New research shows that ski holidays have returned to the radar of thousands of winter sport fans, after most hotspots were closed in 2013.
Skyscanner reports that interest has risen in a number of places in the recent weeks, with Geneva being the most popular. There was a nearly 300 percent increase in search volume for Geneva in just one month.
Turin in Turin is another popular destination. Although many people wish to go skiing in Austria this winter, there is currently a lockdown in place in the country until around mid-December.
A number of top ski chalets had to cancel holidays due to the coronavirus, which resulted in many people missing out on their winter sports trip last year.
Winter sports are a popular choice for holidaymakers who were unable to visit last year.
However, many locations now accept bookings. This will bring joy to those who enjoy skiing or snowboarding.
It is unclear if all resorts will open at this time, but there has been a surge in visitor interest.
For instance, despite the fact Austria is now in a national lockdown, ski lifts can remain open to the vaccinated. However, hotels will close for tourists who were not there at the start of the lockdown.
Laura Lindsay, trends and destinations expert at Skyscanner, said: ‘Seasonal travel is tentatively returning and the coming months are traditionally a time for travellers to escape to the mountains for some adrenaline and après-ski.
We are increasingly seeing travelers searching for favourite winter sport spots, with Geneva leading the pack in terms of volume.
With almost 300% increase in searches in the last month, ‘Geneva also enjoys one of the highest interest rates.
‘Prices are unbelievably low just now, and you can currently book a return trip to Turin for less than £20, that’s less than it costs to add your skis to your luggage.
“Of course, seasonal trends like winter travel have reemerged but travel bookings are being made closer to the departure date than what we had seen before the pandemic.
“This trend in short-term bookings means that the prices for 2022 sports trips is still very low. They could rise as more demand grows over the next weeks. It’s therefore a great time to book, if you are looking for an affordable ski vacation.
Skyscanner’s This is Money provides a guide to some of the most sought-after winter destinations.
The only travel mentioned is the economy class, which applies to customers who are travelling from outside of the UK.
Innsbruck (Austria) is available for customers to book starting mid-December. Although, it might be considered brave. The ski lifts can be used by vaccinated people.
Geneva has seen an increase in popularity of 295% over the last month with flights at £68
Geneva – Switzerland
Popularity is rising 295 Percent increase in search volume over the month of December to March for skiing season travel.
When:Travellers searching for Skyscanner are most interested in the week of 13 December.
What is the cost? Direct, return flights for 13 to 20 December from London available now for £68.
Turin – Italy
Popularity is rising Increase of 783 Percent in search volume for the ski season (December-March)
When: The week of 13/12 December is most popular among travellers who use Skyscanner to search for flights.
What is the cost? Direct, return flights for 13 to 19 December from London available now for £14.
Austria has a national lockdown but ski lifts are still open for the vaccinated
France Chambery
Popularity is rising There has been a 203 percent increase in travel searches during the ski season (December-March).
When: The week of 27/12/12 is most sought-after by Skyscanner users.
What is the cost? Direct, return flights for 14 to 21 December from London available now for £61.
Salt Lake City, Utah – US
Popularity is rising 60% increase in search volume for ski-season travel (December to March)
When: Skyscanner’s Week 27 December week is very popular among travelers searching for flights.
What is the cost? Return flights for 27 December to 9 January from London available now for £595
Denver (Colorado) – US
Popularity is risingSearches for skiing-related information have increased by 30% in the past month (December to March).
When:The week of 27/12 December is most popular among travellers who use Skyscanner to search for flights.
What is the cost? Direct, return flights for 12 to 19 January from London available now for £493
Innsbruck (not accessible until December) – Austria
Popularity is risingIncrease of 194 percent in search volume for ski-season travel (December to March)
When:Travellers searching for Skyscanner are most interested in the week of 20 December.
What is the cost? Direct, return flights for 20 to 27 December from London available now for £118.