Cosmos first major operator to offer ski packages to Germany

It might seem odd that Cosmos has chosen to feature a selection of Europe’s lesser-known resorts for its first ever ski programme, but head of product Neil Garner said he wants to offer something rival operators don’t.

He’s certainly doing that. No other mainstream operator has attempted to sell ski packages to Germany, which isn’t exactly well-known in the UK for its winter sports resorts, and yet Cosmos is featuring the small resorts of Oberstdorf and Schliersee in the Bavarian Alps in its debut programme, which also includes some more popular ski areas in Austria and Switzerland.

Frozen lake at Schliersee

"It was no good us replicating what the other, established operators were doing and launching a me-too programme," said Garner. "We are trying to find a bit of a niche and offering skiers a choice of different resorts."

Garner said other resorts in Germany, along with better known ski areas in Italy, France and Austria, would be added over the coming weeks.

Obviously the ski programme has been launched to fill seats on in-house carrier Monarch’s new scheduled flights, including those to Munich and Friedrichshafen. The resort of Schliersee is 50kms to Munich while Oberstdorf is a short drive from the latter, but what is the appeal of these bijoux resorts?

Schliersee has just 25kms of downhill runs. Oberstodorf is slightly bigger and also boasts 85kms of cross-country skiing.

"I’d say these areas are good for families and beginners," said Garner. "They both offer short transfers, which is often not the case with ski resorts, and although they don’t necessarily offer the most challenging pistes they are ideal for children and first-time skiers.

"I’d recommend them to people who are new to ski looking for good value."

By choosing these virtually unheard of resorts, Cosmos has found it easier to secure quality accommodation at more affordable prices than the more popular ski areas. In Schliersee, it is featuring the stylish but child-friendly AlpenClub hotel which offers an Asian-inspired Karma Spa, indoor pool, bowling alley and choice of accommodation in rooms or apartments.

"The most popular resorts are in high demand and there is limited availability so that is putting pressure on prices," said Garner. "I think skiers are getting switched on to the fact that there are more affordable resorts out there, some of which have access to the bigger ski areas but you can still make a saving on the accommodation costs."

A three night stay at the four-diamond rated Alpenclub with Cosmos costs from £285pp for departures on January 11 and includes return flights from Luton to Munich and three-nights bed and breakfast accommodation.

A six night stay at the four diamond rated Mohren Hotel, Oberstdorf costs from £595pp for a departure on January 28 from Manchester to Munich and includes return flights and six nights bed and breakfast accommodation.

Garner admitted Cosmos is inexperienced in the ski market and will be feeling its way in its first season. "This winter is an experimental year to find out what works and what doesn’t," he said.  "We have got to a job to do out there in getting people to connect the Cosmos name to ski."