Where to Ski And Snowboard - Skiers are returning to Andorra

Skiers are returning to Andorra

21st September 2014, by Abi Butcher

Great snow and investment in Andorra has boosted its popularity among skiers

Switzerland and Andorra are slowly but surely growing in popularity again, according to recent ski industry reports.

In its 2014 consumer research, the Ski Club of Great Britain reported that customers consistently rated Andorra highly for its lift systems, ski schools, bars and nightlife — and that it once again came top of the polls for value for money.

The same research concluded that skiers liked Switzerland because it is easy to get to and transfer around, has good quality accommodation and food, and plenty of non-skiing activities. The report said: “Its visitors are not too bothered by exchanged rates and are becoming increasingly loyal.”

Ski Club chief executive Frank McCusker said: “The scores that these top resorts and organisations are producing are comparable to the very best in industry seen from companies such as Apple.”

Andorra is the fourth favourite place to ski for Brits, behind Italy, Austria and France in top.

Ten years ago, Andorra commanded a 13% share of the British wintersports market, just less than double it has now, but the country is fighting back. Read WTSS Abi Butcher’s blogs from Arcalis and Soldeu in Andorra earlier this year.

Andy Perrin of Inghams said: “the improvements to the ski-lift systems, the linking up of ski areas they have done, and parallel investment in the hotels over the last decade have definitely all pulled Andorra up the quality ranking. It’s still very good value indeed (and a terrific place to ski) - just no longer ‘unbeatable value’ as it was in its heyday.”

Although France maintains its number one position, with 33.5 per cent of the market, according to the Crystal Ski Holidays 2014 industry report, it has declined slightly from 34.8 per cent. Austria has seen a very slight decrease from 28.2 per cent in 2013 to 28 per cent in 2014, largely due to below-average snowfall and warm temperatures in March. Italy ranks third favourite for Brits — up to 15.7 per cent of the market last season from 15.2, largely due to record-breaking snow and good value packages.

Andorra comes in fourth place with 6.8 per cent of the market share (up from 6.6 per cent), with Switzerland snapping at its heels — with a remarkable rise from 5.5 per cent last season to 6.5 per cent in 2014.

Last season, 3.8 per cent of skiers and boarders booking through Crystal headed to North America, down 0.2 per cent from the previous season, with Bulgaria on 2.2 per cent and Scandinavia up to 1.5 per cent from 1.3 per cent the year before.