Brits take to the slopes in Olympic fashion
Britain might not have won many medals at the Winter Olympics (just two so far), but the Games in Sochi have led to a surge in interest in snow sports, according to the Ski Club of Great Britain.
It says it has seen a spike in calls from new skiers and boarders enquiring about kit, equipment and instruction and from people looking for advice on resorts and how to ski with a disability.
Wintersports governing body Snowsport England said outdoor and dry ski slopes in the UK and indoor snow centres have also been busier than usual with people keen to give snowsports a go.
Read our review of The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead here.
Ski Club of Great Britain chief executive Frank McCusker said: "The phones don’t seem to stop ringing and we’ve observed spikes in visitor numbers to the Ski Club website, especially around the ‘learn to ski’ and ‘artificial slope’ information and advice pages."
The Ski Club has introduced a Beginner Membership to provide information, advice and discounts to those new to skiing and boarding.
"The aim of introducing a new membership was to make skiing and snowboarding more accessible for beginners," said McCusker. "Market analysis had shown that many were put off by the perceived cost of skiing or they just weren’t very familiar with the sport.
"Britain’s success and inspirational talent showcased at Sochi has moved wintersports into the spotlight and it’s great to see the associated buzz and lift in participation as people realise it’s not expensive to have a go."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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