domestic and international flights, from Dh13,455 per person.
Located directly at the foot of Mount Niseko Annupuri, the stay offers ski-in and ski-out access to Japan’s world-famous powder slopes, alongside an authentic thermal onsen experience.
Skiing in Megève, France
Stay three nights at the five-star Four Seasons Hotel Megève in a Superior Room with dnata Travel, including breakfast and return flights, from Dh23,750 per person.
The luxury resort, located 75 minutes from Geneva Airport, offers wellness facilities and a dedicated ski concierge, providing access to the surrounding alpine winter experiences.
All-inclusive ski retreat in Valmorel, France
Stay four nights at Club Med Valmorel in a Superior Room with dnata Travel on an all-inclusive basis, with ski passes, ski or snowboard group lessons, return shared airport transfers and return flights included, from Dh9,655 per person.
The stay in the French Alps includes ski-in and ski-out access on the mountain surrounding the alpine town of Valmorel. Guests can enjoy family activities including sledding, skiing and snowshoeing, alongside an indoor pool and gourmet Savoyard dishes.
Six-day itinerary: Finnish Lapland, A True Winter Wonderland
Experience five nights in Lapland with dnata Travel, including stays at Santa’s Hotel and Santa’s Igloos in Rovaniemi, private Northern Lights hunting by car, a private tour to Arctic Snow Hotel with dinner included, private ice floating under the Northern Lights, snowmobile adventures and other Arctic experiences.
The package also includes return private airport transfers and return flights from Dubai to Helsinki on Emirates, from Dh21,405 per person.
To explore dnata Travel’s latest winter holiday collection, contact the dnata Travel experts by call or WhatsApp on 800 DNATA (36282), email holidays@dnatatravel.com, or visit a dnata Travel retail outlet across the UAE. More travel inspiration is available at the official website.