Skiers are booking earlier and opting for all-inclusive packages to shield them from rising costs, a new study suggests.
More than half (56%) of those keen to head to the slopes this winter had booked their ski holiday by September – a 30% increase compared to the same time last year – with 91% saying they booked early to secure the best price, according to Club Med.
Over than a third (40%) of skiers are now opting for all-inclusive trips, described as the best value accommodation type this season, with travel in December dominating.
But two thirds of skiers (68%) are concerned about snowfall and conditions going into the 2024-25 season, up by 47% year-on-year.
Three in 10 now review recent snow conditions of a resort during the booking process – a 50% increase compared to last winter season.
As many as 82% would be more likely to book a high altitude resort, but they are concerned about increased costs involved
Value for money is the most important factor when deciding what to book – with 42% of skiers citing it as a key consideration in light of the UK’s current economic landscape.
However, they are still willing to spend an average of £1,840 per person on a week’s ski holiday, £381 more than in 2023. More than a third of avid skiers are prepared to take two or three trips this season.
The average Club Med customer spends £2,000pp for a week’s all-inclusive package including food, drink kids clubs, lift passes and 25 hours of group ski lessons.
A total of 88% of skiers say they would be more likely to book with an operator that includes lift passes within their overall package price.
Half of those skiers yet to book this winter’s holiday intend to do so a month or less prior to departure.
The largest factor in deciding to book last minute is the hope of finding a late deal, with 52% of those yet to book their 2024-25 ski holiday opting to wait for offers.
Second to late deals, one third (32%) have opted to delay booking their ski holiday to check snowfall levels, and plan to book based on the best conditions. Two thirds of skiers (68%) are concerned about snowfall and conditions going into the 2024-25 season, a 47% increase compared to those concerned ahead of last winter.
Two thirds (67%) of those surveyed look at the eco credentials of providers before booking their holiday.
This figure has increased from 60% in 2023, highlighting the ever growing significance of sustainability for customers and how this is a key factor when selecting a holiday, according to the report.
Of the 1,000 UK skiers and snowboarders surveyed, air pollution (45%) and plastic waste (44%) are perceived to have the most impact on the environment when it comes to international holidays, followed by energy consumption (37%), food waste (36%), and deforestation (29%).
Switzerland accounts for almost a third (30%) of bookings or intended bookings for the upcoming season, followed by France (24%), Austria (19%), Italy (18%), Canada (14%) and the US (9%).
This represents a 30% increase for Switzerland and 20% increase for France.
Club Med UK, Ireland & Nordics managing director Nicholas Bresch said: “Whilst it’s pleasing to see that the travel landscape is on its way to making a full recovery from the past few years, we acknowledge that a number of factors, such as rising inflation, are still a key consideration for travellers when planning their next ski holiday.
“Now more than ever, overall value for money and reliable snow conditions are vital when influencing skiers’ choice of destination and resort.
“We benefit from a number of high-altitude resorts which are snow-sure, including the newly renovated Serre Chevalier where 80% of the slopes are above 2,000 metres.
“Furthermore, as we approach the 2024-25 season we’ve seen a marked increase in travellers looking to book all-inclusive, with our research showing that 40% of skiers are opting for all-inclusive.”