Where to Ski And Snowboard - Inghams guarantees Swiss prices till Feb

Inghams guarantees Swiss prices till Feb

22nd January 2015, by Abi Butcher

Ski holidays in Switzerland will cost even more now the franc has soared

Ski tour operator Inghams is guaranteeing frozen prices in Switzerland until the end of February.

Following last week’s announcement on the discontinuation of the minimum exchange rate, the Swiss franc has soared against the pound by more than 20 pence. On 14 January, before the announcement, £1 was the equivalent of 1.55CHF, but today the exchange rate equates to around 1.30CHF — and even less if you walk up to a currency counter at the airport.

Hugh Walton, chief executive director of Inghams said: “We can confirm that we are freezing current winter season holiday prices for Switzerland at the ‘old’, significantly better exchange rates, saving guests approximately 18% off all their accommodation and transfer costs.”

While skiers who have pre-purchased their lift passes, ski school and ski/snowboard-rental in sterling from Inghams in advance will have protected themselves from the sudden currency swing, those who have not bought ski packs in advance will be affected by the exchange rate.

But Mr Walton is reminding clients travelling to Switzerland that then can minimise their in-resort spend by taking advantage of the ‘Inghams Plus’ added value offers such as that offered in the Inghams’ Chalet Hotel de Verbier which offers a hot breakfast, afternoon tea, five-course dinners and unlimited wine.

The swing in exchange rate is a further nail in the coffin for the British ski holiday to Switzerland. Last year many tour operators pulled out of Swiss ski resorts following the introduction of Swiss minimum wage for chalet staff, rendering all but top-end chalets too expensive to run.

At the time, Inghams CEO Andy Perrin told WTSS: “Switzerland are looking down the barrel of virtual collapse of the chalet sector, following the closure 22 out of 23 chalet properties in Switzerland owned by Inghams and its sister companies Esprit Ski and Ski Total.