Easter is looking like it will be a busy one in ski resorts with tour operators and ski travel agencies reporting booming sales as restrictions ease and travel confidence returns.
“Easter has just become a real gift for those wanting to get onto the slopes, with the government having today (11th February) removed the need for Covid testing on return to the UK. This has not only reduced the cost of a ski holiday, which is already competitive during April, but the requirement for less testing makes travelling so much easier and less cumbersome for vaccinated skiers,” said Laura Hazell, Sales & Marketing Director for Brighton based Ski Beat.
Some companies are reporting skiers who could not travel to France when Brits were locked out over Christmas and New Year re-booking for Easter, others that people who booked for Easter 2020 in the first month of the pandemic, then held their bookings over to 2021 and then again held their bookings to this coming April, are looking forward to finally getting on the Easter slopes for the first time in three years.
Then there are just bookings from people who don’t fit either of the above categories but have been waiting for the chance to get back on the slopes.
“Easter is mega busy, a lot more than normal because a lot of our December clients who could not go went for Easter instead. Also it’s French and Belgian holidays for both the week of the 7th and the 9th so a lot less availability left than normal for this time of year. Everyone is mega confident now both in France, Europe and the UK with regards to the rest of the season. Every bit of Covid uncertainty seems to have been lifted,” commented Xavier Schouller, boss of Peak Retreats.
The busiest week currently looks to be from April 2nd, with more availability remaining from April 9th.
“Pierre & Vacances has been delighted to welcome Brits back to France generally, and indeed a number of customers who were disappointed in December and January have rebooked for March and April dates with April 2nd already being virtually sold out,” said Cathy Rankin, Sales Director UK / IE, adding “However, for customers looking for a spring ski getaway, who have yet to book, there is more availability than expected in the week commencing 9th April due to the clash with the upcoming French presidential elections, and therefore more French customers staying home to vote!”
One of the UK’s largest tour operators, Inghams, has extended their programme to run for an extra week to the 16th April in response to demand.
Others are saying travel even later in April if you can,
“We can see a really positive attitude to getting back on the slopes, helped by general restrictions easing in France (après-ski starts again next week). Most people booked very early for April as the Easter holiday makers hadn’t been able to ski for the last two years!” said Joanna Laforge, Commercial Director at Ski France, who added, “Since France opened up to the UK again, the bookings for late season have really soared, but we still have some late availability in chalets and hotels for those who want to come. In order for clients to really make the most of this season, our Hotel-Spa Le Mottaret, in Meribel, is open until the very last day of the season, closing on Sunday 23 April, so that people can enjoy spring skiing in the 3 Valleys until the last minute.”