Reasons for cautious optimism ahead of ski season

Friday 23 October 2009

Ski operators are "cautious but confident" ahead of this year's ski season, the Ski Club of Great Britain has said.

In its annual Snowsport Analysis, the club reported a six per cent decline overall in the UK snowsports market.

However, Al Morgan, its information manager, explained that early season deals and the fact that the industry is "pulling together" are causes for cautious optimism.

"The credit crunch hit at a bad time in the snowsports market but the skiing industry is resilient and we are feeling positive looking to the winter season," he said.

Mr Morgan went on to say that, although the industry had seen a decline, it was not "hugely surprising".

According to the ski club, France continues to dominate the UK snowsports market with a 43 percent share.

This figure has remained static since the 2007-08 season, with the total UK snowsports market now totalling 1.27 million people.