Archive for December, 2011
ski holiday price war and other ski travel news bits
It has been all doom and gloom in the press regarding ski travel and ski holidays. Lack of snow and lack of demand being the most obvious stories. Here our summary of main ski travel stories:
The Telegraph reports that a skiing price war has erupted after tour operators slashed prices to Alpine resorts following no snow and increased competition from cheap resorts in Bulgaria and Andorra. Skiing holidays in Bulgaria are growing in popularity, largely because of the low cost resulting in prices in the alps being slashed. Alpine operators have reacted by significantly cutting their prices undermining private accommodation owners. It seems to be a race to the bottom.
The same paper also reports that even if skiing in Bulgaria is cheap as chips, it is not Verbier. Price is the chief advantage of a ski holiday in Bulgaria. In fact, the paper goes as far as it is the only advantage. The quality of the skiing bears little comparison with Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland. The number of beds is Bulgarian resorts is now out of proportion to the uphill capacity, resulting in unacceptable queues at peak time.
Snow has finally started falling in some popular European ski resorts – bringing relief to winter holidaymakers and tour operators. The Sun reports that snow need to worry: Flakes blanket Europe’s ski resorts after fears pre-Christmas holidays would be ruined. We had up to 30cm finally falls over France, Switzerland and Austria where the slopes were worryingly green just a few days ago. Just nine out of 12 French resorts, the higher ones such as Tignes and Val Thorans had been open ahead of festive season compared to all pistes across France were almost all open this time last year.
On the other hand, Scotland has snow but bad weather. Some of Scotland’s ski centres will open this weekend for the first time this season, while others have been hampered by poor weather. Severe weather on Thursday has scuppered plans for Scotland’s five ski centres to open for snow sports at the weekend. The Nevis Range suffered particular problems, with lifts derailed and staff struggling to access the hill to prepare for the weekend. Glenshee and The Lecht in Aberdeenshire both plan to welcome the first skiiers and snowboarders on Saturday, though only a limited number of runs will be open.
Not too much news about. Well the snow has come, so no need to worry anylonger. Never been better to use our ski chalet finder.