Novice skiers lead race to the slopes

New research has found that the pandemic hasn’t put people off trying skiing for the first time this winter. More than 60 per cent of those surveyed by all-inclusive operator Club Med said they plan to go on their first ski holiday this season – and 81 per cent of these first-time skiers have chosen a wintersports holiday because their usual winter break still isn’t feasible.

Almost a quarter of those surveyed (24 per cent) said they would usually go to a winter sun destination, but have changed their plans this year in favour of a trip to the slopes. “Obviously on the surface it might seem that sunbathing in the Indian Ocean might have little in common with skiing in the Alps, but both holidays offer the chance to get outside, feel the sunshine and escape the short, dark days in the UK,” said Estelle Giraudeau, managing director for Club Med in the UK and northern Europe. As a result, the operator anticipates increased demand for off-the-slopes activities, such as excursions, dog sledding and nordic walking.

This eagerness to hit the slopes from both veteran skiers and novices is resulting in record sales – peak weeks for the operator are close to capacity and almost half (49 per cent) of those

polled said they are prepared to spend more on a winter sports holiday this year than previously. Club Med’s average spend for ski trips has increased by 22 per cent compared with 2019.

Almost half (44 per cent) are also considering visiting a new destination and despite transatlantic travel restrictions still being in place, Aspen in the US was the top resort, chosen as the go-to destination by 18 per cent of those surveyed.

“For those who love skiing, myself included, there has been a void in our lives for the past two winters,” said

Giraudeau. “But operators are finding people are willing to go the extra mile to secure a long-awaited trip to the slopes.”

Nineteen months of unpredictable travel rules have hit consumer confidence, however, and the majority of skiers plan to book closer to their departure dates than before. Almost half are prepared to leave it a month in advance (46 per cent), with one in five (20 per cent) saying they will book as late as just two weeks before departure.

Peak season: all-inclusive ski resorts such as Club Med Québec are rising in popularity