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.