The 2006/2007 ski market grew by 3% to 1.2 million, according to the latest Crystal Ski Industry Report.
But the rate of growth has more than halved compared to figures for 2005/2006, when the market grew by 6.9%.
Crystal blamed this on poor snow conditions in Europe, which hit ‘lates’ sales in December and January, and growing publicity over environmental issues.
But it believes this is just a ‘blip’ in the recent growth trend.
The report claims that Crystal and Inghams both saw their volumes stay flat in the latest season, with Crystal’s market share at 23.5% and Inghams at 17.6%.
Thomson and First Choice, said the report, saw their volumes drop slightly, partly due to consumer preference for specialist ski operators, and also due to their dependency on poor performing destinations – Austria, Italy and Andorra.
Despite the poor snow conditions in Europe, the US only grew its market share by 0.1% to 7.9%.
France retained the number one spot with a 37.1% market share, followed by Austria with 19%.
Crystal said this winter season would be impacted by continued political and security challenges, high fuel costs and the mergers between the major tour operators.
By Bev Fearis
