Although there’s still a month of the main 23-24 season still to run, with some areas open into May and reporting the best snow depths and the most terrain open of the season to date (St Anton pictured above on Thursday), bookings for next winter 24-25 are already underway and reported to be booming.
“Last winter and spring was a record year, but forward bookings are already ahead of the same time last year,” confirmed Richard Sinclair of ski holiday company SNO.co.uk, who noted that earlybird ‘all-inclusive’ package deals are the top sellers for 2025 so far and also that,
“Skiers are ‘trading up’ with more 5-star bookings next year, with customers expecting finances to be looser when balances are due next year.”
Many tour operators including big players like Crystal and Inghams have had their 24-25 ski holidays on sale for months already. Ski chalet holiday company Ski Beat, says that a third of their New Year 2025 ski holidays have already been booked, with Christmas, half term and peak February dates similarly under demand.
“In the four decades we have been offering ski chalet holidays, we have seen many changes in the market, and in skiers’ booking patterns. By now, seasoned skiers have wisened up to the fact that late bargains are often a false economy, or a lost leader, and it’s more about understanding what’s included and not compromising on a cheaper holiday at the cost of a lower altitude resort, inferior lift infrastructure or a less inclusive stay,” said Ski Beat’s Laura Hazell, who added,
“For 2025 we have already had a lot of inquiries and bookings for the peak dates, helped by the fact that this year Christmas Day falls on a Wednesday, enabling guests to enjoy time in resort before and after the big day, and likewise for those arriving for New Year festivities the following week.”
For those considering France for next season, the experts Peak Retreats have some useful advice,
“It’s worth bearing in mind that the internal French market has been incredibly stressful by over the past Christmas and New Year period, and this surprised everyone in French resorts. Whilst it was good news for everyone it also meant that accommodation availability was an issue, particularly as French clients booked far earlier than normal for this season. We are therefore expecting the next Christmas and New Year period to get booked up quite early again, particularly as the whole of Europe is on holiday for those same two weeks,” says company boss Xavier Schouller.
Another ski holiday agency, Iglu, report more of the same but note particularly strong interest in Norway for next winter.
The company describes 2024/2025 early bookings as “on target – with the usual high resorts and peak dates selling first.”
“As usual, we are seeing a lot of families booking all-inclusive trips now, to take advantage of the value-for-money and ease of such holidays,” notes Philip Wright, Head of Iglu Ski’s Sales and Service, adding, “Interest and bookings for Norway are increasing significantly as skiers look for something new, and good snow. We welcome the new charter to Norway from Manchester and expect strong bookings on that route.”
If you are looking for the perfect destination for your next trip, our Resort Guide has everything you need to know.
