France tops Switzerland for ski popularity

France has pipped Switzerland to the post in a ranking of winter resorts according to holiday homes rental specialist Interhome. The accommodation provider saw Tignes take the number one resort slot for the winter season, up three places from last year and, knocking Nendaz in Switzerland off the top slot for the first time in a number of years.

Tignes experienced a 61% increase in bookings year-on-year. Madeleine Winship, Director, Interhome Ltd said: “Tignes is high up and offers glacier skiing – an added bonus in a season when snow conditions have been unpredictable.”

Verbier in Switzerland has also climbed a few places after a 23.7% increase while Zell Am in Austria, Grindelwald in Switzerland and Chatel in France have also seen an increase in bookings year-on-year although their rankings have not changed.

Overall, the accommodation specialist has recorded a 1% increase in winter bookings year-on-year while turnover has increased 2.5%.

Booking durations have not changed with the majority still opting for the traditional one-week stay even though Interhome offers flexible stays from three to six nights at many properties.

However, short breaks have increased for the company - 19.5% with most short break bookings for three and four nights. Chamonix in France emerged as the resort with the highest number of short break bookings – possibly because it is within such easy reach of Geneva.

Val Thorens fared less well, despite it being the highest ski resort in Europe, probably because most apartments offer less flexibility with stays from Saturday to Saturday only, thus cutting off the short break market.

In terms of where bookings came from – 55% were made online by consumers, retailers or partners through Interhome.co.uk and Interhome-retailer.com, while 45% were made through the call-centre.

Overall, 66% of total bookings came direct and 44% from retail agents and partners.

In addition, Interhome is already confirming bookings for next winter season with clients taking advantage of the 10% discount applicable for bookings made at least nine months in advance.