Whether it is thanks to 100% open ski lifts, sunny weather, or renewed economic confidence, the exact reason is hard to pinpoint—what is certain is that ski resorts are reporting sold-out crowds for these 2012-2013 Christmas holidays.
Turnout like this on the ski slopes had not been seen in quite some time: over these festive days, ski areas have been packed with skiers and snowboarders eager to carve up the snow in the Italian mountains once again, helped by snow conditions that are vastly better than last winter’s.
More tourists on week-long ski holidays and snow weekends
While it is no secret that winter tourism has changed compared to the past, anyone who thought tighter household budgets would bring the sector to a halt has been proven wrong. Week-long ski holidays remain one of the most beloved getaways for Italians (and international visitors alike), and bookings over the Christmas holidays have been strong enough to fill mountain hotels to capacity.
Alongside traditional week-long stays, snow weekends—short hotel breaks arriving on Friday and departing on Sunday evening—are also growing rapidly in popularity.
Great snow conditions bring back day-trip skiers
During these Christmas holidays, lift lines are filled not only with holidaymakers, but also with day-trippers taking advantage of the fine weather to spend a day on the snow. Ski commuters often pick resorts close to their home cities and head up to the mountains just for the day; while day-trip tourism brings in less accommodation revenue for resorts, it remains a vital pillar for ski lift operators.
Bobsleds, toboggans, and snowshoes: alternative snow activities on the rise
Skiing and snowboarding are not the only activities bringing the mountains to life over the holidays: alternative winter sports such as snowshoeing are winning over more and more fans, with forest and valley hikes more popular than ever. Families are also flocking back to ski areas, above all to have fun on bobsleds and toboggans.
Snow makes people forget the crisis
Last winter’s scarce snow and erratic temperatures are now a distant memory: the season got off to a great start this year, with ski lifts fully open across both the Alps and the Apennines.
That has given the entire industry a major boost, drawing tourists back to the mountains thanks to excellent snow cover guaranteed by natural snowfalls and artificial snowmaking systems.
Yesterday at the Verena Ski Area (Asiago Plateau – Veneto), turnout was so high that the 1,100 parking spaces in the huge lot at the base of the lifts were not enough, forcing skiers to park along the access road to the ski area in a line stretching further than anyone had seen in years.
Record turnout at the Verena ski area - 30/12/12
The mid-holiday balance is decidedly positive, and industry operators are pleased so far, encouraged by strong bookings for late January as well. The disastrous 2011-2012 winter can finally be put behind us, provided there are no unpleasant surprises on the snow conditions front.
Recommended links:
> Recommended ski areas: www.mondoneve.it/localita-sciistiche/
> Ski holiday deals: www.vacanzeneve.mondoneve.it/offerte
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