Experience the euphoria of an active winter holiday with Headwater. Traverse spectacular snow-blanketed landscapes on foot or skis, at a pace that allows you to absorb your awe-inspiring surroundings. In the evenings, replenish and reinvigorate with good food in peaceful accommodation.
We've collated the best European winter holiday destinations for seasonal outdoor adventures, including Iceland and picture-postcard villages set high in the Alps. Our curated itineraries are regularly updated to ensure the most scenic routes and quality hotels and guides. Choose between specialist cross-country ski holidays and tours with a wide range of winter activities to suit all ages and abilities.
Explore our collection of winter snow holidays and get in touch to book your next sub-zero getaway today. Our travel experts are on hand to arrange every detail, tailored to your interests and requirements.
You're spoiled for choice with good winter holiday destinations in Europe. The continent boasts some of the world's best ski resorts, and travellers flock to the Arctic Circle for the best chance to view the Aurora Borealis. We've selected areas suitable for self-guided snow adventures with accessible routes ranging in difficulty and varied activity options from snowmobile rides and dog sledding to tobogganing.
Excepting the Iceland holiday, each itinerary is single-centre, so you have flexibility with your daily distances and rest time. Our winter holiday collection includes guided tours and independent itineraries if you want to go your own way.
Forget flying down slopes surrounded by crowds: head off-piste on cross-country skiing adventures where you barely see a soul. Discover the meditative magic of pushing and pulling yourself through the white powder with just your breath and the sound of your skis punctuating the silence. Equipment is lightweight so you'll feel unburdened in every way.
Our cross-country ski holidays run through winter and into spring depending on your destination. Enjoy complete escapism in Venabu, Norway, experience the warm welcome of an Alpine village, or discover the winter wonderland of Lapland.
Iceland
Uncover Iceland's otherworldly beauty on our quick-fire, five-day winter holiday, operated by our sister company Exodus. With a local guide, you can go glacier walking to spectacular waterfalls and glacial lagoons, explore the capital Reykjavik and, conditions permitting, watch the Northern Lights dance across the night sky.
Finland
Enchanting snowy settings are the reason holidays in winter are so special, and we think Oulanka National Park tops them all. Roam this remote landscape on snowshoe hikes and cross-country ski trails and glide through hushed forests on a dog-pulled sled.
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A friendly, family-run hotel in a spectacular setting, offering complete escapism. Totally reliable snow and a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights, especially in December and January, make for a truly magical Norway winter holiday.
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Stay in a family run hotel in one of the last surviving picture-postcard Swiss villages in the heart of Bernese Oberland for a 5 night cross-country skiing holiday for all ages and abilities.
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Escape to the picturesque Austrian Alps for a cross-country skiing adventure in Leutasch. Explore a winter wonderland filled with enchanting activities like horse-drawn sleigh rides, tobogganing, and serene winter walks. Immerse yourself in a world of serene landscapes, mouthwatering cuisine, and thrilling skiing experiences. Your perfect winter holiday begins here.
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Stay in a family run hotel in one of the last surviving picture-postcard Swiss villages in the heart of Bernese Oberland for a 7 night cross-country skiing holiday for all ages and abilities.
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Superb, family-run hotel in a typical Finnish village in the heart of snow sure Lapland. Option to try out different snow activities during your stay.
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Roaring waterfalls, icebergs littered on black volcanic sand and mighty volcanoes dotting the horizon. With a local guide on hand keen to show you 'their' Iceland, and alert to the prevailing conditions and the likelihood of a light show you will be well placed both literally and metaphorically, to see all that Iceland has to offer.
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In the heart of Oulanka National Park sits Basecamp Oulanka, a self-sustained complex of wooden buildings in a truly stunning location. As the only accommodation for miles around, you are able to enjoy a variety of winter activities in this beautiful landscape and hardly ever see another soul.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
Our winter holidays start in December and can run to April depending on your chosen destination. We also offer an Iceland tour which runs from November.
Scandinavian countries like Finland and Norway have the longest snow seasons because they are the farthest north. Parts of the Lapland winter wonderland are unashamedly festive in the weeks leading up to Christmas. These winter holiday destinations promise good snow in December while Europe's central mountains come into their prime in the New Year.
If you want to see the Alps blanketed in snow, January, February and March are the safest months to travel. Going outside the main ski season is cost-effective but risks poorer conditions for snow sports.
There's no doubt that cross-country skiing challenges the body, but this sport is as easy or as hard as you make it. Headwater winter ski holidays include a selection of trails of varying difficulty to suit a range of abilities, and you are in complete control of your speed.
Movements are smooth and slow, much more controlled than alpine skiing which is over in a rush of adrenaline. This, along with the lower risk of injury, makes cross-country skiing an ideal option for older travellers who want to take in the wintry scenery. As long as you have a reasonable level of fitness, you'll have a fantastic winter holiday exploring European snowscapes on skis.
At the beginning of your holiday, you'll be given a lesson in cross-country skiing that covers using the equipment, how to brake, tips for ascending and descending, and getting up again when you fall – as you will, which is part of the fun! For more information on cross-country skiing, browse the FAQs on our snow holidays page or speak to our team.
Warm clothes, naturally, are the priority when packing for a cold-weather winter holiday. We recommend visiting a retailer specialising in outdoor adventure to ensure garments that will provide proper protection.
Invest in a ski suit or jacket and salopettes, thermal base layers and an insulative mid-layer like a fleece. Socks designed to be worn with ski boots and snowshoes are essential too. Remember to bring a slim scarf to protect your neck plus waterproof gloves with excellent grip.
Although it won't be warm, the sun can be bright and reflects off the snow and ice so you're still at risk of burning. Bring high-factor SPF protection for your skin and a lip balm with SPF. The sun on the snow can cause significant glare too, so shade your eyes with sunglasses or goggles with UV protection.
Speak to your travel expert for advice on what sports equipment you should bring. Often specialist equipment is provided for you.
With a 40-year history of crafting trips, you can count on us for the best winter holidays in Europe. Our expert itineraries include amazing activities in the finest destinations. While you're with us, we'll put your comfort and safety first and will be on hand to support you every step of the way.
