Ski news: Surprise snow fall and customers heading to lesser-known ski resorts in 2010

With the ski season now well and truly underway, we felt it was time to reveal some of the sales trends we have noticed and pass on some insider tips to our customers.

The recent snow fall in the UK has inspired many people to book a ski holiday to France.

Tip one: Take advantage of great ski conditions

Snow conditions are currently excellent across the Alps with lots of fresh snow and cold temperatures reported, particularly in the Southern Alps in resorts such as Alpe d’Huez and Vars, where snowfall of up to 14cm per day is expected this week.

Tip two: book at a lesser-known resort
We've also noticed that bookings for lesser-known resorts are up at an average of 17% which means brits are saving cash but still heading to the slopes, but steering clear of expensive resorts.

Customers are also booking for later in the season, when rates are lower but the snow is still good. We've noticed the last week in March are particularly strong – this is a school holiday in the UK but not in France, so is classed as ‘off-peak’ on PV-Holidays.com!

Pierre & Vacances offers ski accommodation in over 40 resorts across the Alps and Pyrenees. Throughout January, lesser-known resorts have had lots more bookings, which offer large ski areas and more affordable ski packs and après ski activity.

Pierre & Vacances properties in resorts such as Les Coches,  Valloire and ValmeinierAvoriaz, and Les Carroz have reported increases in bookings at an average of +17% on previous years, indicating that customers may be willing to try slightly less well-known resorts in order to get the best value from their annual trip to the slopes.

Hot offer:

Résidence Pierre & Vacances Les Chalets Valoria in Valloire offers one-bedroom apartments for as little as €476 per week.



Tip three: Book for later in the season

Have no fear fellow skiers, because of the large amount of snow fall in the French alps this year, which in some places in the French Alp means, booking trips to be taken later in the season doesn't have to be a gamble.

Booking a group ski trip for the week before Easter (commencing 27th March 2010) is not only popular with our customers, it means you can ski for a week and be guaranteed a large amount of snow. This week is classed as ‘off peak’ in France, but is a school holiday for much of the UK – thus British customers are taking advantage of being able to get a low season price for a holiday in a high season week, and beat the French crowds.

Hot offer Pierre & Vacances Valmeinier Le Thabor in Valmeinier 1800 offers one bedroom apartments for €261.08 for a week from the 27th March 2010.



Tip four: Don't forget your Eurobuster


Pierre & Vacances still has some great deals for the rest of the ski season – thanks to its ‘Beat the Euro’ campaign, which aims to alleviate the poor Euro/Sterling exchange rate by offering at least 15 per cent off all ski accommodation across the Alps and Pyrenees. This deal is valid on all dates until the end of the season – including school holiday and Easter dates.

DEAL: Prices for a one-week break in Alpe d’Huez for example start from only £343 (previously £404) for a studio apartment sleeping two people at Pierre & Vacances Résidence Les Bergers in April 2010.




Thanks for reading!