Snowsports Growth

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The total UK snowsports market has grown by 2% according to the Ski Club of Great Britain’s 2005 Snowsports Analysis – an independent report on the UK snowsports market. The total snowsports market is estimated at 1.23 million people, which means a growth of 11.5% since the 2000/2001 season.

This growth has mainly been seen in the independent sector which has risen 6% year on year. Representing 21% of the overall market, this rise has been attributed to the increase in affordable airline routes and the emergence of smaller independent companies offering accommodation only options and allowing for flexible breaks.

The tour operator market also saw growth of 1% year on year, with the North American market remaining strong, peak season dates selling well and many skiers taking advantage of last minute deals.

Fiona Sweetman, Marketing Manager at the Ski Club of Great Britain said of the rise: “We are not surprised that the snowsports market in the UK is thriving. There is a real positive feel in the industry at present and with the great end of season snow in Europe and North America this season looks likely to be just as good if not better than 2004/5!”

The report also highlights other several other industry trends:

 With the rise in the independent market, there has also been an increase in fly-drive, with car hire becoming a popular option. The knock on effect has been a decrease in people taking the ski train and travelling by coach to resort.

 Austria and Bulgaria have increased their share of the UK snowsports market and France remains the leader with 42% of the market. The report also lists the top resorts in France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, USA and Canada.

 The UK snowsports scene is thriving at present and the report acknowledges the impact of the indoor slopes and healthy freestyle scene.

 Climate change and snowsports has become a high profile topic and the UK snowsports industry is beginning to take action. This has been led by the Ski Club of Great Britain’s Respect the Mountain Campaign.

 Females represent 43% of the snowsports market as the industry offers women-only holidays, women’s ski courses, female-only hardware lines and clothing.

The annual report was compiled using data from questionnaires sent to UK tour operators, resorts, travel agencies and transport companies following the 2004/2005 season. This data was supported by other industry reports and polls from the Ski Club of Great Britain’s website.

12 April 2006
Ski Club of Great Britain