Fewer holidays available this coming season?

Then the TO morons will suffer as there will be plenty DIY available accommodation, at possibly a very cheap price.

bandit wrote:The Swiss tourism industry has been acutely aware of the problems caused by the strength of the Franc this year. CHF is now pegged to the Euro at AFAIR 1.20. GBP has gained ground against CHF in the last few weeks....some way to go though!

I recently read a newsletter from Crans Montana on FB that spoke of reinventing itself and was asking for ideas to be put forward.

I know of 2 resorts that are not putting up their lift ticket prices this coming winter. My season ticket cost has not risen in CHF :D

...which is all good to hear for us, Swissophiles, but have just read the cost of the Swiss Transfer rail ticket and other passes is is going up because of the exchange rate. I fear Swisserland is just going to be out of financial reach for many, many skiers this season.

However, we hear these dire forecasts of limited availability every season. Sometimes, I think it's a tour op/tourist office/industry effort to get us to book early - and help with their cashflows.

As in previous years, if you want a ski holiday, you'll get a ski holiday sometime, somewhere!

Scaremongering?

Ian Wickham wrote:Then the TO morons will suffer as there will be plenty DIY available accommodation, at possibly a very cheap price.

It's not a given, as Hoteliers will likely close up if they have few bookings. It will be cheaper than paying the staff, heating the building etc.

It will be interesting to see what effect (if any) this has on self catering rental prices.

NellyPS wrote:Scaremongering?

The gist of my conversation definately wasn't scaremongering. I was chatting to someone I have booked 3 or 4 hols with over the last few years while their computer was doing stuff.
She had noticed that it was getting harder to give the exact holiday that a client wanted with the right flight, and the right hotel or apartment already. A situation she would expect nearer Xmas not end September.
This was it.
I found it of interest, thats all, and decided to share it on here.

Another thought, given your description OldAndy, is that due to the TO's offering many special deals on early bookings (2 for 1 lift passes etc.) perhaps it is a case of many holidays have already been taken.

Only time will tell on all this but it is in the interest of all skiers that the industry thrives.
Bandit is correct, hoteliers etc etc can be pragmatic and close for periods during a season. I've never seen this personally in ski "resorts" but years ago in Bourg St. Maurice some hotels only opened Xmas/new year, half term and Easter (they were busier in summer).
Whether booking through a tour operator, travel agent or DIY we need enough fellow skiers for everything from flights to transfers to accomodation to be available.
Similarly in resort - enough lift passes for the companies to manage the slopes and invest in updating on slope kit and facilities.
Anyway - all I need is good snow and I'm sorted :mrgreen:
Although I have to go and see Taming of the Shrew as penance for going skiing, and I can cope with that. :roll:

bandit wrote:

Ian Wickham wrote:Then the TO morons will suffer as there will be plenty DIY available accommodation, at possibly a very cheap price.

It's not a given, as Hoteliers will likely close up if they have few bookings. It will be cheaper than paying the staff, heating the building etc.

It will be interesting to see what effect (if any) this has on self catering rental prices.

Then they deserve to bust