Winter Travel 2026: Essential VPN Tips for Ski Resorts, Airports, and Hotels

The Hidden Dangers Lurking in Your Winter Wonderland

As winter travel season approaches, millions of adventure seekers are planning their escapes to snow-covered mountains, booking flights through bustling airports, and reserving cozy hotel rooms. Club Med reports a 7.5% increase in Winter 2026 ski bookings, while Salt Lake City tops all destinations in bookings for Winter 2026. But amid the excitement of planning your winter getaway, there’s a critical aspect many travelers overlook: cybersecurity.

The digital landscape of modern travel has transformed ski resorts, airports, and hotels into interconnected hubs where free WiFi is as expected as hot cocoa at the lodge. Yet this convenience comes with a price. Public WiFi-related cyberattacks increased by 47% in 2024, with hotel networks being the third most targeted venue after airports and coffee shops. The very networks that keep us connected to loved ones and work obligations can become gateways for cybercriminals to access our most sensitive information.

Why Winter Travel Creates Perfect Conditions for Cyber Threats

Winter travelers face a unique combination of vulnerabilities. You’re often tired from long journeys, distracted by logistics, and eager to share your adventures on social media. Tourist hotspots like airports, hotels, and popular destinations have become hunting grounds for hackers who exploit the combination of rushed tourists, ubiquitous free Wi-Fi, and relaxed security awareness.

According to a 2023 Forbes survey, 4 in 10 travelers have compromised their online security while using public Wi-Fi. The statistics become even more alarming when you consider that 25% of travelers are hacked while using public Wi-Fi abroad. These aren’t just abstract numbers—they represent real people who’ve had their banking credentials stolen, their identities compromised, or their personal data harvested while simply trying to check their email or book dinner reservations.

The Ski Resort Cybersecurity Blind Spot

In discussions about cybersecurity, ski resorts are often overlooked, yet they present a complex digital ecosystem. Modern ski resorts rely on interconnected systems for everything from lift operations to ticketing, creating multiple potential entry points for cyber threats. When cybercriminals crippled the local infrastructure at Portes du Soleil resort, the internet, ticketing system, and vending machines were all out of service.

Ski resorts require robust network connectivity to manage ticketing, ski lifts, and communication systems, and guests connecting to these networks become part of this vulnerable infrastructure. While you’re enjoying the slopes, your device might be exposed to the same network vulnerabilities that affect resort operations.

Understanding the Threat Landscape at Each Travel Stage

Airport WiFi: The First Line of Attack

Your winter travel vulnerability often begins the moment you step into the airport. If hackers can persuade only a handful of people—statistically easy to do when thousands of harried and hurried people are milling around an airport—they will succeed. The sheer volume of travelers makes airports prime hunting grounds for cybercriminals.

One particularly insidious threat is the “evil twin” attack. When people tried to connect to fake WiFi networks, they were taken to a fake webpage requiring them to sign in using their email or social media logins, and those details were then allegedly saved to the attacker’s devices and could be used to extract more information including bank account information.

At many airports, WiFi responsibility is outsourced and the airport itself has little involvement in safeguarding it, with the airport’s IT team having no access to their systems. This fragmented responsibility creates security gaps that sophisticated attackers exploit.

Hotel Networks: A False Sense of Security

Many travelers assume hotel WiFi is safer than public airport hotspots, but this assumption can be dangerous. It’s generally unsafe to use hotel Wi-Fi because many establishments have lackluster network security, older networking technology, and insufficient data encryption, and even with modern WPA2 or WPA3 connections, you could still be exposed to threats on a shared public network.

Close to 31% of hospitality organizations have experienced a data breach at some point, with hotel open networks accounting for 20% of all personal information breaches on public Wi-Fis. The risks include man-in-the-middle attacks, packet sniffing, and evil twin attacks that can compromise everything from your email credentials to your banking information.

Hotels are especially attractive targets because of high guest turnover and high-value users, with business travelers often accessing sensitive corporate information, and 74% of companies experiencing a security breach linked to remote work or travel.

Ski Resort Connectivity Challenges

WiFi availability is expected at most places including ski resorts, and it is becoming a necessity to offer Wi-Fi at ski resorts largely due to modern technology. However, ski resorts require rugged Wi-Fi options due to outdoor operations, and each will face challenges due to varying landscapes and weather extremes, needing shorthaul solutions that are rugged and secure enough to remain connected in extreme elements.

These environmental challenges can sometimes lead to security compromises. When resort operators prioritize connectivity over security in harsh mountain conditions, guests may be left vulnerable. Many lodges and coffee shops offer public Wi-Fi that isn’t always secure, and hackers often use these open networks to intercept data or access personal accounts.

The Anatomy of Common Winter Travel Cyber Attacks

Evil Twin Networks

This attack is particularly prevalent in travel environments. Evil twins are fake Wi-Fi hotspots set up by cybercriminals to look like legitimate networks and trick you into connecting. At a ski resort, you might see networks named “Resort_Guest_WiFi” or “Mountain_Lodge_Free” that appear legitimate but are actually traps.

