Where to Ski And Snowboard - Crystal stops ski hosting in Italy

Crystal stops ski hosting in Italy

13th November 2014, by Abi Butcher

Crystal has suspended ski hosting in Italy this winter

Crystal has today announced that ski hosting will be suspended in Italy this winter due to “local legal restrictions” similar to those in France.

A spokesman for Crystal told Where to Ski and Snowboard: “In September, all tour operators operating in the Piemonte region were contacted by the Ski School Association advising them that they were in breach of Italian regulations regarding social skiing services on the mountain.

“As a result of this, we have taken the decision to remove social skiing from all resorts in Italy for this winter. It is classed as a criminal offence, and if caught would result in our reps being fined and prosecuted.”

Ski hosting — where holidaymakers are guided around resorts by tour operator staff — was suspended last year in France. Currently only qualified ski instructors or mountain guides are able to guide skiers around the mountain.

British tour operators, lead by Le Ski, are currently challenging the legalities of the ban imposed in France last year.

But the news that ski hosting is restricted this winter in Italy will come as a shock to skiers already angry that hosting is banned in France. The situation is also understood to be precarious in Austria.

A statement released by Crystal this morning said: “Crystal customers will continue to be supported by our expert in-resort teams and the new Crystal Ski Explorer app.”

Inghams has subsequently confirmed to WTSS that it has withdrawn ski hosting, too.

A spokesman said: “Following an announcement received this week from governmental authorities in Italy, we regret to confirm that all ski tour operators have been instructed to withdraw their Ski Hosting services for Winter 2014/15. This decision affects all our resorts in Italy, and we deeply regret any disappointment this may cause our guests.”