Ski prices fall and snow comes early
Ski holiday prices have fallen by as much as £100 per person, according to research by The Co-operative Travel and Travelcare.
The independent travel agency group says after poor snow in European resorts last season, there are plenty of bargain ski trips for sale.
This season, however, European ski resorts have opened a few weeks early due to an early snowfall.
The biggest price falls have been in Italy with prices down 16% on average (from £710 to £597 per person).
Average prices in Bulgaria down 13% and France and Austria down over 3%.
Mike Greenacre, managing director of The Co-operative Travel commented: “The 2006/2007 season was one of the worst on record for snow fall in the European ski resorts, with artificial snow cannons being used to generate enough snow, especially in more low lying areas.
“As a result, advance bookings to long-haul destinations have rocketed. For example, sales to Canada have increased 99% with the increase driven largely by skiers wanting guaranteed snowfall.
“At the same time European prices have tumbled, meaning that last-minute bookers can capitalise on this early snow fall and get on the slopes for much less.”
Betony Garner, spokeswoman for the Ski Club of Great Britain added: “Last season was a tricky year for Europe with mild temperatures and variable snowfall. We predicted that this would have a knock on effect for the 2007/08 season.
“The Canadian dollar is particularly weak at the moment and there are some great value for money deals available for British skiers wishing to travel to Canada so it’s not surprising to see such an increase.”
by Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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