The main trade body for the ski retail trade in Britain has issued a statement highlighting the fact that it's currently cheaper to buy ski gear in Britain compared to abroad, but they warn it is unlikely to last.
And prices are cheaper in the UK than abroad not because prices have dropped in Blighty, but because they've gone up abroad as the pound has dropped in value since the vote for Brexit.
But the Snowsport Industries of Great Britain (SIGB) say that this state of affairs won't last long in to next year. It is only the case now because most gear was bought by retailers at pre-Brexit-vote rates. Unless there's a dramatic strengthening of the pound over the next six months, they'll have to pay more to buy 17-18 gear next years and pass those costs on to consumers.
"For British skiers and snowboarders the weakening pound means that buying in the UK right now is a great option compared to the deal they will get in European shops and when renting in resort," explained Jason Summerfield, Commercial Manager at Amer Sports which owns several former ski manufacturing businesses, now known as 'brands'. He added, "If we look a bit further into the future, the currency situation will inevitably put upward pressure on consumer prices for the 2017-18 season, and although brands, including Salomon and Atomic, will try and minimize the impact, some price increases should be expected. This does however reinforce the feeling that now is a smart time to visit your local ski shop if you are considering buying new winter kit."
Working alongside some of the leading snowsport brands, the Snowsport Industries of Great Britain found that prices of well-known pieces of kit and equipment are currently consistently cheaper in the UK compared to prices in European shops (based on exchange rate £1/ 1.12€).
"For skiers or snowboarders who have toyed with the idea of buying a pair of boots, skis or snowboard, now is the time to invest in their own equipment. Not only will they get the best price, owning their own kit will undoubtedly give them a better experience on the slopes. For example, having your boots professionally fitted in the UK by an expert who speaks your language, who can analyse your feet and properly tune the fit of the boots is a vital part of being ready for a snowsports trip. And greatly enhance your enjoyment," an SIGB spokesperson said, continuing,
"Adding to the argument to buy hardware in the UK, the decision between renting skis or snowboards versus buying is by no means clear cut this season. The cost of hire in resort is escalating, again due to the weak pound, and although some airlines still charge for ski carriage, Swiss Air Lines still have a free allowance for skis and snowboards and many airlines allow passengers to take skis as part of their overall baggage allowance."
Nick Warne, Retail Director at independent retailer Snowtrax added: "There has never been a better time to buy in the UK, with prices up to 25% cheaper than in Europe at the moment. Consumers are really starting to take note of the savings they are making on snowsport kit and are starting to realise that buying over hiring is in the long-term, a better option. These savings coupled with the in-depth knowledge available from specialist retailers like ourselves means there are plenty of reasons to shop locally."