Slip Sliding Away - 2011 Ski Holidays
jJust a couple of years ago it was fashionable, now the once flying ski vacations industry has had to retreat from the days when a winter holiday was in vogue for families looking for some fun in addition to their normal summer trips.
Just three years ago all seemed to be going well, with increasing numbers of people taking to the slopes, but the recession sparked by the banking meltdown put all that into reverse, and ski holiday travel companies have had to cut back on what they were able to offer over the last two years.
Will 2011 see a pick up in their fortunes?
A lot will depend on the economy, and how confident people are about being able to afford a winter break. With cutbacks on public expenditure, those whose jobs are in the public sector might be nervous about spending money while their jobs are uncertain.
Elsewhere though it might be a different story. Bonuses are back for bankers, and it was the banking and finance sectors that helped fuel the increase in skiers opting for in fashion but quite expensive Swiss ski holidays for example.
Like elsewhere another popular destination Andorra has seen a drop in visitors over the last couple of years, but hopes are high locally that 2011 will see a revival in fortunes. Andorra used to be a cheap ski holiday destination, but after spending millions on improved facilities it competes with France for those considering the Pyrenees.
And Andorra is able to compete with the best of the French resorts when it comes to accommodation for a 2011 ski holiday. Soldeu, the best known of Andorra's resorts, has a good choice of hotels, including 5 star and others with spa facilities, very close to the slopes.
As well as Soldeu, other resorts include next door El Tarter. Higher up is Pas del Casa, and below both these but with great snow is Arinsal. Pas de la Casa and Arinsal have an active nightlife, while Soldeu is more for those who enjoy good restaurants after a day on the pistes than clubbing. For seeing more of the country including the capital la Vella where there are plenty of department stores with duty free shopping, Arinsal has the edge over Pas de la Casa for convenience, as it's a quarter of an hour away and served by a good bus route.
But it's France that attracts half of all British people taking a ski holiday, and it is here that will determine whether 2011 sees a pick up in the industry's fortunes. Popular areas for a French ski holiday include Chamonix, La Plagne, Les Arcs, Meribel and Val d'Isere.
The accessibility of France from the UK is one of the primary drivers for attracting half of the skiers - plenty of airlines have cheap flights, Eurotunnel run special trains to the resorts during the season from London, while ferry companies such as Brittany Ferries offer excellent rates for those who want to take their own car (and often ski equipment) and drive through France - the British skier is spoiled for choice when it comes to getting to the resorts.
Other areas that see British skiers apart from France and Andorra in numbers include Bulgaria, Italy, France, Switzerland and ski holidays Austria in Europe, while further afield Lake Louise and Whistler are popular in Canada, and in the U.S. Aspen in Colorado along with Breckenridge and Vail are the most popular.
All will be hoping that 2011 sees the return of people taking a winter ski vacation.
About the Author
As well as the European ski resorts yourandorra.com has travel and accommodation resources for ski holidays Canada
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