Winter 2026 Destinations That Rise Above the Cold

The cold of winter sends some packing for warmer weather, while others embrace the snow, descending on idyllic winter wonderlands. Winter is a time for cozying up, sure, but it’s also a time for exploring, with the elements changing landscapes in ways that allow fresh perspective. Every winter is different – colder, warmer, more snowfall or less – and so every winter destination is different from one year to the next in some ways. There’s always something new to experience, even somewhere you’ve been ten years running, whether it’s skiing fresh snow or exploring an ice cave that’s suddenly and fleetingly accessible.

So, as 2025 turns to 2026, which destinations deserve a spot on your list when it comes to making the most of the winter to come?

Gstaad might seem too obvious but even if you’ve experienced the Swiss hamlet in the winter before, you probably won’t be disappointed with another week there. Known as one of the most prestigious, luxurious and exclusive destinations in all of Europe, Gstaad is particularly enchanting in the winter, when it’s transformed into a picturesque, snow-swept village. Gstaad’s winter festivities begin with the annual Christmas market and continue with the New Year Music Festival, before the focus turns to the myriad alpine sports afforded by the terrain, from sublime skiing to snow biking. Still, it retains a more laid-back feel that makes it the perfect place to recharge as you start the year.

Saint-Moritz, on the other side of Switzerland and just north of the Italian border, is more fast-paced than Gstaad, with a rich sporting legacy stretching back to the Olympics of both 1928 and 1948. While the Olympics aren’t returning to Saint-Moritz in 2026, they’ll be held just the other side of the border in Italy. That proximity makes Saint-Moritz especially appealing, offering easy access to some of the premier alpine Olympic events, in a calmer environment than usual, as many will instead be on the Italian side of the Alps. Yet while the professionals are skiing in Bormio, Saint-Moritz’s pristine yet challenging slopes will remain ready to welcome you. Plus, it’s likely Saint-Moritz’s glamorous après-ski festivities will remain just as lively – if not more so during the Olympics. So, consider making Saint-Moritz your Swiss pied-à-terre this February.

For those looking to fully immerse themselves in this year’s Olympics, Bormio offers unparalleled access, with alpine skiing events, freestyle skiing and snowboard events held within a short drive of the normally quiet Italian resort town. While skiing the famed Stelvio will be reserved for those competing, there are plenty of other peaks to choose from if you want to get in on the action. And beyond the slopes, the Valtellina valley offers its own winter magic, whether watching the world’s best athletes or unwinding in Bormio’s renowned hot springs, a restorative way to anchor your winter getaway.

While the Alps tend to draw the biggest crowds in the winter months, Cortina, situated in Northeastern Italy, has long served as a base camp of sorts for those looking to explore the Dolomites, the more dramatic-looking and jagged of Italy’s mountain ranges. Cortina has a long history of attracting some of the world’s top skiers, whether for world championships or the Olympics – and 2026’s women’s alpine events will make a return to Cortina d’Ampezzo. It’ll also be a strategic place from which to watch curling, bobsled, ski jumping, and some of the cross-country events. Cortina’s natural beauty defies description – the type of landscape you have to see to believe, with mountainous towers looming over the horizon.

If a European getaway isn’t in the cards this year, Banff offers a perfect balance of natural beauty (ideal for those who want to explore) and luxurious settings to relax and unwind in. A slew of outdoor sports are available in the surrounding area: from some of the best downhill skiing and snowboarding in the world, to snow-covered forests through which you can wind your way on cross-country skis or snowshoes. Banff Springs is a must-stay destination, with the hotel’s newly revamped spa and wellness centre sure to please even those who have spent their fair share of winters on the shores of Lake Louise. Then, pack up the car and head north, towards Jasper, for an unforgettably beautiful and fun drive.

Winters don’t have to be something to get through – they can be relished and enjoyed.

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