Record year in the works for European ski resorts
Abi BrayUnseasonably heavy snowfalls have given a real boost to Ski resorts in the Alps which have kicked-off their season earlier than ever.
Over the last few days, skiers and snowboarders took advantage of amazing conditions for this time of year and a string of European resorts started their season earlier than usual thanks to 20ins (50cm) of snow falling during the past week.
Snow accumulation have already reached a staggering 3ft (1m) on upper slopes of In Saas Fee in Switzerland, while Kitzbühel in Austria earlier broke an 80-year record by opening on October 24.
Ski tour operators said the great snow falls have contributed to drive sharp increases in ski holiday bookings, which helps countering the impact of the recession.
Ski Club of Great Britain spokesperson Betony Garner said fantastic snowfalls across France, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland are exceptional for this time of year.
According to Ms Garner, this is fantastic news for ski fans wanting to book holidays in December and in the New Year, because the quantity of snow instills confidence that there will be an excellent base layer of snow on the hills.
The resorts of Verbier, Zermatt and Saas Fee in Switzerland have boasted excellent conditions after great snowfalls last Thursday and overnight on Saturday.
Kitzbühel was one of the first European resorts to open last month, and it got consistent heavy snow falls during the last three weeks.
Christoph Hirnschall, a spokesman for Kitzbühel lift staff, said that the resort is pleased to open the skiing facility at an earlier date and is thrilled to have broken the 80-year record.
Several ski resorts had expressed a growing sense of nervousity because of the unseasonably warm weather experienced through the last few years, with temperatures sometimes reaching 65F (18C).
The poor exchange rates on many currencies combined with the effects of the global economic crisis have been another source of worry for many alpine resorts and have forced many ski enthusiasts to cut their budgets for European holidays, especially British tourists.
But top tour operators First Choice Ski, Crystal, Thompson Ski, and Inghams, have claimed a surge in bookings because of the weather.
Snow tourism specialists have said that the large number of cheap deals on offer this year is also boosting sales.
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Filed under Europe News, Holiday News, Skiing holidays, Travel News