IT SEEMS the Winter Olympics may have left a lasting impact on those looking to jet off in April as bookings for Easter ski trips have surged to a five-year high.
The latest figures from Heidi, the UK’s second-largest ski holiday operator, shows that Easter ski bookings have jumped 76% year-on-year, revealing a surge in online UK search interest right after the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics drew to a close.
According to current Google Trends data captured on 23 February 2026 – a day after the Winter Olympics closing ceremony in Verona, Italy – UK search interest for “Easter skiing” is up 144% year-on-year, and has more than tripled for “spring skiing”, which is up 335%.
Both terms have reached their highest level in five years, highlighting growing interest in late-season ski breaks.
Italy itself appears to be benefitting from its hosting of the games, with Heidi also reporting a shift in Easter destination trends this year.
Italian resorts have gained ground on French favourites – likely a halo effect from the Olympics, which showcased the Dolomites and other Italian ski areas to UK audiences.
Last Easter, Heidi’s top-selling resorts were largely French favourites including Avoriaz, Flaine, Val Thorens and La Plagne.
This year, several Italian resorts – including Sauze d’Oulx, Sestriere and Selva di Val Gardena – have moved into the top sellers list, alongside Kirchberg in Austria.
While classic high-altitude Alpine resorts have traditionally been the safest bet for late-season skiing, recent heavy snowfall has broadened the range of viable destinations, appealing to families and budget-conscious skiers.
Easter skiing appears to be growing in popularity due to a flurry of advantages over the February half-term peak such as quieter slopes and shorter lift queues, longer daylight hours and milder, sunnier weather.
Marcus Blunt, co-founder at Heidi, said: “With the Easter holidays falling earlier this year and exceptional recent snowfall across the Alps, we’re set for a strong spring ski season ahead.
“The surge in Easter bookings reflects this, and there’s increased demand for Italian resorts compared to last year – likely a halo effect from the Winter Olympics spotlight.”
With five weeks left to book, Heidi’s late-season sale offers a host of holidays to ski favourites from Edinburgh Airport.
Font-Romeu (Pyrenees), France – 7 nights – £390pp – Includes 7 nights’ self-catering at Résidence Pierre & Vacances Le Pédrou, return Edinburgh – Barcelona flights, and private airport transfers. Departing Monday 30 March 2026
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – 5 nights – £469pp – Includes 3 nights’ B&B Hotel Alaska Cortina, return Edinburgh – Venice flights, and airport transfers. Departing Tues 31 March 2026
Flaine, France – 4 nights – £431pp – Includes 4 nights’ self-catering at Résidence Pierre & Vacances La Forêt, return Edinburgh – Geneva flights, and airport transfers. Departing Weds 8 April 2026
Seefeld, Austria – 4 nights – £490pp – Includes 4 nights’ self-catering at Apartment Torri di Seefeld,return Edinburgh – Munich/Innsbruck -Edinburgh flights, and airport transfers. Departing Weds 1 April 2026
La Plagne, France – 3 nights – £423pp – Includes 3 nights’ self-catering at Maeva Particuliers Residence Les Constellations, return Edinburgh – Geneva flights, and airport transfers. Departing Monday 30 March 2026
