The cost of a lift ticket on UK slopes may be coming down following the chancellor's decision to cut VAT on passes from 20 to 5% - in line with the policy in mostly other European nations.
This important news was oddly largely unreported by mainstream media and the chancellor even neglected to mention the cut himself in the commons, preferring to focus on talking about raising the personal allowance and cutting the top rate of tax instead.
The move has been welcomed by campaigners north of the border who say they have been fighting for parity with the rest of Europe for years.
The move downwards in tax is contrary to the practice in some other countries – the rate in France rose earlier this year by 1.5% from 5.5 to 7% to the dismay of lift operators.
The focus of potential price cuts is on the five Scottish ski areas – although none are really able to pass the savings on to customers yet as they are not operational due to lack of snow after the exceptionally warm February and March. Operators are yet to comment.
It is not yet known if the price cuts may also apply to, and have an effect on pricing at, the UK's six indoor snow centres, volunteer run ski hills in Northern England and Wales or the 60+ artificial surface year-round slopes.