Ski demand exceeds pre-Covid levels despite jump in Europe resort prices

Ski holiday bookings for this winter are exceeding pre-Covid levels despite the weaker pound and higher resort charges in Europe, a survey has found.

The 16th annual Post Office Ski Resort Report, produced with Crystal Ski Holidays, found that prices for ski school, equipment, lift passes, meals and drinks have risen this year – but pent-up post-pandemic demand means that sales from the UK are “looking healthy”.

Bulgaria (pictured) again offers the best value and several Italian resorts dominate the 10 top places. Switzerland remains the most expensive, costing more than twice as much as the three cheapest resorts.

The report notes that many of the increases are relatively small, with more than a third of the 32 ski resorts surveyed registering price rises of 7% or less for the Post Office adult skiing basket of costs.

Using local prices provided by Tui-owned Crystal Ski Holidays and converted to sterling by Post Office Travel Money, Borovets (£506) tops the best value table, although prices have risen 12.8% year-on-year.

A second Bulgarian resort, Bansko (£537), has dropped to third place after being overtaken by Bardonecchia, Italy (£513).

Italy continues to represent the best value for Britons among the ‘big four’ ski destinations of Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland.

Skiing in Zermatt, Switzerland, will cost the most at £1,367, an increase of 15%.

More: Value for money ski holidays ‘of utmost importance’ amid cost-of-living crunch

Comment: Ski resorts will thrive this season despite cost-of-living crisis

Nick Boden, head of Post Office Travel Money, said: “Ski resort costs are likely to play an important part in destination choice this year as the weaker pound puts pressure on the holiday purse.

“Despite the price rises we found this year, there are still great value resorts to choose from in Bulgaria and Italy and Britons who want to visit traditional favourites Austria and France will find competitively priced skiing in several of the most popular resorts.”

Chris Logan, managing director of Crystal Ski Holidays, added: “We can see from bookings for the upcoming season that the demand for ski holidays is even stronger than pre-pandemic.

“Skiers and snowboarders alike are eager to get to the slopes, especially if they missed out on their winter trip last year due to another turbulent season.

“Customers are more cost-savvy than ever, with bookings for places that offer the best value to UK travellers, like Bulgaria and Italy, particularly good.

“Bosnia and Herzegovina is a brand new budget destination offering excellent snow and great activities as well as rich culture and history.”