01 July 2009

Crystal launches all-in packages for experienced skiers

Crystal Ski is launching all-inclusive packages for regular skiers next season which include flights, accommodation, equipment hire and lift passes.

Managing director Mathew Prior, speaking at the launch of the ‘Ski Industry Report 2009’, said the packages would work out far cheaper than buying different elements of the holiday separately and show that booking with a tour operator was cheaper than travelling independently.

"We need to show people what we’re best at and create added value to encourage people to book ski holidays in the current climate," he said.

"To some extent, people have lost faith in tour operators and we’re now showing that actually we can offer the best deals around.

"We have the buying power to be able to say to suppliers that we want the best deals on hotels, on lift passes, on equipment, etc. We’ve chipped away at everything and have now got a package price that works out around 20-30 per cent cheaper than last year, when you take everything into account."

Prior said the new packages were aimed at experienced skiers, because they would be in popular resorts. The first of the packages will be in La Plagne and Les Arcs in France, with more resorts in different countries offered throughout the season.

However, the deals will not be available in peak season. "They will be throughout January and in March," he said.

Prior claimed overall ski prices would not rise sharply next season, as has been predicted (see separate story).

by Jeremy Skidmore (www.jeremyskidmore.com)