If the 10,000 winter sports fans that descended on London’s ExCel exhibition centre last weekend are anything to go by, this ski season promises to be noisy, vibrant and welcoming.
Thrilled that there was an event for the snow sports community back in the capital, the 100 brands, resorts, tour operators and associations inside set the tone.
From a fun-packed two days, there were some clear trends to be spotted as well for the winter ahead.
It’s back to business
After a tumultuous few years, it finally feels like the snow sports industry has got its mojo back. Early bookings have been strong (tour operators are reporting great figures as customers book early) and resorts across the Alps and further afield are pushing full calendars of events.
For many of the Snow Show attendees, this optimism is a breath of fresh air and a wonderful reminder that snow sports is back to doing what it does best — simply being fun.
Introducing ski school 2.0
Long gone are the days of dull kids clubs and boring ski lessons — now it’s all about creating fun, engaging and entertaining moments for the little ones. Tour operators and resorts realise the best way to encourage more people to hit the slopes is to appeal to families, so this winter there’s more than ever on offer for children.
Esprit Ski has igloo building classes, Pila in Italy’s Aosta Valley has created a fun park for sleds and tubing, and Les Menuires gives children the chance to leap from a (mock) helicopter.
Recycled materials everywhere
From Maier Sports’ extensive range of technical gear to OOSC’s vibrant all-in-one ski suits, you couldn’t move for recycled materials being used in technical snow sports wear — and this will be the fashion trend of the season.
Even skis are getting in on the act, says James Clark, managing director at Ski Exchange. “Rossignol has launched the Essential ski, which is made from 73 per cent recycled materials. And the majority of the ski can be recycled at the end of its life too.”
It’s all about the value
Unsurprisingly, as we face the cost-of-living crisis, skiers are looking at ways to maximise the bang they get for their buck. “People are comparing holidays and asking if it’s the best price, or can they change something to make it better — perhaps a different duration, or a different type of accommodation,” says Iain Archer of Andorra Travel Service.
Trains are the star
One of the big questions being asked at the London Snow Show was how can skiers be more sustainable? One answer was to ditch flights, which can reduce the carbon footprint of a ski holiday by 85 per cent. Enquiries with Inghams for travel by train have doubled in the past two months.
Starting prices with Travel Ski are from £99 one-way from London to Bourg St Maurice. “Just remember to plan ahead and you’re in for a treat,” says Iain Martin, of SkiFlightFree.org. “The train is such a relaxing and efficient way to travel compared with flying.”
