Winter school holidays in Switzerland 2026-2027: dates by canton to prepare your ski holiday

Are you planning a ski holiday in Switzerland during the winter of 2026-2027? Start by checking the school calendar of your canton. After all, not all Swiss families go on holiday at the same time of year.

Unlike France, Switzerland does not have A, B and C school zones. Each canton organizes its own calendar, with sometimes differences between communes or schools. EDK

Some checks will therefore make it easier to book accommodation, ski passes and ski lessons. Here are the dates for French-speaking Switzerland and the specifics to know elsewhere in Switzerland.

Dates verified on October 2, 2026, from official sources.

Winter school holidays in Switzerland: why do the dates vary?

In Switzerland, the cantons and communes play a central role in school organization. Therefore, no single national calendar covers all schools. EDK

Names also vary by region. You will come across terms such as «relâches», «vacances de février» (February holidays), «vacances de carnaval» (carnival holidays) or «vacances de sport» (sports holidays).

Attention should also be paid to the term «winter holidays». Some calendars use it to designate the Christmas and New Year holidays.

To prepare your ski holiday, distinguish between two periods:

• The Christmas holidays, between December 2026 and January 2027.
• The winter break («relâches»), usually between February and March 2027.

Finally, check the calendar for your child’s school. This verification is particularly important when your canton uses several local calendars.

Dates of the February and March 2027 school holidays in French-speaking Switzerland

Winter break calendar by canton

The following table brings together the main calendars of French-speaking Switzerland. It distinguishes school holidays from the weekends that extend the stay.

Sources: Official calendars of Vaud, Fribourg, Geneva, Jura and Neuchâtel.

The extended periods assume that the establishment does not offer any classes on the weekends in question. Therefore, please check this point before booking.

Vaud and Fribourg: a first week in February

In the canton of Vaud, the winter break runs from February 6 to 14, 2027.

Fribourg's main calendar sets the holidays from February 8 to 12, 2027. The Morat/Murten region follows the same dates.

Including the weekends, these families therefore have a similar period to organise their stay. However, Kerzers follows a different calendar, from February 22 to 26, 2027. State of Vaud

Geneva and the Jura: holidays in mid-February

Geneva and the Jura have their holidays from February 15 to 19, 2027.

The adjacent weekends allow you to plan a stay between February 13 and 21. Thus, families can compare rentals from Saturday to Saturday or from Sunday to Sunday.

Neuchâtel: A break at the beginning of March

In Neuchâtel, the March 1st holiday extends from 1st to 5th March 2027.

Including the weekends, the period runs from February 27 to March 7. This calendar therefore offers another option for organizing ski holidays.

Valais: check your municipality's calendar

The canton of Valais specifies that its school plans remain indicative. It recommends contacting the school administration or the municipality directly to find out the exact dates.

For example, Sion has a break after classes on Friday 5 February 2027. Pupils in 1H to 8H return to school on Monday, February 15, in the morning.

This corresponds to the full days of the February 6 to 14, 2027. However, do not automatically apply these dates to all the schools in Valais.

Before making any reservation, please check the Official school plans of the canton of Valais.

What dates in the other Swiss cantons?

Local differences also apply to German-speaking Switzerland. A date announced for a city does not necessarily represent the entire canton.

For example, the city of Zurich plans its sports holidays from February 15 to 26, 2027. However, the canton also has different schedules depending on the institutions.

Regensdorf At Buchs and Dällikon at the secondary school level, the school calendar provides for another period. The sports holidays extend from 1st to 12th March 2027.

Therefore, it is necessary to identify precisely the commune and the establishment in question. This approach avoids confusion between a communal calendar and a cantonal rule.

To view the other cantons, use the Official calendar of school holidays in the CDIP. This conference compiles the cantonal calendars for 2026 and 2027.

How to choose your ski holiday week?

Start with your child's school calendar

The first step is to confirm the dates with the establishment. Then, compare the departure dates with the availability of the accommodations.

Distinguish well the last day of vacation from the day of return. Some calendars indicate a Friday, while others include the following Sunday.

By reading the calendar carefully, you avoid a booking that overlaps with the return to school.

Compare the total cost of the stay

To compare two weeks, add up all the expenses: accommodation, transport, ski passes, equipment rental and lessons.

Also check the cancellation conditions and the benefits included. An attractive price may correspond to a different formula than the one desired.

Finally, ask for several offers before confirming your reservation. This way, you can choose according to your budget and the needs of your family.

Check out the services useful for beginners

For a first stay, check the learning spaces and the meeting points for the classes. Also check their distance from your accommodation.

Also find out which ski passes are needed for the first sessions. Needs may change depending on level and programme.

Finally, prioritize a simple organization in everyday life. Short trips make it easier to leave with the children and their equipment.

Book ski lessons during the school holidays

Once the dates are confirmed, contact the ski school in your destination. You can specify the age, level, and expectations of each participant.

Choose a course adapted to your real level

A beginner child and an independent child on the slopes do not have the same needs. Therefore, please describe previous experiences when booking.

For adults, also indicate your level of proficiency and your goals. Perhaps you are looking to discover skiing or improve your technique.

Thus, the team can guide you towards a suitable formula.

Compare group courses and private lessons

Group courses allow for sharing of learning with other participants. The private lessons offer more flexibility in terms of objectives and pace.

However, each school offers its own schedules and conditions. Therefore, please check the duration, the number of sessions, and the booking procedures.

Within the ESi network, contact the school in your resort directly. Its team will tell you about the options available during your holiday week.

Prepare the information before your departure

Before your stay, confirm the meeting point and the time of the first lesson. Also ask which equipment and which ski pass you will need.

For children, check the instructions regarding helmets and equipment. Finally, keep the school’s contact details easily accessible.

These preparations will help you start your vacation more serenely.