Hotels
February half term: 9 hotels for sun or snow
February half term comes down to one choice: skis or sunshine. These are the hotels we would book for both, from Zermatt and the Dolomites to Scandinavian ski resorts and the Canary Islands.
Every February families face the same choice. Pack the skis and head for the mountains, or board a plane for the sun. Both are half term classics, and both get booked up fast.
Half term is one of the busiest weeks of the year, in the mountains and on the beach. We have picked hotels for both kinds of holiday.
The hotel links are affiliate links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You choose your own dates and room on the hotel page.
Sun or snow?
With small children, the mountains often mean ski school and fresh air, while the Canary Islands and Cape Verde guarantee 22 to 25 degrees in February. The Alps offer the most snow and the longest runs, while Scandinavia adds northern lights and quieter slopes.
The Alps: Zermatt and the Dolomites
Scandinavia: Åre, Hemsedal, Geilo and Hafjell
Sun in February: Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Cape Verde
Book early, half term is peak season everywhere
Snow in the Alps
Riffelalp Resort 2222m
The Matterhorn from Riffelalp.
Riffelalp Resort: the Matterhorn outside your window
Riffelalp sits at 2,222 metres above Zermatt, with the Matterhorn right in front of you. You arrive on the Gornergrat railway, and the slopes are close by.
Breakfast and wifi are included, and guests praise the staff.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Riffelalp Resort 2222m
Schgaguler Hotel
Schgaguler Hotel in the snow.
Schgaguler: design in the Dolomites
Schgaguler is in the heart of the village of Castelrotto in the Dolomites, close to the Seiser Alm and the ski areas of Val Gardena. The architecture is light and modern, with plenty of wood and glass.
Breakfast, wifi and parking are included.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Schgaguler Hotel
Snow in Scandinavia
Copperhill Mountain Lodge
Copperhill Mountain Lodge on a winter evening.
Copperhill Mountain Lodge: on top of Åre
Copperhill sits at the top of Förberget in Åre, Sweden's biggest ski resort, with ski in, ski out access and views over the whole valley. The architecture is inspired by the old copper mines in the area.
There are two indoor pools, and breakfast and wifi are included.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Copperhill Mountain Lodge
Skarsnuten Mountain Resort & Spa
Mountain views from Skarsnuten.
Skarsnuten: ski in, ski out in Hemsedal
Skarsnuten sits high up in Hemsedal ski resort in Norway, so you can click into your skis outside the door. From the spa and the restaurant you look straight out over the mountains.
Breakfast and wifi are included, and guests praise the staff.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Skarsnuten Mountain Resort & Spa
Dr. Holms Hotel
Dr. Holms Hotel in Geilo.
Dr. Holms Hotel: the classic in Geilo
Dr. Holms Hotel has been the heart of Geilo since 1909, with fireside lounges, a library and a spa. Geilo ski resort is a few minutes away, and the cross-country trails start almost outside the door.
Guests praise the staff. A good choice for families who want both skiing and a cosy hotel.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Dr. Holms Hotel
Hafjell Hotell
Hafjell Hotell on a winter evening.
Hafjell Hotell: right by the slopes
Hafjell Hotell is a few minutes from Hafjell ski resort near Lillehammer, host of the 1994 Winter Olympics, with easy access to the slopes and family areas.
Breakfast, wifi and parking are included.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Hafjell Hotell
Sun in February
Lopesan Costa Meloneras
The pool landscape at Costa Meloneras.
Gran Canaria: Lopesan Costa Meloneras
Gran Canaria is 22 to 23 degrees in February, and Costa Meloneras has six outdoor pools in a large palm garden. The Meloneras promenade and the Maspalomas dunes are right outside.
A good choice for families who want pools and space.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Lopesan Costa Meloneras
Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife
The pool at sunset.
Tenerife: Hard Rock Hotel
Hard Rock Hotel is in Adeje, a few minutes from El Pinque beach. The pool is the heart of the hotel, with music and activities for all ages.
Breakfast and wifi are included.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife
Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort
The pool and beach at Hilton Cabo Verde Sal.
Cape Verde: Hilton Cabo Verde Sal
Cape Verde is around 24 degrees in February with almost no rain. The Hilton is on the beach in Santa Maria on Sal, with long white sands and steady wind for kitesurfing.
Breakfast, wifi and parking are included.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort
When should you book half term?
Half term is one of the busiest weeks of the year. The best mountain and beach hotels are booked up in the autumn, so book before Christmas if you can. Check your school's dates before you book.
Book before Christmas for the best choice
Check whether lift passes or ski hire can be booked with the hotel
Choose a hotel with a kids' club or family rooms if you travel with children
See also where is hot in February and the best hotels in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
FAQ: February half term holidays
When is February half term 2027?
Most schools in England have half term in mid February, but dates vary by area. Check your school's calendar before you book.
Where is hot in February half term?
The Canary Islands and Cape Verde are 22 to 25 degrees in February and around four to six hours from the UK. For more heat, Dubai, Thailand and Sri Lanka are good choices.
Which ski hotels are ski in, ski out?
Skarsnuten in Hemsedal and Copperhill in Åre sit right on the slopes, so you can click into your skis outside the door.
Are the Alps busy at half term?
Yes, half term is peak season. Zermatt and the Dolomites have high altitude slopes and reliable snow, but book early.
When should I book half term?
Book before Christmas if you can. Ski hotels and popular beach resorts fill up early.