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Operators seek alternatives for skiers


SKIoperators are attempting to find customers alternative resorts if their chosen destination is blocked by the avalanches that have hit Europe over the last few weeks.



The worst weather in the Alps for more than four decades has already claimed up to 50 lives.



Inghams sales manager Laurence Hicks said 54 clients had become stranded in Lech, Austria, and were due to be evacuated late last week.



The operator stopped taking clients to the Austrian resorts of Galtr and Ischgl last weekend, the two worst affected areas.



“Our advice in resort is to follow local guidelines, while customers yet to travel are being told to go to their destination where, depending on the situation, they may be taken to alternative resorts,” added Hicks. “The situation is changing on a daily basis.”



He stressed, however, that the heavy snow falls had benefited other resorts. “About 95% of resorts are enjoying their best skiing conditions,” he said.



First Choice ski marketing and planning director Adrian Harwood claimed the avalanches had not had an effect on business.



“Customers are ringing us for reassurance but they are not cancelling their holidays and bookings are not slowing down,” he said.



Thomson said three of its customers who were in Galtr at the time of last week’s avalanche have been accounted for.



A spokesman said: “We contacted all those due to travel on Saturday and advised them in was unsafe to travel to Ischgl and Galtr.”


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