Summer is here, and so is the holiday season. Figure skaters travel extensively for competitions during the season, but they also love exploring the world during their summer break. We asked several skaters how they spent their summer holidays. Unsurprisingly, many headed for sunny destinations. Discover their favourite summer escapes!

Lukas Britschgi: Postcard moments in the Philippines

The 2025 ISU Figure Skating European Champion Lukas Britschgi of Switzerland travelled to the Philippines.

Lukas: “We chose a trip to the Philippines as this has been on my bucket list for a while. I really enjoyed Thailand three years ago, therefore I wanted to go again to Southeast Asia and the Philippines were at the top of my list.

“We were travelling for four weeks – four days in Singapore and three and a half weeks in the Philippines. We started in Moalboal, Cebu, went to Siargao and, at the end, to Palawan – Coron, to be precise. Then we did a four-day boat trip to El Nido in the south.

“The Philippines in general are an absolute highlight and highly recommended. No matter where we went, everywhere there were postcard moments – the beaches, the sunsets or the landscape. I have rarely experienced such hospitality as that shown by the people of the Philippines. Not to forget the delicious food!

“We also got the Advanced Open Water diving certificate, which probably was one of our best activities. Overall, it has been a very active vacation with snorkeling, paddling, fitness, surfing and so on.

“I love to travel spontaneously and flexibly through a country, not knowing where I’ll spend the next days but getting inspired by the country and other travelers. It is important to me to create memories and stories, and that works out best when I’m on the road and see and experience as much as possible of the people and the culture. It can be nice and relaxing to spend my time in an all-inclusive hotel but, in that case, I rarely experience something exciting.

“After the Philippines, I also went to Albania and Sicily, which were both beautiful, but nothing compares to Southeast Asia.”

Kimmy Repond and Adam Siao Him Fa: Visiting family on Mauritius

Kimmy and Adam during their holidays © Kimmy & Adam

Two-time ISU Figure Skating European Champion Adam Siao Him Fa of France and 2023 ISU Figure Skating European bronze medalist Kimmy Repond of Switzerland visited the island of Mauritius.

Kimmy: “I always wanted to go to Mauritius. We were there for two weeks and we did not stay in just one place on the island. We went to Grand Baie, Le Morne and Chamarel. I can’t single out one highlight; the whole vacation was beautiful. I really liked the different hotels and sights. Snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, the food and the different hikes were awesome!

“To me, it was important to relax and regenerate during these two weeks after the Olympic season.”

Adam: “It felt very good to really go on vacation. Usually, I did shows after the season or I spent some time with my family. This time, I really went on vacation for a longer time and travelled with Kimmy to Mauritius.

“My parents are from Mauritius and I have my roots there. I haven’t been there for 14 years and I wanted to go back. I still have a lot of family there – my grandfather, many uncles, aunts and cousins.”

Daniel Grassl: Enjoying Brazilian vibes

Multiple Italian Figure Skating Champion Daniel Grassl went to Brazil for the first time.

Daniel: “I’ve wanted to visit South America for a long time. Usually, I go on a trip with my sister after the end of the season and this time we decided to go to Brazil. I was really looking forward to it. We spent two weeks in Brazil; most of the time, we were in Rio de Janeiro. We visited Copacabana Beach, Sugarloaf Mountain and the statue of Christ the Redeemer, and we went to a favela. At the end, we spent two days in São Paulo. We saw a lot of interesting places.

Daniel in front of the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil © Daniel Grassl

“My personal highlight was Copacabana. This is one of the most beautiful beaches that I’ve ever seen. The statue of Jesus Christ was also very impressive. The view from up there is really incredible and it was a special experience. I’d recommend both places for sure.

“The most important thing for me is to spend time with my sister and to discover new places together with her. I love to explore new cultures and new food, and to gain as much experience as possible. When I’m on vacation, I really want to experience the people, the city and the country. This makes a trip especially valuable for me.”

Maria Pavlova: Catching her first waves in Indonesia

Reigning ISU Figure Skating European bronze medalist in Pair Skating Maria Pavlova of Hungary picked Indonesia for her summer trip.

“My friends and I were looking at different options. We wanted to have a vacation on the beach that would not be boring. In the end, we chose Bali as many other people had recommended it to us. Our coach, Fedor Klimov, was there five times, if I’m not mistaken!

“I was there for two weeks, which felt like a long time, but it went by so fast that I hardly realized it. Most of all, I remember the island of Nusa Penida. The sights were so beautiful that I could not believe they were real. I remember Melasti Beach very well; the water was so blue and clear. Swimming there was a pure joy. The rice fields were magical. We were lucky with the season; they were green and not yet harvested. Of course, the sunsets in Bali and the landscape were incredibly beautiful.

Maria Pavlova during her holiday in Indonesia © Maria Pavlova

“The most vivid memory for me was surfing. I could not imagine that I’d love it so much. It is certainly difficult, but the feeling is incredible. When you are standing on the board and riding the wave, it is really cool. I recommend everyone to try it when they go to Bali. Spending time with my friends made the trip even more special. A good friend whom I hadn’t seen for three years came, and this was another highlight of my vacation.

“The most important thing for me at this point was that I could just lie in the sun and do nothing. I know that sounds boring, but as I’m still in the sport, you like to have some time when you can completely relax, think about nothing and just enjoy the rest.”

Nikita Volodin: Finding the perfect mix of nature and culture in Vietnam

Germany’s 2026 ISU Figure Skating World Pairs Champion Nikita Volodin found what he was looking for in Vietnam.

Nikita Volodin during his holiday in Vientam © Nikita Volodin

“I went to Vietnam as I was looking for a combination of a sunny holiday on the beach, beautiful nature and interesting culture. I especially liked Nha Trang because of its beaches and the opportunity to try fresh seafood right on the beach.

“I was in Nha Trang for two weeks. It is a cosy city, with a nice coastline, lively markets, charming cafés and other interesting things.

“The beaches of Nha Trang and the walks on the promenade were my highlights. I can especially recommend Monkey Island, a very unusual and impressive place. I also recommend Vinpearl Park, with its attractions and water park – ideal for a fun day. You definitely have to try the local seafood and take the cable car to Long Son Pagoda. You have a breathtaking view of the city and the sea from up there.

“It’s important to me that a vacation offers a combination of recreation and new experiences: relaxing on the beach, the chance to discover new places, to try the local food and to feel the atmosphere of the country.”

Meanwhile, Nikita’s ice partner Minerva Fabienne Hase enjoyed a holiday in Great Britain with her fiancé.

Isabeau Levito: Looking forward to finally being at home

However, sometimes the best vacation is at home. At least 2024 ISU Figure Skating World silver medalist Isabeau Levito of the USA feels that way. 

 © Tatjana Flade - ISU

She was looking forward to returning home after touring with Stars on Ice in the USA following the ISU Figure Skating World Championships and attending a summer training camp in Courmayeur in June.

“I’m taking time off at home,” she said. “I don’t need to go anywhere, I just need to stay home. I’m an hour away from the shore, I can figure it out. I’ll be with my friends, and my coach, and my mom.”

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Header image © Lukas Britschgi