Where to Go on a Ski Vacation in February Half Term

February is a great time for ski fanatics to hit the slopes. At this time of year, you can expect fresh powder and buzzy après ski.

February ski tips

While February half term is also the busiest time of year for the mountains, it is worth it for the snow conditions and atmosphere, and with some of our top tips, you’ll be able to navigate the crowds with a breeze. Whether you’re after serious all-day skiing or a fun, family break, Scott Dunn has got you covered.

What Are the Best Countries for Ski Vacations During February Half-Term?

With young children in tow and only a week of school vacations, Europe is your best bet for February half-term skiing. France, Italy, and Switzerland each have something different to offer you, from the food to the style of hotels and the altitude.

Val D'Isere
France

France has some of the largest and highest ski areas in the world, including the Trois Vallées. The terrain caters to all levels of skiers and the resorts are known for their top-quality restaurants and huge range of accommodation. During February half-term, Scott Dunn runs its Explorers Clubs in Val d’Isère and Courchevel 1650, which give parents the chance to ski all day. For a resort without a long and twisty transfer, Megève is your place (just over an hour from Geneva). While, for guaranteed snow, head to Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe.

Dolomites
Italy

The Dolomites’ wide, open runs are ideal for intermediate and beginner skiers, while experts will love how well-connected the area is. You can buy a pass for the whole of the Sella Ronda – a 42-kilometer collection of pistes, which includes San Cassiano, Val Gardena and Madonna di Campiglio. This helps to dilute the crowds during busy times of the year. Add into the mix amazing – and good value – food, plus the enthusiastic attitude towards children and you’ve got a perfect family ski vacation for February half-term.

Matterhorn, Zermatt
Switzerland

Swiss resorts are known for their well-groomed slopes and stunning mountain scenery with a mix of challenging terrain and family-friendly ski areas. Switzerland has high standards and that’s reflected in the quality of hotels, restaurants, and services. Among our favorite resorts for ski trips in February half-term is Crans Montana, a beginner-friendly option with lovely hotels. For the true glitz and glamour of Switzerland head to Zermatt, St Moritz or Verbier.

What Are the Best Resorts for Ski Vacations During February Half-Term?

Once you’ve narrowed down which country you would like to go to, you need to pick a resort, hotel or chalet. To get your first choice of accommodation, it is key to book well in advance, usually 9 months before you travel. Here are some of the best hotels and chalets to reserve, before someone else does.

Outside view of Le Yule in Val d'Isère
Le Yule, Val D’Isere, France

Le Yule is in one of the best locations in Val d’Isere for families. Right on the edge of the nursery slope, it is close to the ski school drop-off point, as well as the Scott Dunn Explorers Club in the center of the resort. Its cozy restaurant serves snacks all day to hungry little skiers and there’s an indoor swimming pool, spa, and games room. Rooms are decorated in a modern, Scandinavian style and there are family suites available.

Swimming pool at Hotel Fanes in the Dolomites, Italy
Hotel Fanes, Dolomites, Italy

Hotel Fanes epitomizes Italian hospitality; welcoming, warm, and keen to feed you well. Along with an enviable wine cellar, relaxed and formal dining options, and a stunning spa and pool for the adults, there is a Mini Club and plenty of family-friendly accommodation options. This hotel hits exactly the right note of style and substance, knowing what parents and kids need for a happy February half-term ski vacation together.

Balcony view from the Six Senses Crans Montana, Switzerland
Six Senses, Crans Montana, Switzerland

Brand new to the area, Six Senses Crans Montana is the height of luxury in the Swiss Alps. If you know the Six Senses brand, you’ll know you’re in for a treat. Impeccable service comes from the GEM team (Guest Experience Makers), who will answer your every wish, the hotel is built right into the mountain with amazing access to the slopes. There are heated indoor and outdoor pools, a swanky kids’ club and interconnecting rooms and suites.

Outside snowy view of the Portetta
La Portetta, Courchevel 1650, France

Situated in a prime location, this ski-in-ski-out hotel right on the slopes is ideal for a February half-term ski trip. Not only are there family rooms with space for everyone, but you also have the Scott Dunn Explorers Club inside the hotel. A fabulous atmosphere occupies La Portetta, which has one of the most popular après ski and lunch spots in the area, The Fire and Ice Bar, which serves piping hot pizzas from a wood-burning oven, while Angela Hartnett’s Cucina Angelina is one of the best restaurants in Courchevel 1650.

Mountain view room at Les Barmes de l'Ours
Barmes de l’Ours, Val d’Isere, France

You’ve got Val d’Isere right on your doorstep at Barmes d l’Ours, which has a slope-side location next to the ski lifts and runs. The beautifully designed hotel is one of the most luxurious in the area, with a Michelin-star restaurant and a dazzling spa, as well as a bowling alley and games room for the kids. Rooms and suites are decked out in four different styles to suit all tastes, pick between American Lodge, Pine Chalet, Scandinavian and Contemporary.

Exterior of Hotel Hermitage in Cervinia, Italy
Hotel Hermitage, Cervinia, Italy

Part of the luxurious Relais & Chateaux group, the Hotel Hermitage, overlooking Cervinia's town center, combines a mountain cabin feel with the polished service you’d expect at a five-star hotel. The 38 bedrooms are all decorated differently, adding to the character and intimate nature of the hotel. There’s a Michelin-star restaurant and an impressive wine cellar, plus a spa with a heated indoor pool and La Prairie treatments. A shuttle will take you to and from the lifts making it an easy return at the end of a tiring day.

Top Tips for Ski Vacations During February

Ski vacations in February are the busiest time of year for the slopes, so it pays to follow some of our top tips to avoid the queues and make the most of your time as a family. Read on for advice from Bruce Carnegie our Ski Destination Manager.

Buy new kit in advance

Rule number one, you’ve got to look good. Ski clothes and accessories in popular sizes tend to sell out, so buying what you need early is always recommended. You can get some good deals out of season, in the summer for example or during Black Friday.

Get fit before you go

If you’re feeling a little out of practice, check out ski conditioning tips on YouTube, start to take the stairs, not the escalator or lift, and see if your local gym is running any ski fit classes. You’ll thank us for it later.

Go to a dry ski slope

Whether you’re new to skiing or want to refresh your muscle memory before you go, head to a dry ski slope for a bit of practice. That way you avoid spending your first day on the mountains getting up to speed.

Book restaurants and spa treatments in advance

Popular places book up well in advance during ski vacations in February. Secure the prime-time slots in advance so you don’t need to worry about it on the day. Talk to your travel specialist about getting this all sorted before you go away.

Avoid the busiest times on the slopes

A top tip for when ski resorts are busy is to have your lunch before/after the crowds. While everyone else is eating, the more popular runs will be a lot less busy. Start your days early to catch the fresh powder too.

What to pack?

Take good quality ski clothes, thick ski gloves, and lots of layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures over the week. Goggles or sunglasses are essential and don’t forget suncream. You can hire ski boots, skis, and helmets in all the resorts.

Always carry a snack

Trust us, when you’re skiing with kids, there’s almost nothing that a mini–Mars Bar can’t fix.

Explore the Best Ski Vacation Destinations in February with Scott Dunn

For more ski resorts and to find the ideal hotel or chalet for your family next February half-term, contact one of our travel specialists by filling out our online inquiry form. Take all the stress out of planning a ski vacation and let us do it for you, from the accommodation and transfers to your ski passes, spa and restaurant bookings.

Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your holiday

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