United Airlines Holdings Inc. expects a solidly profitable first quarter as the carrier capitalizes on strong demand during the winter months, a surprising shift from a normally sluggish travel period.

Winter travel ranging from popular ski destinations in the U.S. to southern Europe are some of the reasons why United’s profits surged.

United Airlines on Tuesday forecast a stronger-than-expected profit in the current quarter, after its earnings topped Wall Street estimates in the fourth quarter on robust travel demand and improved pricing power.