The ECC-Net (European Consumer Centres Network) is a European network consisting of 29 European Consumer Centres, representing all EU Member States and also Iceland and Norway. The network is co-funded by the European Commission (Health and Consumer Protection Directorate-General), the EU Member States, Iceland and Norway.
Besides assisting consumers in case of a complaint or dispute, members of the ECC-Net engage in joint projects in order to investigate specific business sectors.
A survey of almost 400 wintersport resorts
The report “Ski Resorts in Europe 2012/2013” is the result of the second pan-european survey on ski resorts conducted by the ECC-Net and focuses on the price range and infrastructure of ski, cross-country and indoor resorts all over Europe. Altogether almost 400 winter sport resorts replied.
Main Result: A comparison can save money
The Ski resorts have been classified into 6 different categories (0-2 km, 3-10-km, 11-25 km, 26-50 km, 51-100m, more than 100 km)*. In small sized ski resorts (up to 10 km) the resorts in the Czech Republic are of good value.
Example for alpine ski resorts in the category 11 -25 km (5 cheapest, 5 most expensive resorts).
The category 11 – 25 km is very popular for families and people with average skiing skills. In this category the resort in Sachtičky (SK) is the cheapest. The most expensive resort in this category is Eikedalen skisenter (NO).
Example for alpine ski resorts in the category 51-100 km (5 cheapest, 5 most expensive resorts).
The category 51-100 km is very popular for advanced skiiers. In this category the resort Bansko Ski in Bulgaria is the cheapest. The most expensive resort in this category is Flumserberg (CH).
* It has to be noted when you look at the tables that the rate of return of ski resort operators took part in this survey was not equal in all countries. In Austria, where the ski resorts are used to fill in such questionnaires, 68 participated, while in France for example only 3 alpine resorts did. Winter sport resorts in Italy, the Czech Republic and Slovakia also have a hig return rate.
This is one reason why the results are not fully representative of each country. Nevertheless, the report will still give a general idea of the range of possibilities and prices each country offers.
Tips from the ECC-Net
· Take time when booking: Take your time when planning your vacation. This price survey is an overview of the offers. To be on the safe side we recommend checking the websites of the ski resorts in charge.
· Check for reductions: Find out about the requirements for any reductions in advance. Do you need any proofs for a discount (e.g. student identity card, guest card, etc.)
The full report at this link