The Evil Twin attack is especially nasty because it’s easy to perform using legal Wi-Fi hacking tools and there are even YouTube tutorials showing how to pull it off, and most Wi-Fi networks are still vulnerable to these attacks.

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

In MITM attacks, attackers actively intercept and sometimes alter messages you send, and may also eavesdrop on data as it’s transmitted to a website before encryption. This means everything from your hotel booking confirmations to your ski pass purchases could be monitored and manipulated.

MITM attacks happen when hackers intercept communication between two parties on unsecured public networks, and once intercepted, your data can be sold to advertisers, manipulated to craft phishing scams, or exploited to access banking information.

Packet Sniffing

Attackers use specialized software to silently observe and record the data packets transmitted between your device and the internet. On an unencrypted network, this means your login credentials, credit card numbers, and personal messages are transmitted in plain text for anyone with the right tools to capture.

Malware Distribution

Cybercriminals can use compromised or fake networks to distribute malware by exploiting software vulnerabilities and injecting malicious code onto your device as you browse, which can remain on your device long after you’ve disconnected.

Essential Protection Strategies for Winter Travelers

Deploy a VPN Before You Connect

A Virtual Private Network is the single most effective defense against public Wi-Fi threats, creating a secure encrypted tunnel for all your internet traffic that makes your data completely unreadable to anyone on the same network.

A quality VPN service encrypts your data before it leaves your device, rendering it useless to anyone attempting to intercept it. This protection is crucial whether you’re checking email in an airport lounge, booking activities from your hotel room, or sharing photos from the ski lodge. Modern VPN services offer features specifically designed for travelers, including automatic connection when joining public networks and protocols that can bypass restrictive networks.

For winter travelers, look for VPN services with servers in multiple countries, strong encryption standards, and the ability to protect multiple devices simultaneously. Some advanced VPN services also include threat protection features that block malicious websites and phishing attempts before they reach your device.

Verify Network Authenticity

Always confirm the official Wi-Fi network name with an employee at the hotel, airport, or cafe before you connect, and once online ensure websites use https in the address bar indicated by a padlock icon. This simple step can prevent you from connecting to evil twin networks.

At ski resorts, ask at the front desk or guest services for the exact network name and password. Be wary of networks that don’t require passwords or have generic names like “Free WiFi” or “Guest Network” without any resort branding.

Disable Auto-Connect Features

Turn off the feature that allows devices to connect to available Wi-Fi networks automatically to prevent your phone or laptop from joining a malicious network without your knowledge, and ensure file-sharing features are disabled to prevent unauthorized access.

This is particularly important during winter travel when you might pass through multiple locations with saved networks. Your device might automatically connect to a compromised network you used previously without your knowledge.

Update Everything Before Departure

Hardening your devices and accounts before you leave is critical, starting by making sure devices and mobile apps are updated with the latest security patches, as hackers focus on exploiting outdated software.

Schedule time before your trip to update your operating system, apps, and security software. These updates often contain critical patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities that cybercriminals actively exploit.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication should already be enabled on all critical accounts like banking, email, and social media as it’s the best defense against compromised passwords, and without it, it’s like having a debit card that doesn’t require a PIN.

For winter travelers, this extra layer of security can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major breach. Even if your password is compromised on a public network, attackers won’t be able to access your accounts without the second authentication factor.

Practical Tips for Different Winter Travel Scenarios

At the Airport

Airports present unique challenges due to high traffic volumes and multiple network options. Never book or shop on public Wi-Fi networks such as those in airports, train stations or cafés, keeping in mind that your information and financial accounts may be at risk if you use an unsecure network, and use your mobile data or wait until you can use your home network.

If you must connect at the airport, use your mobile hotspot instead. Using your phone’s mobile hotspot creates a secure personal network that only you control. This approach eliminates the risks associated with public airport WiFi while still allowing you to stay connected.

In Your Hotel Room

When choosing a hotel, inquire about specific cybersecurity measures including whether they offer password-protected or encrypted Wi-Fi, separate secure networks for guests and staff, private meeting rooms with secure internet, and data encryption for online payments.

If you have to use hotel Wi-Fi, switch on a trusted VPN first to encrypt your traffic, turn off auto-connect features, and disable network features like AirDrop and file sharing. Consider using your mobile data for sensitive transactions like banking or booking tours that require credit card information.

At the Ski Resort

Ski resorts present unique connectivity challenges. Internet access can be spotty in remote skiing locales and connectivity gets worse as you gain altitude, so many travelers bring portable hotspots or use access points at their resort, but mountain Wi-Fi can be slow and unstable.

Before heading to the slopes, download offline maps and important information. Many ski resort apps allow you to download trail maps and conditions for offline use. This reduces your need to connect to potentially insecure networks while on the mountain.

Advanced Security Measures for Tech-Savvy Travelers

Use a Travel Router

A travel router is one of the best tools for safer browsing, as instead of connecting each device directly to hotel or café Wi-Fi, you connect the travel router once and then all your devices connect securely through it.

