WINTER ‘gappies’ are overtaking the clubland sun-seekers in the British holiday market, with 44 percent of UK holidaymakers saying they prefer #skiresorts to beach ones. The phenomenon of the ski season gap year is growing rapidly in popularity, a study by my Travel Cash found.
Young people are favouring luxury ski resorts thanks to the increase in party destinations and budget ski deals on offer. The study found that one in five British holidaymakers are abandoning the booze cruise and shunning sunny shores in favour of luxury ski resorts to holiday with friends.
The survey revealed that off-piste activity is the top trend for ski resort tourists. Winter holiday hotspots such as #Vald'Isere and Tignes have shot up in popularity, where the action can be less exciting as what happens back at the lodges. Even for those who like to take to the slopes, 68 percent spend at least a day and a half of their holiday enjoying food and drink in their cabins, as well as shopping and sight-seeing, rather than hitting the slopes. Thirteen percent do not take part in any snow sports.
A ski instructor at the French ski resort of Morzine confirms that it’s not the landscapes and sporting opportunities that offer the biggest pull to young Brits: ‘Ski season means party season, and the nightlife is as important as the daytime activities in Morzine. #Apre-ski starts at around 4pm and continues in to the early hours, then those who do ski or board will get up to clear the hangover with fresh air back on the pistes.’
For those who take part in sports activities, a ski season offers the chance for tourists to pad out their CVs while simultaneously enjoying the party lifestyle. Morzine’s ski instructor continues: ‘It’s common for Brits to become qualified ski instructors while they do a season. This looks good to employers and is an alternative to doing promo or holiday repping in Ibiza.”
Ian Johnson, Sales Director at my Travel Cash, said: ‘Overall, snow holidays are currently more achievable than previously thought. Sterling has recently experienced its biggest high since 2007 against currencies including the euro, meaning holiday money can stretch a lot further than people might think, especially in European destinations.
Top 10 snow destinations highlighted by the My Travel Cash research:
1. France (35%)
2. Austria (31%)
3. Italy (9%)
4. Switzerland (9%)
5. Bulgaria (5%)
6. USA (4%)
7. Canada (3.5%)
8. Spain (2%)
9. Norway (2%)
10. Germany (2%)
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