Where to Ski And Snowboard - Crystal reports growth in skiing

Crystal reports growth in skiing

9th September 2015, by Abi Butcher

Crystal reports strong growth in family and under-35 skiers

Despite a hit-and-miss season, with below average snowfall, major transfer day issues in France and strange, changeable snow conditions, Crystal Ski Holidays has reported strong growth in its ski market.

Over the 2014-15 ski season, Crystal registered a 7% increase in the number of customers it took on holiday, with families and under 35s increasing even more.

France was again the most popular destination for Crystal customers, followed by Austria and Italy. Andorra and Bulgaria saw steady growth last year, while Canada and the Nordic countries remained popular. Norway, Switzerland the USA remained static.

In response to the worsening “ski hosting” situation, last season Crystal launched a Ski Explorer app to help guide skiers around the slopes. The app was available across most of the 136 resorts offered by Crystal, and more than a quarter of its clients used the technology.

Perhaps more will do so this year, since Crystal has decided to bow to pressure from European countries and ditch ski hosting — currently illegal in France, and “iffy” in Italy and Austria — for the coming season, and forseeable future.

Tamsin Todd, managing director Crystal Ski Holidays: “We are delighted that despite all the changeable weather conditions the ski industry had to cope with last winter, we have inspired British skiers and reminded them how fantastic a ski holiday is. Next season we are combining an even wider choice of resorts and direct flights with our expert in-resort service as we aim to make the mountains accessible to everyone looking to enjoy a holiday on the slopes.”

This coming season, Crystal introduces Châtel and Sainte-Foy to its programme in France, Corvara, Colfosco and Arabba in the Italian Dolomites as well as Pyhä in Finland.