Brits shun the sun for après-ski
Many Brits are shunning the sun in favour of a snow holiday, with 44 per cent of people revealing they would be happy to trade a beach holiday or city break for the slopes. Almost a fifth of people go on a snow holiday every year and over 20 per cent of lucky Brits hit the piste two or three times a year.
The lure of the powder keeps over 50 per cent of skiers and boarders out on the snow for 3-5 hours a day, while a more energetic 33 per cent practice their piste performance for up to ten hours a day. However, it’s not just snow activities that draw people to the mountains. While many people are choosing to spend a week in a ski resort, 13 per cent avoid taking part in any snow sports whatsoever.
The research conducted by my Travel Cash Prepaid MasterCard, reveals that off-the-snow activity is currently a top trend among holidaymakers. For those who like to take to the slopes, 68 per cent spend at least a day and a half of their holiday shopping, sight seeing, sampling food and drink and enjoying cabin facilities, rather than the slopes.
Myles Stephenson, CEO of my Travel Cash, said: “We wanted to get a real insight into snow holidays and emerging trends. From our research, we discovered that a snow break is becoming increasingly popular, with over two fifths stating they would happily trade a beach holiday or city break for a trip to the mountains. However, many Brits heading to the slopes do not partake in any snow sports or activities. Instead, people are happy enjoying their surroundings, the culture and facilities.”
my Travel Cash also found that a snow holidays is an experience best enjoyed with friends. Unlike a summer holiday where 50 per cent of Brits are happy to holiday with their partner, over a third admit they prefer to go on the piste with friends as opposed to their partner or family.
Unsurprisingly, the beginning of the year proves to be the most desirable time for a snow holiday with 69 per cent of those surveyed jetting off in January or February. And just over a fifth (22 per cent) swap the UK for the snow in March and April, when prices are a little lower than peak season. France tops the list of the most popular locations for a snow holiday, with 35 per cent choosing a break in the French mountains over other ski resorts.
The research also shows that some Brits are frugal with their holiday money. A third of people only take £300 with them, while a quarter will splash out between £500 and £1,000 per person. 21 per cent of conscious snow seekers save money for up to three months before jetting off. Astonishingly, 43 per cent said that they throw caution to the wind and don’t bother to save money for a snow holiday at all.
Myles Stephenson continued: “Our research discovered that although many people do not worry about saving money for a holiday, many are choosing to be more thrifty. We found that 46 per cent of people book their flights and accommodation online, rather than via a high street travel agent or an online agent. This is an increasingly popular way to organise a break. As flights are likely to make up a large chunk of the cost of a snow holiday, it is often cheaper to book flights and accommodation separately, to hunt down the cheapest airfare.
“Overall, snow holidays are currently more achievable than previously thought. Pound Sterling has recently experienced it’s biggest high since 2008 against currencies including the Euro meaning holiday money can stretch a lot further than people might think especially in European destinations.
“my Travel Cash offers three prepaid MasterCard travel money cards for travellers to take on a snow holiday - Euro Currency Card, US Dollar Currency Card and Multi-Currency Card - which provide a convenient way to carry, spend and access money abroad.”
Top 10 snow destinations highlighted by the research conducted by my Travel Cash:
1. France (35 per cent)
2. Austria (31 per cent)
3. Italy (9 per cent)
4. Switzerland (9 per cent)
5. Bulgaria (5 per cent)
6. USA (4 per cent)
7. Canada (3.5 per cent)
8. Spain (2 per cent)
9. Norway (2 per cent)
10. Germany (2 per cent)
For more information, visit mytravelcash.com.