The winter season offers two main types of trip: a ski break in the Alps or an exotic escape to the tropics. Reliable internet matters in both cases — but the solution can differ.
Ski break: Alpine destinations
Austria (EU)
The Austrian Alps are a top ski area. Sölden, Ischgl, St. Anton, Kaprun, Schladming — all with excellent coverage.
Internet: EU roaming applies, you can use your home plan freely. There's usually a signal on the pistes and at the lifts, and it's excellent in the valleys. Variable on high-mountain tours (above 2,500 m).
Recommendation: EU roaming is enough.
Switzerland (NOT the EU!)
Switzerland is one of the most common winter traps: many think it's an EU member, but it isn't. Roaming fees are high (Zone II).
Internet: An eSIM is strongly recommended! The Swiss networks (Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt) are excellent, but home roaming is expensive.
Recommendation: eSIM, definitely!
Italy – the Dolomites (EU)
The Dolomites are an increasingly popular ski area. EU roaming applies.
Internet: EU roaming. In the larger ski resorts (Cortina d'Ampezzo, Val Gardena, Alta Badia) coverage is good.
Recommendation: EU roaming is enough.
Exotic winter destinations
Egypt
A classic destination for winter sun: Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Marsa Alam.
Internet: Non-EU, eSIM recommended. Good 4G coverage at the Red Sea resorts. No signal in the desert and on diving boat trips.
Thailand
Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai — all popular winter destinations.
Internet: Non-EU, eSIM recommended. Excellent 4G/5G coverage in tourist areas and on the islands too.
Dubai and the Emirates
A pleasant climate in winter, luxury hotels, shopping.
Internet: Non-EU, eSIM recommended. Excellent 5G/4G coverage. Important: VoIP calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime voice) are blocked in the Emirates!
Maldives
The peak of luxury holidays.
Internet: Non-EU, eSIM recommended. There's coverage at the resort islands, but none on open water or at smaller uninhabited islands. Most resorts also provide their own Wi-Fi.
Summary table
| Destination | EU? | Internet recommendation | Special tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | Yes | EU roaming | Weak signal high up |
| Switzerland | No! | eSIM | Many forget it's not the EU |
| Italy (Dolomites) | Yes | EU roaming | Good coverage on the pistes |
| Egypt | No | eSIM | No signal in the desert |
| Thailand | No | eSIM | Excellent coverage |
| Dubai | No | eSIM | VoIP calls are blocked! |
| Maldives | No | eSIM | Signal only at resort islands |
Summary
For a ski break in the EU Alpine countries (Austria, Italy), roaming is enough. Don't forget Switzerland: not the EU, so you need an eSIM. For exotic destinations, an eSIM is always the best choice — in the eSIM Surfer app you'll find a plan for every country.