When it comes to skiing, there are many different kinds of questions one could ask. What is the best ski resort? What is the difference between a freeride ski and a standard ski? How many times do I have to tell you… never go full throttle on the first descent!? Etc.
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How Many Skis Are Sold Each Year?
Skiing is a popular sport all over the world, and it’s likely you’re already familiar with some of the big-name resorts. Experts predict that 2019 will see a rise in ski holiday popularity, as more and more people want to get into the winter sport. It’s no wonder really, sitting in front of a roaring fire, drinking a cup of excellent mountain tea while taking in the majestic views of fresh snow is what many people strive for in their winter holidays. Well, we at Peak Travel want to make sure you have everything you need for your next ski holiday, and the best way to do that is by finding out how many new skis are sold each year. So let’s dive into the data shall we?
The Most Popular Ski Resorts In 2019
Peak Travel’s 2019 ski survey asked respondents to name their favorite ski resort, and it’s clear that not all resorts are created equal. Looking at the results for the top 10 favorite ski resorts in 2019 (as determined by the number of times each was chosen), we can see that the choice may not be as clear-cut as we’d first thought. According to our respondents, Thredbo is now the #1 most preferred ski resort in Australia, while Falls Creek has leapfrogged Gutshässchen in the Swiss Alps and taken its place as the most popular resort in Switzerland.
The Rise In Ski Holiday Interest
This winter, more people than ever are looking to hit the slopes, as interest in skiing has reached an all-time high. According to a survey conducted by the Australian Ski Industry Council (ASIC), 47% of respondents said they’d be going on a ski holiday in the next 12 months, up from 26% in 2018. The number of people who are seeking to take a winter holiday in Australia has risen by 23% in the last year, with interest particularly high among Gen Z (54%) and millennials (45%).
Meanwhile, the Swiss ski season has seen a 24% rise in potential skiers since 2017, as more and more people are drawn to the sport. That said, the number of people that actually go on a ski holiday has plateaued, dipping 2% in 2019. What’s interesting is that while more people are seeking to hit the slopes, fewer are actually going on a ski holiday, with only 23% planning to do so in the next 12 months.
The Difference Between A Standard Ski, A Free Ride Ski And A Freeride Ski
Skiing is a physically demanding sport, and if you want to get the most out of it then it’s essential you’re doing it correctly. There are three basic types of skiing:
- Alpine: This is the classic form of skiing, most people have tried it at least once in their life, it is the most common kind of skiing found around the world, and it involves staying on the snow and taking ski turns. It’s the kind of skiing you might know.
- Articulation: This is a fancy word for “sidewalking” in Swedish. It was first developed in the 1970s, and involves using your skis for momentum as you push yourself along the snow rather than relying on the lift to take you up. This allows for more creativity on the slopes, and it is often used at expert-level events. You can read more about it at the Articulation Wiki.
- Bondying: This is a type of skiing that originated in Japan and is essentially a mix between surfing and skiing. You need to be skilled both on and off the snow, and have the right equipment, including a wetsuit that is both fast drying and fits snugly. This type of skiing is often used by professionals as a form of cross-training, allowing them to ski when it’s too cold (or wet) for alpine skiing.
The above three types of skiing are generally accepted by experts as the fundamental building blocks of the sport, and they form the basic training for every ski instructor around the world. If you want to get the most out of your skiing experience then it’s important you know which type of skiing you are doing, and what equipment and training you need to do it correctly. If you don’t have the time to become an expert skier then there are still many other possibilities, such as park skiing which allows for more beginner-friendly terrains, or snowboarding (mentioned above) which is perfect for boosting your adrenaline rush on the slopes. It’s always good to know more than one way to reach your destination, and a bit of research never hurt anyone.
The Future Of Skiing
As we’ve established, skiing is a physically demanding sport, and it’s no secret that injuries can be quite common. Over the past few years, an injury called “skiing hip”, which occurs when your leg twists in the wrong direction while skiing, has become something of a scourge. It’s not just a skiing injury anymore, studies have shown that it’s also present in people who play sports such as tennis and soccer, and even some golfers. About 10% of the respondents in the Australian Ski Industry Council (ASIC) survey cited this as the primary reason for not going on a ski holiday in the next 12 months.
Due to this, research has begun to focus on identifying risk factors for skiing injuries, which may lead to better prevention strategies. For example, it has been shown that women are more likely to suffer from skiing injuries than men. This could be down to anatomical differences between the two, or perhaps it’s because they have less upper body strength. The answer may even lie in the type of skiing they are doing, as experts have noted that the more technical the ski equipment, the greater the risk of injury. This is also reflected in the gear some of Australia’s top skiers wear, with many opting for custom-made helmets designed to enhance their skydiving experience (jump number, shape of the canopy, etc.).
Looking For a Ski Holiday?
If you’re looking for a skiing holiday then there are many different countries and resorts that you could visit, and it’s always good to know which one is the best for you. The key is doing your research, asking the right questions, and gathering as much information as possible. With some of the world’s best resorts located in the mountains of Europe and Canada, it really is an ideal place to become a winter sport enthusiast. If you’re looking for tips on where to visit then continue reading, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best resorts based on the feedback from our customers.
Canada
The most popular Canadian resort in the winter is Whistler Blackcomb, located in British Columbia. It was named the world’s greatest skiing resort in 2018 by The Guardian, and it’s not hard to see why. With 72 trails spread over three mountains (including a brand new chairlift that opened in 2018), there is something for everyone. The Canadian ski season runs from mid-December until mid-April, with day passes for the whole season ranging from $80 to $124. There are also a number of smaller resorts across the country, such as Mont-Tremblant, which is close to the Canadian/U.S. border, and has 18 trails.
Europe
The largest European ski resort is clearly going to be France’s world-famous ski chalet, Chamonix. It is the residence of the Winter Olympics, and it is where the “grand tour” of skiing begins. There are 67 trails at Chamonix, as well as 24 lifts (including 6 gondolas), making it one of the largest, if not the largest, ski resorts in Europe. The French Alps are home to some of the best resorts in the world, and it’s a destination that has enthralled visitors for generations. The largest French ski resort is Val d’Isère, which has 70 trails and 28 lifts, making it a good alternative for those wanting to avoid the crowds at Chamonix. Another option is the Italian hometown resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo, which has an Olympic size ice skating rink located in the town. It also has a jazz and blues festival every year in June, which is a fantastic way to enjoy the winter sport and its terrains in the company of some of Europe’s best live music performers.