Craving Colder Climes: A sizzling summer pushes 1 in 4 to take cooler holidays this year
New research from Sunweb reveals Brits are seeking sub-zero ski escapes following record summer heat, highlighting Europe's top 10 coldest resorts.
12 October 2026 · 4 min read
Looking to distance themselves from the staggering warmth of the summer heatwaves, Brits are stepping away from 'mild' winter holidays and looking to take things down a few degrees.
New research from Sunweb, Europe's leading ski holiday provider, reveals that over 1 in 4 UK adults aged 18-44 (29%) are more likely to book a winter holiday in a cold-weather destination this year, and all because of the summer heat. Feeling optimistic about a change in temperature, a quarter of 18 to 44-year-olds (23%) reported that they were looking forward to the cooler conditions of Autumn and Winter more this year than in previous years.
As the most reactive generation - but still susceptible to the sweltering summer heat - a remarkable 42% of Gen-Z reported that they were more likely to book a cold-weather destination this year.
Shifting Mindsets and Sub-Zero Destinations
Responding to the unprecedented demand for cooler holidays, Sunweb has compiled a list of its top 10 coldest European ski resorts, making it easier for Brits to cool down after an unprecedented hot summer.
Topping the list of Sunweb's coldest destinations was Livigno, a Northern Italian resort with an average December – February temperature of -12.1°C. Nicknamed 'Little Tibet' for a reason, the remote resort - at 1800m above sea level - has built a strong reputation as a snow-sure destination, with an extensive 115km of marked piste. Hosting freestyle skiing and snowboarding competitions at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, Livigno also has a lively and affordable Après scene, with plenty to do for non-skiers.
Jack Bolus, Marketing Manager at Sunweb, said: "After a summer of heatwaves, it's no surprise we are craving the opposite this winter. For many, the research shows a genuine change in mindset, with holidaymakers seeking proper cold and crisp winter escapes to cool down. Skiing holidays offer the perfect solution, with resorts like Livigno - which boasts an average temperature of -12°C – all but guaranteeing sub-zero temperatures and reliable snowfall."
Europe's Top 10 Coldest Ski Resorts
Livigno, Italy: -12.1°C
Hotel: 4* wellness hotel, ideal for couples.
Facilities: Ski lift 350m away, sauna, Turkish steam bath, hot tub, and swimming pool.
Room: Double room, half-board, for 8 days (Sat 05 Dec - Sat 12 Dec)
Price: £891.68pp, inc. half-board, lift pass and early booking discount of £107.84pp
Val d'Isère, France: -10.5°C
Hotel: 5* modern apartments, perfect for families.
Facilities: sauna, Turkish steam bath, swimming pool, ensuite chalet rooms
Room: 2 bedroom chalet, breakfast included, for 8 days (Sat 06 March - Sat 13 March)
Price: £1,203.2pp, (2 adults, 2 children), lift pass and special offer discount of £244.50pp
Breuil-Cervinia, Italy: -10.3°C
Valtur Cervinia Cristallo Ski Resort
Hotel: 5* Luxurious wellness centre, in a quiet, idyllic location
Facilities: Ski lift 900m away, sauna, bio-sauna, Turkish steam bath, ice baths, swimming pool, gym and children's play area
Room: Double room, breakfast included, for 8 days (Tues 08 Dec - Tues 15 Dec)
Price: £966.76pp, inc. breakfast, lift pass and early booking discount of £65.90pp
Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France: -10.1°C
Hotel: 3.5* hotel with lively apres-ski and evening shows
Facilities: Ski lift 50m away, outdoor pool, hamam, sauna, gym, cocktail bar and nightclub
Room: Double room, breakfast included, for 8 days (Tues 01 Dec - Tues 08 Dec)
Price: £621.80pp, inc. lift pass
Davos Klosters, Switzerland: -9.7°C
Hotel: 4* hotel with fireside bar and balcony view rooms
Facilities: Ski lift 800m away, gym, cocktail bar, parking included
Room: Double room, half-board, for 8 days (Wed 03 March - Wed 10 March)
Price: £1,266.55pp, inc. lift pass, half-board and special offer of £140.70pp
Val Thorens, France: -8.5°C
Hotel: 3* hotel, with fireside bar, perfect for friends
Facilities: Ski lift 100m away, social space with sports tables, rooms with private balconies
Room: Double room, half-board, for 8 days (Friday 20 Nov – Friday 27 Nov)
Price: £731.37pp, inc. lift pass, half-board, flights from London Gatwick to Geneva, equipment hire and early booking discount of £50pp
Arosa, Switzerland: -8.4°C
Hotel: 3* hotel with balcony view rooms, ideal for couples
Facilities: Ski lift 150m away, sauna, jacuzzi
Room: Double room, half-board, for 8 days (Sun 13 Dec- Sun 20 Dec)
Price: £1,266.55pp, inc. lift pass, half-board and early booking discount of £172.32pp
Hemsedal, Norway: -7.0°C
Hotel: 4.5* hotel with fireside bar and balcony view rooms
Facilities: Nearby ski lift, premium cocktail bar, climbing wall
Room: 2 bedroom apartment, self-catered, for 8 days (Sat 16 March – Sat 23 March)
Price: £794.21pp, inc. lift pass
Sälen, Sweden: -6.5°C
Hotel: 3* chalet with private sauna, family favourite location
Facilities: Ski lift 400m away, private chalet sauna, access to McSki
Room: 2 bedroom apartment, self-catered, for 8 days (Sat 09 Jan – Sat 16 Jan)
Price: £538.35pp, (2 adults, 2 children), inc. lift pass
Trysil, Norway: -6.0°C
Hotel: 4* chalet with private sauna, family favourite location
Facilities: ski-in ski-out, swimming pool, sauna, outdoor jacuzzi, gym
Room: 2 bedroom apartment, self-catered, for 8 days (Sat 09 Jan – Sat 16 Jan)
Price: £839.81pp, (2 adults, 2 children), inc. lift pass
Contributor at The London News