Ski tours to Europe: visas and logistics

The demand for ski tours to Europe in the 2025/2026 season increased by 10-15% compared to the last year, according to major Russian tour operators. Italy, France, Austria and Switzerland are still the leaders in popularity.

The core of demand is formed by proven Alpine resorts: French Courchevel and Val d'Isere (Three Valleys region), Swiss Zermatt and Verbier, as well as Italian Cortina d'Ampezzo and Madonna di Campiglio. These destinations still account for the bulk of bookings.

PAC Group also notes the rising demand for ski tours to Andorra, while Russian Express names the returning demand to Balkan destinations, primarily to the Kopaonik resort in Serbia. 
Tourists' choice of ski destinations in Europe is directly influenced by logistics and visa availability, but the dependence varies significantly by the travel segment.

For wealthy tourists, guaranteed snow quality, infrastructure and service are the priorities. This group does not save much on flights. In the middle price segment, tourists are more likely to choose destinations with more complex logistics: tickets with connections in Yerevan, Baku or Istanbul, but at minimum fares, often non-refundable.

Tour operators are also paying attention to the impact of visa processes (the restriction on multiple-entry Schengen visas for Russians from November 2025) on the depth of bookings for ski tours to Europe. On the one hand, due to the tightening of visa regulations, the average booking period has generally increased, as more time is required to prepare documents. On the other hand, some clients are shortening their booking periods and booking tours closer to the departure date, when all visas and documents are already in place.

Thus, overall demand is growing, but the visa factor is simultaneously forcing some tourists to plan their trips earlier and others later, making the market more dynamic.
 

Photo by V. Trey