Ski holiday season 2008/09 predictions
Friday, 18 Jul 2008 16:40
The price of ski holidays for 2008/09 season has risen by around seven to eight per cent compared with last year, according to Crystal Ski.
High fuel costs and the impact of the euro/sterling exchange rate have driven up ski holiday prices but this is unlikely to deter ski fans from making their annual pilgrimage to the slopes.
However, they will be looking to find the best value for money and Crystal Ski managing director Mathew Prior noted that budget skiers are switching to Austria "because it is offering good quality accommodation at good prices".
Crystal Ski presented its annual ski industry report this week, which revealed that the 2007/08 season enjoyed a three per cent increase in ski holiday bookings.
Whistler in Canada, Formigal in Spain, Ischgl in Austria, resorts in Finland such as Levi, and the Swiss resorts of Davos and Klosters are tipped to be popular choices this year, according to the report.
Italy and Andorra have been the big losers in Europe, suffering from poor snow conditions and with Andorra knocking down its traditional budget accommodation and building luxury resorts.
Bookings are healthy for next season, with family ski holidays and luxury holidays strong sellers and high levels of demand for key holiday dates such as the half-term holiday in 2009.