- Half-term in most of England runs 15-19 February 2027, but dates vary by council and nation
- Book as early as you can; peak weeks rarely get cheaper
- Pick resorts and countries that are quieter that week, and look for free child places
- Fly from a regional airport or on a Sunday to dodge the Saturday premium
February half-term is the week every UK ski family wants, and that's exactly why it's the most expensive week of the winter. Flights, chalets and ski schools fill up fast, and prices can be far higher than the week before or after.
You can't change the school calendar, but you can change how you book. Here is how to find genuine value for half-term 2027.
When is February half-term 2027?
For most councils in England, half-term runs from Monday 15 to Friday 19 February 2027, so families usually travel on Saturday 13 or Sunday 14 February. But it isn't universal:
- Many Welsh councils break a week earlier, on 8-12 February 2027.
- Scottish councils set their own mid-term breaks, often shorter and earlier.
- Some English councils and many independent schools have different or longer breaks.
Check your own school or council website before you book anything. If your break falls on a different week from the English majority, you may find better prices.
Why half-term is so expensive
UK families aren't the only ones on holiday. February is also school holiday season in parts of the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Austria, and French school holidays are staggered across several weeks from mid-February into early March. Popular resorts in the Alps can be at their busiest, which means:
- Higher package and accommodation prices
- Fuller ski schools and childcare
- Busier lifts and nursery slopes
When to book
The best half-term prices and choice are usually available in the spring and summer before, when operators launch early-booking offers. These can include low deposits, free child places and discounted lift passes or ski hire.
Leaving it late is risky. Unlike January, half-term weeks rarely have spare capacity, so last-minute discounts are uncommon. Our guide to when to book ski holidays for the best price explains why in more detail.
Ways to pay less at half-term
| Tactic | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Fly on Sunday instead of Saturday | Saturday flights to ski airports carry the biggest premium |
| Use a regional airport | Fares from Bristol, Birmingham or Manchester can undercut London |
| Choose a less famous resort | Smaller villages near big ski areas cost less than the big names |
| Look for free child places | Some operators include them on early bookings |
| Pick self-catering or half board | Eating out every night adds up quickly for a family |
| Book ski school and hire early | Popular slots and child sizes sell out |
| Consider Andorra | Generally good value for lessons and equipment hire |
Where to go for half-term
Austria is a strong choice for families, with friendly ski schools, good-value guesthouses and short transfers. Areas like the SkiWelt and Zillertal have plenty of easy terrain. Austrian semester holidays are staggered by region, so check which provinces are on holiday that week. Read our cheap ski holidays in Austria guide.
Andorra is popular with British families thanks to its English-speaking ski schools and lower prices for lessons and hire. Expect Spanish and French visitors too.
France has high, snow-sure resorts with excellent childcare, but the busiest French holiday weeks can overlap with UK half-term. If you go, a high resort is a safer bet for snow and space. See our French Alps guide.
Italy often has quieter slopes and good value food. Remember helmets are compulsory for everyone on Italian pistes, and third-party liability insurance is a legal requirement. Explore the Dolomites.
For first-timers, our best ski resorts for beginners in Europe list is a good starting point.
Family checklist
- Make sure every family member has a valid passport and a UK GHIC
- Buy travel insurance with winter sports cover for everyone
- Book ski school and childcare as soon as you book the holiday
- Pack spare gloves for the children; our ski holiday packing list has the rest
- Read our general family holiday deals tips for more ideas
Current ski deals
These are live offers from our partners. Check the travel dates carefully: not every deal will fall in half-term week.
See all 1726 dealsLive prices per person from our partners' feeds. Check the final price on the partner's site.
See all ski deals, or browse Austria, France, Italy and Andorra.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth taking children skiing at half-term?
Yes, if it's the only week you can go. Book early, pick a family-friendly resort and accept it will be busier than other weeks.
Can I take my children out of school to ski in term time?
In England, term-time absence needs headteacher approval and unauthorised absence can lead to a fine from your local council. Most families stick to school holidays.
Do half-term ski prices ever drop?
Occasionally, if an operator has unsold rooms, but it's rare. Early booking is the safer way to get a good price.
Which ski country is cheapest for families?
Andorra is often the cheapest for lessons and hire, with Austria's smaller resorts close behind. Compare current offers before you decide.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
More from ThomasPrices and timetables are a guide and can change. This article contains affiliate links; if you book through one we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. How we work.
