Fresh Alpine Escapes: Magical Ice Parks and Historic Hotel Rebirths for the Winter Season

As the 2026 winter season approaches, European alpine destinations are expanding their horizons well beyond the traditional downhill slopes. Whether you are looking for weather-proof outdoor family adventures or a luxurious spot to unwind after a day in the mountains, resort towns are rolling out fresh attractions. From a sprawling, high-tech ice park in the Austrian Tirol to the chic rebirth of a historic hotel in the French Alps, here is a look at what is new for your next mountain getaway.

Following its debut in the 2025/26 season, the Ice Park Umhausen in Ötztal, Austria, is once again transforming the area around its natural bathing lake into a massive winter playground. The standout feature is a 330-metre-long, three-metre-wide ice rink that completely encircles the lake, seamlessly linking up with two additional rinks. The venue caters to classic ice skating and curling, and hosts atmospheric evening sessions. Spectators can wander a dedicated lakeside walking path dotted with snow and ice sculptures, or grab food and drinks on-site. Crucially, state-of-the-art climate technology ensures the rink remains fully operational regardless of precipitation, even when temperatures creep above freezing. Equipment rentals, including skates, helmets, and skating aids, are available at the venue. Admission is €9 (£8) for adults and €4.50 (£4) for children over four, with under-threes entering for free. For those looking to make a week of it, a seven-night stay at the Explorer Hotel Ötztal arriving on 5 December 2026 starts at £345 per person (B&B, based on two sharing).

Over in the French Alps, the village of Morzine is preparing for a major hospitality upgrade. Launching in December 2026, the new Garance hotel will see the town's historic Les Airelles address completely reborn as a modern retreat under the Mont-Blanc Collection. While the building retains its original, classic façade, the interiors have undergone a top-to-bottom transformation. The property features elegant rooms, a Nordic spa, dedicated wellness and yoga spaces, and communal areas specifically designed to bring guests of different generations together. Dining is handled by an on-site brasserie with a menu inspired by the local terroir. Garance aims to blend the character of a long-established Morzine address with modern mountain luxury, with rooms starting at €220 (£189) per night.

These latest additions to the alpine landscape highlight how the modern winter holiday is evolving to offer far more than just standard piste access. Resorts and hospitality brands are increasingly focusing on delivering reliable, diverse, and high-quality experiences that cater to both active families and wellness-focused travelers, ensuring the magic of the mountains remains accessible from the ice rink right through to the spa.