The Right Week Independent travel guides Get the Field Note

Collection 02

Natural Windows

Ski holidays, northern lights and wildlife trips, with advice on the season and what to book.

7 guides
dates checked
Conditions and opening dates

New · Winter 2026/27

Skiing on a budget

Smaller resorts, published lift prices and a worked example for four friends sharing.

Read the guide →
Three skiers crossing a quiet groomed Alpine piste beneath pale winter mountains

This week’s pick

Skiing after New Year: which January week gives the best value?

Compare Val Gardena’s January promotion with Tignes and Les Menuires, including published lift-pass prices.

Best window9–16 January
Offer to checkVal Gardena
Green aurora over snow-covered Arctic mountain peaks at night, with a bright moon low in the sky

The aurora file

Northern lights: Tromsø or Abisko, and which week?

Compare a city break with guided tours in Tromsø and a longer stay in Abisko.

Short trip, direct flightsTromsø
Five nights or moreAbisko

More natural windows

More seasonal trips

Compare the seasons and find out what to check before booking a ski, wildlife or northern-lights trip.

Finished guide

Great Migration: Kenya or Tanzania, and when?

The border is not the first decision. Your month, usable safari nights and tolerance for long transfers should choose the country.

 Finished guide

Courchevel: which village, hotel or chalet, and which week?

Six villages share one ski area. The village and the week decide the price far more than the name does.

 Finished guide

Where can you ski before Christmas without wasting a week?

Tignes, Cervinia and Val Thorens: opening dates and what to check before an early ski trip.

 Finished guide

Lapland: December or March?

December for Christmas atmosphere, or March for longer days outdoors?

 Finished guide

Northern lights: Tromsø or Abisko, and which week?

Tromsø for an easier short break, or Abisko for a longer stay in a quieter setting.