Never before have Swedes bought so many ski passes as during the past winter season.
A total of 1.7 billion SEK in lift passes were sold.
”"There have been good years in recent years, but we haven't seen an increase like this in a long time," says Titti Rodling, CEO of the Swedish Ski Resorts Association.
The ski season started early and by the end of November, ten resorts had already started operating.
The snowy winter provided good conditions for skiing from Blekinge to Norrbotten. A late Easter and a good calendar Christmas also contributed – as shown in the statistics that the Swedish Ski Resorts Organization (SLAO) has now compiled.
The number of skier days for the 50 most visited resorts increased by 10 percent. The ski resorts also sold lift passes worth SEK 1.7 billion, which is an increase of 16 percent compared to the previous winter.
”"It was about ten years ago that there was such a large increase. It is the highest turnover figure we have ever recorded," says Titti Rodling.
During the past winter, the facilities also invested 275 million SEK in lifts and slopes, and the plan for the upcoming season is a further investment of 340 million.
At the same time, the price of lift tickets increases every season.
”"There is a price adjustment that in recent years has been approximately 2.8–3 percent in total for the country. Of course, this has a small effect. But above all, it is an increase in volume and increased interest," says Titti Rodling.
While the large facilities in the mountains are drawing in the large herds, the smaller facilities near urban areas are becoming increasingly important, says Rodling. Ten percent of all visitors were children up to the age of seven.
”"We usually call them the 'home slopes', the ones near cities where many people make their first runs, where school children can come and ride after school. They are hugely important and have also had good development this season," says Titti Rodling.
Source: TT
