Snowsport fans head to France

The 2005 Snowsports report from the Ski Club of Great Britain shows that France is still the number one destination for skiers and snowboarders flying off for some winter fun.

The report found that France holds a 42 per cent share of the snowsports market with the resorts of Val D'Isere and Courcheval being among the most popular destinations.

Austria saw a rise in British visitors according to the report, proving to be the second most popular destination for winter sports holidays and Bulgaria increased its share of the UK market, with North America also seeing a rise in snowsport holiday sales.

Marketing manager at the Ski Club of Great Britain, Fiona Sweetman said: "We are not surprised that the snowsports market in the UK is thriving.

"There is a real positive feel in the industry at present and with the great end of season snow in Europe and North America this season looks likely to be just as good if not better than 2004-05."

The number of beginner skiers hitting the slopes has seen a decline, where as the number of beginner snowboarders is on the increase.

However, an increasing number of snowboarders are converting back to skiing, due to technological developments, according to the report and the number of skiers classing themselves as expert has risen.

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