Austria is becoming an increasingly popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, according to a new joint report by the Ski Club of Great Britain and Snowsport England.
The country increased its market share by 2% last season, which was the sixth rise in a row and it means that one in four skiers chooses to spend their winter sports holiday on the slopes in Austria.
The Ski Club said last season’s increase was likely down to the impressive snowfall and superb skiing conditions in Austria, combined with consistently good value holidays.
However, France – which has the advantage of many high-altitude snow-sure resorts combined with plenty of budget, self-catering accommodation – remains the most popular destination, accounting for 41% of all ski holidays sold in the UK. It pulled back 3% market share last winter.
The average cost of a snowsports package holiday has risen again and now stands at £729 per person, but the Ski Club said it might not be the case that ski holidays are becoming more expensive. "A number of tour operators now include some ski pack elements in the package and inclusive food and drink. It may not be the case that ski holidays are becoming more expensive, but that holiday-makers are getting more for their money and favouring inclusive packages," it said.
Certainly chalet holiday and hotel-based packages have risen slightly in popularity, with a 2% increase in the number of people favouring these over self-catering accommodation last winter, said the report.
In an effort to boost participation in skiing and snowboarding, Snowsport England, the governing body for English snowsports, has launched a series of all-inclusive six-week courses called Go Ski Go Board, available at indoor ski centres across the UK, which include equipment, clothing and lift pass.
By Linsey McNeill