Travel routers can create a secure bubble around your devices, with features like MAC cloning to bypass device limits and the ability to connect to hotel ethernet ports for more stable connections. They’re particularly useful for families or groups traveling together who want to share a secure connection.

Backup Critical Data

Backing up critical data before departure is key, including images of important travel documents like passports, travel insurance, and reservations, and using cloud storage ensures that even if a device is damaged, lost or stolen, your important files remain accessible.

Store encrypted backups of your important documents in secure cloud storage before your trip. This ensures you can access critical information even if your device is compromised or stolen on the slopes.

Activate Device Tracking

Activate tracking and remote wipe capabilities such as Find My iPhone for Apple devices or Find My Device for Android, and practice the tracking process before you leave so you’ll know exactly what to do if something goes missing.

This is particularly important during winter travel when devices can be easily lost in the chaos of ski equipment, multiple layers of clothing, and crowded resort facilities.

What to Avoid While Traveling

Public Charging Stations

Public USB charging stations may seem convenient but come with risks, as hackers can install malware or steal data from connected devices through juice jacking, so bring your own charging cable and plug directly into a power outlet or use a portable power bank.

This is particularly relevant in airports and ski lodges where charging stations are common and travelers are often desperate for battery power after a long day.

Sensitive Transactions on Public Networks

Avoid accessing sensitive websites such as banking sites or supplying personal or financial data like social security numbers or credit card information, and one way hotel guests get hacked is by inputting credit card information while booking tours or tickets to attractions.

Wait until you’re on a secure connection or using mobile data with a VPN before conducting any financial transactions. The convenience of booking that ski lesson or dinner reservation immediately isn’t worth the risk of credit card theft.

Oversharing on Social Media

While it’s tempting to share real-time updates of your winter adventures, posting your location and activities in real-time can make you a target for both physical and cyber threats. Wait until after you’ve left a location to share photos and details about your trip.

Creating a Pre-Travel Security Checklist

Before your winter getaway, take time to prepare your digital security:

Two weeks before departure: Update all devices and applications, review and strengthen passwords for critical accounts, enable two-factor authentication on all important accounts, and research VPN options if you don’t already have one.

One week before: Install and test your VPN on all devices, backup important data to secure cloud storage, take photos of important documents and store them securely, and verify your device tracking features are enabled and working.

Day of travel: Disable auto-connect WiFi features, turn off file sharing and Bluetooth when not needed, charge all devices and portable batteries, and download offline maps and important information.

The Role of Modern Security Technology

Important preparation includes implementing VPNs, multi-factor authentication, and device encryption, and travelers should employ Virtual Private Networks, encrypted devices, and multi-factor authentication to mitigate cyber risks.

The technology landscape for travel security has evolved significantly. Modern VPN services offer features specifically designed for travelers, including automatic connection when joining public networks, kill switches that disconnect your internet if the VPN drops, and split tunneling that allows you to route only sensitive traffic through the encrypted tunnel.

Some advanced VPN services also include additional security features like threat protection that blocks malicious websites, phishing protection, and data breach monitoring. These comprehensive solutions provide multiple layers of defense against the various threats travelers face.

Understanding the Real-World Impact

The consequences of a cybersecurity breach while traveling extend far beyond inconvenience. Victims may face identity theft, drained bank accounts, compromised work systems, and the stress of dealing with these issues while trying to enjoy a vacation or conduct business.

According to a report from PwC, 74% of companies experienced a security breach linked to remote work or travel, and unsecured public WiFi was one of the top risk factors. For business travelers, a single compromised device can provide attackers access to entire corporate networks, potentially affecting thousands of employees and customers.

Building Long-Term Security Habits

The security practices you develop for winter travel should become permanent habits. Cybersecurity should not be limited to home, office or classroom but is important to practice whenever you travel, and the more you travel and access the internet on the go, the more cyber risks you face.

Consider cybersecurity as essential to your travel preparations as booking flights and packing appropriate clothing. Just as you wouldn’t head to the slopes without proper gear, don’t connect to the internet without proper digital protection.

Looking Ahead to Winter 2026

As the 2026 winter season shapes up to be one of the most exciting yet with technological advancements, enhanced on-mountain communication, new resorts, and updated slope regulations promising safer and more connected experiences, the importance of cybersecurity will only grow.

The increasing connectivity of ski resorts, hotels, and airports creates more convenience but also more potential vulnerabilities. World Travel Protection identified cybersecurity as a major concern for travelers in 2025, as cyberattacks become more sophisticated and prevalent, with phishing attempts and malicious links targeting mobile devices nearly tripling, and 45% of mobile users lacking security solutions.

Winter travel 2026 promises incredible experiences, from world-class skiing to luxurious accommodations and seamless connectivity. By taking cybersecurity seriously and implementing the protection strategies outlined here, you can enjoy all these benefits without compromising your digital safety. The key is preparation, awareness, and using the right tools to create secure connections wherever your winter adventures take you.

Remember: the few minutes spent securing your connection before accessing public WiFi can save you from months of dealing with identity theft, financial fraud, or compromised accounts. Make cybersecurity as routine as checking the weather forecast or waxing your skis—it’s simply part of being a prepared modern traveler.