Weekend skiing trips 'a hit this winter'

Weekend skiing trips have proved a highly popular option among British travellers this winter, according to figures released by easyJet.

The airline said that winter sports travellers have been so reluctant to miss out on the excellent conditions in Europe this season that they have taken more breaks despite the credit crunch.

Passengers on the carrier's flights from UK airports to Alpine destinations in France, Italy and Switzerland this ski season have increased by more than 16 per cent.

Innsbruck, Geneva and Grenoble have been among the most popular flight destinations, with short journey times from the UK and easy access to big resorts.

Paul Simmons, easyJet's UK general manager, said: "Early last year as the credit crunch began we noticed that ski weekends became popular, even though the snowfall wasn't as good.

"This year we've really seen a jump in weekend flights with people wanting to hit the slopes quickly and cheaply."

The Ski Club of Great Britain reported that the Austrian resorts of Mayrhofen and Obergurgl, as well as the ski area of Cauterets in the French Pyrenees, all saw heavy snowfall last week.

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