Recent figures suggest that European ski resorts could pay the penalty for last seasons poor snow conditions, with many of the ski resorts in Canada reaping the benefits. After much disappointment with the lack of snow in many European ski resorts, it has been suggested the benefits of Canada, i.e. easy access, affordable prices, excellent snow and good facilities could sway the balance towards North America.
Many major ski holiday operators are expanding their Canada portfolios for the highly anticipated 2007/08 season. Inghams Travel, the specialist tour operator has announced scheduled flights to Calgary twice a week with British Airways, whilst Crystal Ski has doubled capacity on five flights to Calgary.
According to the Canadian Tourism Commission at total of 70,000 Britons took skiing or snowboard holidays in Canada between January and April 2006, with that figure increasing by approximately 10% this year. March in particular showed a 12% increase year on year.
Canadian Tourism Commission Managing director Maggie Davison said: “Some of our resorts have already had their first snowfall and we are looking forward to a great season. We had some of the best snow conditions last year and if you add the increased capacity and the buzz building up for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympics Games in Vancouver, we can confidently say you haven’t skied until you’ve skied in Canada.”
Air Canada has increased its flight capacity from Heathrow to Edmonton by increasing flights from three to seven times a week. Likewise, Canadian Affair has introduced a non-stop weekly service from London Gatwick to Montreal.
