UAE residents are showing stronger demand for ski holidays and Arctic escapes this winter, with Japan entering dnata Travel’s five most-booked international destinations for winter 2026/27 and bookings rising sharply for Finland, France, Switzerland and Georgia.
The latest booking data, shared at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2026, points to growing interest in experience-led winter trips, including skiing, snowboarding, Northern Lights experiences and Arctic activities.
For travellers planning a winter break, all-inclusive ski packages are also gaining popularity because they can bundle accommodation, meals, lift passes and lessons into one booking.
Winter holidays from the UAE: where travellers are booking
Finnish Lapland is attracting travellers looking for Northern Lights experiences, husky and reindeer safaris and activities above the Arctic Circle.
Japan is gaining ground for its powder snow and extensive ski terrain, while also offering food and traditional hot springs, known as onsen. France and Switzerland continue to attract travellers seeking alpine resorts, including Courchevel, Megève and Gstaad.
Georgia is also seeing increased interest as a value-focused ski destination, with winter sports experiences within reach of the UAE.
Improved connectivity is another factor supporting the trend. Emirates is due to launch its new Dubai-Helsinki service next month, giving travellers greater access to Finland and Northern Europe’s Arctic regions.
How much do winter ski holidays cost?
dnata Travel has highlighted several winter 2026/27 packages, with prices starting from Dhs 6,015 per person for a six-night Georgia trip.
The featured options include:
Gudauri, Georgia: Six nights at the four-star Gudauri Inn and five-star Lopota Lake Resort & Spa, with breakfast, a three-day ski pass, a two-hour ski lesson, transfers and return flights, from Dhs 6,015 per person. The itinerary combines skiing in the Caucasus Mountains with a stay at Lopota Lake, where guests can ice skate on a frozen lake.
Hokkaido, Japan: Four nights at the five-star Hilton Niseko Village in a Family Room, including breakfast, private airport transfers and return domestic and international flights, from Dhs 13,455 per person. The hotel is at the foot of Mount Niseko Annupuri and offers ski-in/ski-out access and an onsen.
Megève, France: Three nights at the five-star Four Seasons Hotel Megève in a Superior Room, including breakfast and return flights, from Dhs 23,750 per person. The resort is 75 minutes from Geneva Airport and includes wellness facilities and a ski concierge.
Valmorel, France: Four nights at Club Med Valmorel in a Superior Room on an all-inclusive basis, from Dhs 9,655 per person. The package includes ski passes, group ski or snowboard lessons, shared airport transfers and return flights, along with ski-in/ski-out access and activities including sledding, skiing and snowshoeing.
Finnish Lapland: A five-night itinerary staying at Santa’s Hotel and Santa’s Igloos in Rovaniemi, from Dhs 21,405 per person. It includes private Northern Lights hunting, an Arctic Snow Hotel visit with dinner, private ice floating under the Northern Lights, snowmobile activities, private airport transfers and return Emirates flights between Dubai and Helsinki.
Why are UAE travellers choosing winter escapes?
Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, said: “We’re seeing a clear shift towards experience-led winter travel. More UAE travellers are choosing holidays that offer memorable outdoor experiences, whether that’s skiing some of the world’s best slopes, exploring the Arctic wilderness, or witnessing the Northern Lights in Lapland. These trips offer a complete contrast to the region’s warmer climate, which is a major part of their appeal.
She added: “At the same time, we’re seeing growing demand for all-inclusive ski holidays among families, couples, and groups. Travellers value the simplicity and certainty of having key elements of their trip included in one package, allowing them to focus on the experience and make the most of their time away.”
The booking trends suggest that UAE residents are looking beyond traditional sightseeing for winter trips built around snow, outdoor activities and seasonal experiences, with options ranging from relatively accessible ski breaks in Georgia to higher-priced alpine and Arctic packages.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
