Market update by Alan Moore
SKIdestinations are coming under the spotlight with Quebec stepping up promotion of its ski destinations for next season following more investment in the province’s resorts and additional winter flights from the UK to Montreal.
Destination Quebec UKdirector Josephine Wiggall-Lazarus said: “Growing interest in North American skiing and a strong pound against the Canadian dollar are good incentives for tour operators to take a closer look at alternative areas such as Quebec.
“A lot of Britons are travelling to eastern resorts and Quebec is a viable option and very competitive on price. It can also offer relatively short flight times and transfers to resorts.”
She added: “Next season, we are going to have a more concentrated effort in promoting skiing to both the trade and consumer.
“We have to ensure the trade feels confident about what they’re selling in Quebec but the main emphasis will be on improving the knowledge and awareness of the destination to the consumer.”
This follows last year’s publication of three winter-sports guides for the trade and consumer outlining the best areas, conditions, type of skiing, facilities and other winter activities available in the province.
The season runs from mid-November to early May and includes downhill skiing, cross country and extensive night skiing, as well as snowboarding, snow-mobiling, snow rafting, snow-shoeing and dog-sledding.
The major resort of Tremblant, now featured by mainstream ski operators such as Crystal, Inghams and Neilson, is embarking on a further £4m phase of development, while the four Greater Quebec resorts of Monte-Sainte-Anne, Stoneham, Le Massif and Le Relais have combined to offer a three-day multi-lift ticket for the first time this season.
Called Carte Blanche, this is expected to lead to further co-operation by the major resort areas.
Tremblant, now owned by the Intrawest organisation, will have invested around £200m in the development of mountain sites and resort accommodation by 2002 in its quest to establish itself as a four-season destination.
Wiggall-Lazarus said: “The latest development has included opening up 20% more ski runs on the south face of the mountain, to a total of 90 runs. There is also a new 60-acre location for glade skiing in forested areas which is suitable for the more expert skier.
“Monte-Sainte-Anne also has the largest night-skiing facilities in Canada, which means clients can ski for much longer during their holiday if they wish to.
“In addition, Quebec is more than able to cater for the fast-growing sport of snowmobiling, with more than 18,750 miles of easily accessible trails.”
She added that although Quebec’s ski resorts are not as high altitude as those in western Canada, conditions are good due to prolonged snowfall.
The short flight time to Montreal of around 6hrs is another key factor that Wiggall-Lazarus wants to emphasise in any ski promotion, as well as the opportunity to sample a short break in the city.
Both Air Canada and Canadian Airlines have increased their capacity between Heathrow and Montreal, while charter carrier Canada 3000 is planning a second weekly service next winter from Gatwick.
Wiggall Lazarus said: “We also want to take a more themed approach to product in Quebec, such as shopping and entertainment, and Montreal offers the diversity of New York or Paris, and even combines aspects of both cities.”
Ski packages
Inghams Ski: choice of six, 10 and 13-night hotel and apartment holidays. Six nights in a studio apartment at Le Saint Bernard, sleeping up to four people, from £417 per person with charter flights from Gatwick on Canada 3000 during February plus coach transfers. Pre-bookable ski rental from £48 per adult, £30 per child.
Neilson: options are for either hotels and apartments. Six, 10 and 13-night packages are available with Canada 3000. Flights including car hire or coach transfers. Six nights at the Chateau Mont Tremblant room-only from £485 during March. Pre-bookable add-ons include four-day ski school from £73 for an adult, £85 for children aged eight-12 years.
Crystal: a choice of hotels, lodges and condominiums. Seven, 10 and 14-night holidays based on Wednesday flights with British Airways from Heathrow. Other days and carriers at a supplement; charters at a £39 reduction. The price for one week at the newly introduced Le Grand Lodge for a studio suite sleeping up to four is £369 per person. A week’s learn to ski package costs £99 during February and March.
Travel 4: eight-day Mont Tremblant Ski package with daily coach departures from Montreal to the resort. Includes transfers, seven nights’ accommodation at Canadian Pacific Chateau Mont Tremblant, services of a local rep and information pack. Twinshare prices are £356 per person until February 11 and £421 from February 12 to April 12. Flights are not included.