Half term 2027 falls in February, though the exact week varies depending on your region and school. The weeks when most people are off at the same time are also the busiest and most expensive, so it's best to book during the summer. The most popular resorts for families are Flachau, Wagrain and Schladming in the Ski amadé area.
Accommodation with the lift pass included at 108 ski resorts in the Alps. You arrange your own travel there by car, train or plane.
The Resorts in This Guide
Ski resorts that work well for half term, with ski schools and pistes for the whole family.
Flachau
Austria · 121 km pistes
Wagrain
Austria · 120 km pistes
Schladming
Austria · 125 km pistes
Saalbach
Austria · 270 km pistes
Zell am See
Austria · 138 km pistes
Maria Alm
Austria · 120 km pistes
Ischgl
Austria · 239 km pistes
St. Anton
Austria · 305 km pistes
Obertauern
Austria · 100 km pistes
When Is Half Term 2027?
Half term falls in February, and the exact dates vary depending on your region and school. Check your school's term dates before booking. Here is an overview of how the different periods differ from one another.
| Period | Traffic on the slopes | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Early February | Low to medium | Quiet slopes and often better accommodation prices |
| Mid February | Medium | Demand rises the closer you get to half term |
| Late February | High | Peak season with the highest prices, book early |
| Early March | Medium to high | Longer days on the slopes and still good snow at altitude |
The weeks when most people are on holiday at the same time are also the most expensive, and that is when the queues at the lifts are most noticeable. If you can travel the week before or after, you will often get both lower prices and shorter lift queues.
Best Ski Resorts for Half Term
During half term, snow conditions in the Alps are normally excellent. February is peak season with good natural snow and cool temperatures that keep the pistes in top condition. Here are five resorts that work especially well for half term.
Flachau is one of the most popular resorts for families during half term. It is part of Ski amadé with 760km of pistes and offers a wide selection of blue and red runs. The ski school has a good reputation, and there are plenty of family-friendly activities.
Wagrain sits next to Flachau and shares the same ski area. It has a calm, family oriented atmosphere with good restaurants and comfortable accommodation. Wagrain offers fantastic activities for children and is an obvious choice for families with younger children.
Schladming suits those wanting more challenging skiing. The Planai slope hosts the World Cup, and the area offers 230km of pistes. It has an attractive village centre and good restaurants. Schladming works well for both families and more experienced skiers.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm is a large ski area with 270km of pistes and 70 lifts, which spreads out the queues even during half term. The area has a good mix of easy and challenging runs, and lively apres-ski for the grown-ups.
Zell am See offers skiing with views over the lake and close proximity to the Kaprun glacier. The resort is versatile, with both alpine skiing and other winter activities. For families, it is an excellent choice with plenty to do off the slopes too.
How to Avoid Queues During Half Term
Half term weeks mean more visitors on the slopes, but with the right strategy you can minimise waiting time and get more out of your ski day.
- Start early. Be at the lift when it opens, usually at 8:30am. The first two hours are often queue free.
- Avoid popular lifts in the middle of the day. Between 10am and midday, pressure is greatest at the valley stations. Head for the upper lifts instead.
- Eat lunch early or late. At 11:30am or 1:30pm there is less crowding in the restaurants and on the slopes.
- Explore the whole area. Most people stay close to their hotel. If you head to another part of the ski area, you will often find empty slopes.
- Choose a large resort. Saalbach with 70 lifts or the Ski amadé resorts cope better with large numbers of visitors than smaller ski areas.
An extra tip is to avoid Saturday as an arrival day. Many guests change over on Saturdays, so Sunday to Sunday can give you a quieter first day on the slopes.
Book Early. Half Term Sells Out First
Half term is the most booked period for ski holidays. It is no exaggeration to say that popular accommodation sells out as early as autumn, and the most sought-after weeks go first.
The benefits of booking early are numerous. You get to choose among all available hotels and apartments instead of having to take whatever is left. Prices are lower the earlier you book. Accommodation with a lift pass is easiest to put together when the choice is greatest.
If you miss the early booking window, there is always the option of keeping an eye on cheap deals. Cancellations do happen, and good stays can appear close to half term too. In that case, be prepared to be flexible with which resort and which week you travel.
Family Resorts vs Party Resorts for Half Term
What type of ski holiday are you after? During half term, both families and groups of friends travel, so it is wise to choose a resort that matches the atmosphere you want.
Family Resorts
Flachau, Wagrain, Maria Alm and Zell am See are resorts where families thrive. Wide pistes, family-friendly ski schools, snow playgrounds and a relaxed atmosphere make these safe choices. Prices are often somewhat lower than at the more exclusive destinations.
Party Resorts
Ischgl, St. Anton and Saalbach are resorts for those who want to combine high-level skiing with lively apres-ski. During half term, the atmosphere is at its peak, and the bars are full as early as the afternoon. These resorts suit adult groups of friends or couples without children better.
Want the best of both worlds? Schladming and Obertauern offer a good mix, with both family facilities and good evening entertainment.
Book Your Half Term Ski Holiday Now
Half term sells out quickly. Secure your place and compare prices today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Half Term Ski Holidays
Half term falls in February, though the exact week varies depending on your region and school. Check your school's term dates before booking, so the dates match your holiday.
Ideally, book during the summer or early autumn. Half term weeks are the most popular for ski holidays, and the best apartments and hotels fill up quickly. The earlier you book, the better the choice and the price.
Flachau, Wagrain and Schladming in the Ski amadé area are excellent choices for families, with wide pistes, good ski schools and reasonable prices. Zell am See also works well, with a good mix of skiing and other activities.
During half term, queues can be longer than usual, especially at popular lifts between 9 and 11am. Try starting early or waiting until after lunch. Resorts with many lifts, such as Saalbach with 70 lifts, cope better with crowds.
It's difficult, but not impossible. Cancellations can appear close to departure, but expect a limited choice and higher prices. If you're flexible with resort and dates, your chances improve significantly.