While LISTEX (London International Snowsports Trade Exchange) was not able go ahead physically, this week has seen some excellent discussion about the future of the ski industry.

James Gambrill presented results of the latest research from the Mountain Trade Network (MTN), which follows on from last week’s Ski Club research.

We look at the key points from their results:

One quarter have already booked

This will be the ‘last minute’ season

  • 55% of skiers expect to book a month or less before travel (again remarkably similar to the Ski Club report 57%)

Fewer skiers plan to fly, more to drive

  • 64% expect to fly and 32% to drive this winter. This is a significant shift away from flying and aligns closely with the Ski Club of Great Britain’s findings: 59% and 35% respectively)

Don’t avoid the ‘C’ word

  • It’s no surprise to learn that Coronavirus is the biggest factor impacting skiers decision making for this season
  • 60% expect coronavirus to have a very significant impact on their ski holiday plans for the coming winter
  • Only 18% expect a ski holiday to be totally safe this winter
  • Cleaning in lifts & public areas is the most important measure resorts can put in place; face coverings are less important

Quash Quarantine

  • The LISTEX survey shows that 25% of skiers are not prepared to quarantine at all
  • However, 22% would be prepared to quarantine for up to 7 days
  • Only 27% of all respondents would be prepared to quarantine for up to 14 days (the current requirement)
  • The important take away from this is that even a reduction from 14 days to 7 days in the quarantine period would double the number of people prepared to travel

Ski Holidays are changing

  • Those who will still ski expect to ski less than in previous years
  • Scotland could attract more skiers than Canada and Andorra (as they travel domestically)
  • Après ski is no longer in the top 10 reasons for choosing a resort