Ski prices to soar next season
Wednesday, 04 Jun, 2009
0
The price of ski holidays is set to rocket by an average of at least 15% next season as operators trim capacity and suffer the effects of the weak pound against the Euro.
Several companies have warned that the 2-for-1 deals and chalet prices from £199 per person, which were widely available this year, will simply not be on offer next season.
TUI, the market leader, has cut 20% of its 180 chalets in France, after admitting that many were not economically viable, and is keen to match supply with demand.
“It is only chalets that we have cut and we still have a very big choice,” said a spokeswoman for TUI. “If you look at somewhere like the Three Valleys, we just had too many. They are difficult to fill and there is a big operational cost.
“You will not see the £199 deals next season. We’re still working on prices because our brochure comes out on July 29, but I think an average price rise of 15% is realistic, but that is largely due to the fall in the value of the pound against the Euro.
"However, we do have deals on the website for those who are prepared to book early.”
Joanna Yellowlees-Bound, the chief executive of Erna Low, predicted the main operators may charge up to 20% higher prices in peak season than they did last winter.
Speaking at a breakfast presentation on the ski market, she said: “Skiers have enjoyed excellent prices this season and have scooped up some considerable bargains but next year is going to be different and skiers need to know this.”
Yellowlees-Bound said Erna Low was putting up its prices by around 10% on average next season as a result of a fall in the value of the Euro against the pound.
She admitted that cash-strapped families would find it difficult to pay for their ski holidays and, among her tips for saving money, she suggested people book early and also take their children out of school to avoid travelling in peak season.
“You can quote me on that: I suggest you take your children out of school and travel in January,” she said.
Simone Clark, sales and marketing director of online ski retailer iglu.com, said prices would undoubtedly rise across the board next winter.
“The bargain chalets in posh resorts simply won’t be available any more, “ she said. “If you want a specific chalet, in a specific resort during a specific week, you need to get in quick and book early while there are incentives to do that.
“Only hang around for a last minute bargain if you don’t care where you go, where you stay or when you go.”
by Jeremy Skidmore (www.jeremyskidmore.com)
Jeremy Skidmore
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