Ski Tourism Faces Winter Weather Delays at Major Airports: What Travelers Need to Know

Published on December 4, 2025

As the winter season approaches, ski travelers are preparing for their annual trips to mountain resorts and ski towns. However, with winter weather being unpredictable, travelers are also bracing for possible delays and cancellations at major airports. SOVENTURE, a leading adventure travel platform, has released a report identifying the airports most likely to experience disruptions for ski travelers this winter, offering crucial insights to help visitors navigate the potential travel challenges.

The report takes into account common winter weather phenomena such as snowstorms, fog, and high winds, which often lead to delays or cancellations at airports servicing ski resorts. Popular ski destinations in North America and Europe, such as Denver International Airport, Geneva Airport, and Zurich Airport, are known to face weather-related disruptions during the winter months. SOVENTURE’s findings serve as a guide for travelers who want to be proactive about their ski trips and minimize the risk of travel delays.

The Impact of Winter Weather on Ski Travel

Winter weather can wreak havoc on flight schedules, particularly for travelers heading to ski resorts in mountainous regions. While snow and cold temperatures are essential for ski seasons, they can also lead to significant disruptions at airports located near popular ski destinations.

Snowstorms, which are common in winter, can cause visibility issues, resulting in flight delays and cancellations. High winds can also impact flights, especially for smaller regional airports that service ski towns. Travelers flying into airports that serve ski regions often have to account for the possibility of weather-induced delays, which can impact connections and lead to longer travel times.

In addition to adverse weather, the holiday season, when ski trips peak, also contributes to heightened congestion at airports, further complicating the travel experience for skiers and snowboarders. This means that visitors heading to ski resorts should plan ahead for potential delays and prepare for the possibility of weather-related disruptions.

Airports with the Highest Likelihood of Winter Travel Delays

1. Denver International Airport (DEN), USA
As one of the busiest airports for travelers heading to the Rocky Mountains, particularly to destinations like Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge, Denver International Airport often faces significant delays during the winter season. Heavy snowfalls and winter storms can cause both domestic and international flights to experience delays. With high volumes of passengers traveling to ski resorts, Denver International is notorious for long waits during peak travel periods.

2. Geneva Airport (GVA), Switzerland
Geneva is a major gateway to some of the most sought-after ski resorts in Europe, including Chamonix, Zermatt, and Verbier. However, the airport regularly experiences delays in winter due to snowstorms and fog. Passengers traveling to the Swiss Alps or French Alps should be aware that Geneva Airport is prone to significant disruptions, especially during the high season from December to February.

3. Zurich Airport (ZRH), Switzerland
Like Geneva, Zurich serves as a central hub for ski travelers heading to the Swiss Alps, including renowned destinations like St. Moritz and Davos. Winter weather, particularly heavy snowfall and ice, often leads to delays at Zurich Airport. The airport also sees a high volume of passengers during the ski season, which can contribute to additional delays and extended layovers.

4. Munich Airport (MUC), Germany
Munich is another major airport for travelers heading to the German Alps, as well as ski destinations in Austria. Snowstorms and freezing temperatures can create disruptions at Munich Airport, making it a hotspot for delays during the winter months. Additionally, Munich is often crowded with ski-bound passengers, which can complicate flight schedules.

5. Calgary International Airport (YYC), Canada
Calgary is a primary airport for travelers heading to ski resorts in Alberta, such as Banff and Lake Louise. While the weather in Calgary can be relatively mild in comparison to other ski regions, snowstorms and blizzards that impact Calgary Airport can cause significant delays. Winter travel through Calgary can also be challenging due to the high volume of tourists visiting the Canadian Rockies.

Tips for Ski Travelers to Minimize Delays

While winter weather is often unpredictable, several ways ski travelers can minimize the risk of delays and make their trips smoother:

• Book Early Flights: Traveling in the morning or early afternoon allows for more flexibility in case of delays, as earlier flights are less likely to be affected by the ripple effect of cancellations throughout the day.
• Consider Alternative Airports: In some cases, flying into a nearby airport and taking a shuttle or private transfer to a ski resort can help bypass delays at major ski-bound airports.
• Stay Flexible with Plans: Allow extra time between connecting flights, especially when traveling to mountain regions where the weather can be unpredictable.
• Track Weather Closures: Travelers should stay informed about possible snowstorms or disruptions at their destination airports by monitoring flight status apps and weather reports.
• Pack Smart: In the event of delays, bring essential items in your carry-on, including medications, winter gear, and snacks.

The Future of Ski Tourism Amid Travel Disruptions

Despite potential winter weather disruptions, ski tourism continues to thrive globally. As climate change affects weather patterns, ski resorts and airports are investing in advanced technology to help mitigate the effects of weather-related delays. For example, many airports in snowy regions are upgrading their snow removal equipment and weather forecasting systems to ensure smoother operations during the winter months.

As ski tourism continues to grow, it is expected that both airports and ski resorts will invest more in weather resilience and passenger convenience, making it easier for travelers to reach their ski destinations with less hassle.

Conclusion: Managing Winter Travel Challenges

While winter weather can create challenges for ski travelers, it doesn’t deter the increasing number of visitors flocking to mountain destinations. Airports like Denver, Geneva, and Zurich remain integral hubs for the ski tourism industry, and with proper planning, travelers can minimize delays and still enjoy the best of what these destinations have to offer. With advanced forecasting, sustainable travel options, and improved airport procedures, winter tourism in ski destinations is set to continue thriving despite the weather challenges.