ABTA estimates 1.7 million Brits will return to the ski slopes this winter

ABTA – The Travel Association estimates that nearly two million Brits have already booked or will book a winter sports holiday for the 2022–23 season.

The association said its members were reporting a ‘very strong demand’ for ski breaks, particularly during the school holidays at Christmas, New Year, February half term and Easter.

“For many people it will be the first time in three years that they’ve had the opportunity to hit the slopes after the Covid-19 pandemic severely restricted winter sports seasons,” ABTA said.

The most popular winter sports destination for Brits ‘by far’ is France according to ABTA, but Canada and Norway are also sparking a ‘strong interest’ for its customers.

The association notes that travelers on winter sports holidays do need to have the ‘appropriate’ travel insurance, particularly on ski holidays where potential expenses could include air ambulances or being airlifted from the slops, which could cost ‘tens of thousands of pounds’.

Susan Deer, Director of Industry Relations at ABTA said: “Winter sports lovers have been deprived of their much-loved snow and slopes for almost three full seasons due to pandemic travel restrictions and many will be so happy to be able to head off once again.

“The season has already started with many resorts reporting good snow conditions. A little bit of advance preparation, especially taking out appropriate travel insurance and getting yourself fit for the slopes, can really help you avoid some serious pitfalls and unnecessary expense.”

Winter sport coverage is becoming a part of travel insurance policies, with Pattern and Endsleigh launching a policy for students.