Why Ski Independence is looking forward to a bumper season
Katherine MastersEurope product manager Catherine Hughes shares what’s trending for the coming winter and explains how the tailor-made specialist can help agents get to grips with booking snow sports
Which regions are trending for the coming winter?
More and more Ski Independence clients are discovering the Italian Dolomites. With its breathtaking scenery, incredible skiing and outstanding food and hospitality, it’s a special experience. We’re also seeing increased interest for Switzerland, while Snowsure Canadian favourites like Whistler, Banff and Sun Peaks continue to be popular, as do the high-altitude French ski areas like the Three Valleys and Tignes-Val d’Isere.
What new product are you excited to introduce?
We’re expanding our Swiss programme to include three new resorts: Engelberg, Crans-Montana and Wengen. Each offers a unique experience with stunning scenery, picture-postcard villages and excellent hospitality. We’ve also introduced a small, exclusive chalet collection in France. The hotel product in Banff continues to improve year on year, and the addition of the Hotel Canoe & Suites and the Moxy provides exciting, new accommodation options for clients. Our programme in the Dolomites is also expanding, so watch this space...
How is ski performing and where do you see growth opportunities?
Our ski business is selling well and we expect 2024/25 to be another year of sensible growth. The expansion of our European product provides plenty of opportunity for growth, while in North America it will come from the excellent value for money that Canada offers, with some tremendous early booking offers. Easter falls quite late next year which gives us a long winter season. With excellent snow conditions continuing until the end of April in many resorts, we’re expecting the Easter holidays to be a popular choice.
How can agents benefit from your tailor-made expertise?
Everyone at Ski Independence has first-hand experience of our resorts and accommodation. We are all passionate skiers and know what works well for the UK skier – flight routes, transfer and accommodation options or suitable ski lessons. We strive to give industry-leading advice and exemplary service at all times, and this is reflected in our Feefo rating, which is consistently 5 stars. We have a can-do mentality so whatever your clients are trying to do, we’ll do our absolute best to make that a reality for them. For a detailed quote, call 0131 243 8097 or email ski@ski-i.com
What are your top tips for agents with limited ski experience to grow their bookings?
Don’t be afraid of ski! We understand that it’s daunting but we’re here to help. Ask your clients for the same information you would for any other holiday – dates, numbers, budget, style of accommodation, resort. Ask where they’ve been before, what they like and don’t like then let the Ski Independence team do the rest. We’re here to answer every question you have, and help to steer you to victory! Remember that a ski trip is a high-value booking, and clients will repeat. Don’t be put off by ski terminology your clients may throw at you – we can guide you through this and help build your confidence so you’re comfortable selling ski. If you’re not registered with Ski Independence but would like to work with us, visit ski-i.com/travel-agents/new-agent-registration and fill out a short form.
Which destination has impressed you with its responsible travel efforts?
Switzerland is leading the way when it comes to sustainability. Every Swiss resort in our programme is accessible via the country’s excellent public transport network. The “Swisstainable” programme encourages all tourism businesses to meet the highest possible standards of sustainability, and the Walliserhof Hotel in Saas-Fee has been granted its highest category award. Elsewhere, Whistler uses its own hydro-power scheme to provide enough clean electrical energy to run its network of ski lifts through the winter and summer. Across the ski industry we are seeing huge collective efforts to protect our winters.
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