More than 20 of Europe's leading ski resorts have raised prices by at least 10% for this winter, adding to the challenges faced by British snow lovers after two seasons badly impacted by Covid-19.
Europe's energy crisis will make skiing more expensive and slower, and the strikes in Britain will make it difficult to get to and from resorts.
Ski pass prices in Avoriaz have gone up for the first time in two years. Ski-lift heating shuts off when the doors are open. The lifts in Saas-Fee are running at a slower pace.
Across Europe, prices are going up. The cost of a week in the high-end Swiss resort of Zermatt is 25% more than last year, according to data from Post Office Travel Money. The prices in France have gone up. The price of Bansko in Bulgaria is less expensive than it was a year ago.
There were flight cancelations due to the cold weather. Travel to and from the UK could be disrupted for the rest of December due to seven days of strikes by UK Border Force officials.
Despite the weak pound, Europe's energy crisis and concern over climate change, demand for ski holidays in the UK is still high.
Richard Sinclair said that inflation has increased the cost. The annual ski trip is the most important holiday for skiers.
According to a survey of 3,000 people conducted for winter tourism business associations in Austria, Germany and Switzerland, demand for ski holidays is still strong, with people shortening trips to save money.
Across Europe, the cost of a week's skiing increases by 25% or more.
Sources: Crystal Ski Holidays, Post Office Travel Money
Many of the UK's enthusiasm is due to groups of people who booked early in 2022, after the Pandemic derailed their plans two years in a row, locking in prices before the cost-of- living crisis took hold.
Diane Palumbo is the sales and marketing director at Skiworld, the UK's largest independent ski tour operator.
Your guide to living wellYour guide to living wellYour guide to living wellTreat yourself to the Pursuits Weekly newsletter.Treat yourself to the Pursuits Weekly newsletter.Treat yourself to the Pursuits Weekly newsletter.The pound has lost some of its value against the euro, but is still above the 1.17 mark. The cost of skiing in Switzerland is 10% more expensive in pound terms this season than it was a year ago.
Swiss ski holidays are 10% more expensive for Britons this year.
There is a source for this.
Travelers can lock in their budget with an all-inclusive holiday package. According to SNO, the share of all-inclusive bookings increased to 30% this season.
Many will not be able to ski this year. Wasteland Travel said demand is below expectations.
The bigger effect that we are seeing is not cost increases but consumer confidence.
With help from Marton Eder.
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