Sterling's slump against the Swiss franc means that UK skiers will face higher prices in Switzerland this year - according to the fifth annual Ski Resort Report from Post Office Travel Money. But there is better news elsewhere in Europe. The pound is currently pegged at 2010 levels against the euro and Bulgarian lev? so bargain-hunters can keep costs to a minimum by heading to ski resorts in Bulgaria, Andorra or Slovenia, the cheapest destinations surveyed.
Produced in conjunction with ski operator Crystal Ski, the 2011 Post Office Ski Resort Report investigated costs in eight European and two North American destinations - finding Bulgaria to be cheapest for skiers whose main consideration is cost2.
At a total of �263 for ski equipment, lift passes and ski tuition plus drinks and an evening meal for two, Bansko was over �100 cheaper than Andorra's Arinsal, the runner up resort and lowest-priced in the eurozone. Prices were down by over five per cent in both Bansko and Arinsal. Slovenia's emerging Bohinj resort, which was included in the report for the first time, was a close third.
Prices have risen by over 26 per cent in Switzerland where higher resort charges have been compounded by the plunging pound, now worth 9.1 per cent less than a year ago. Although sterling has rallied from a year low in August when it was worth 17.7 per cent less than now, Adelboden in Switzerland was most expensive in Europe (�654.54) and higher-priced than its 'Big Four' rivals - Italy, France and Austria.
Italy is off to a flying start this year, according to Crystal Ski, which reported a 33 per cent year-on-year growth in late September, and the Post Office report may explain why. Livigno was lowest-priced of the 'Big Four' resorts surveyed (�451.42) - almost one-third cheaper (31 per cent) than Switzerland. The early bookings surge may also have been boosted by demand for high resorts after last season's snow shortage.
The Post Office again found wide variations in the prices charged across Europe. An evening meal in Livigno, Italy (�61.32) cost over twice as much as in Formigal, Spain (�30.19) and was even more expensive than in Switzerland (�45.38). Apart from this, Adelboden was the highest-priced European ski resort for every item surveyed - most notably for a 50cl carafe of wine, which will knock wine lovers back �26.92.
Schladming in Austria lost its position as cheapest of the established 'Big Four' resorts surveyed to Livigno because of the high cost of ski school tuition. At �159.43 for five/six days' tuition, Schladming was highest-priced in the eurozone for ski school and 69 per cent more expensive than in Italy.��
Transatlantic trips to Canada and the USA remain the most expensive options for skiers - even though prices have fallen over 25 per cent in Banff, Canada. A 2.7 per cent weakening of sterling against the US dollar helped make Killington, another new resort surveyed, marginally more expensive than Banff and highest-priced overall.
Sarah Munro, Post Office Head of Travel Money, said: "With more pressure on the pocket than ever before, resort costs are likely to be a key factor in determining resort choice this year. Skiers on a budget have great value resorts to choose from if they head east to Bulgaria and Slovenia or west to Andorra.� Italy is also looking good for those skiers who prefer skiing in one of the long-established favourites."However, in these uncertain times it is crucial to plan carefully. Compare resort prices and ensure your package is protected by a fully-bonded tour operator. Don't leave home without comprehensive travel insurance and avoid wasting cash through last minute airport currency purchases. Cut costs abroad by using a credit card like the Post Office credit card that offers 0 per cent commission on purchases overseas."
Simon Cross, Managing Director of Crystal Ski, said: "With the ski market falling 911,000 skiers last season3, there are fewer ski holidays on offer for the coming winter. Demand for peak weeks is strong and half term is heavily booked, although we have added more flights and accommodation to help meet demand. Customers can keep their costs down by booking early and pre-booking ski equipment or taking advantage of special incentives like the offer of free lift passes in some French resorts and Switzerland4. These have already helped generate bookings for hard-pressed Swiss resorts."
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