Booking pressure at the Ski Resort Company Skistar continues to increase. And it is primarily the Danish guests who are behind the increase this year.
Despite the tough economy, many still prioritise a skiing holiday, says CEO Stefan Sjöstrand.
The Ski Resort Company Skistar had a good spring. The operating profit during the period March-May increased by 18 per cent to 418 million kronor, compared to the same period last year. Revenues increased by six per cent to 1,490 million kronor.
It was a long and fine winter that started already in November and lasted until May. This has meant that we have had very many guests, says Stefan Sjöstrand.
Then we have continued to develop and invest in our business. This has included new lifts that have shortened our lift queues.
Ahead of next season, investments of 330 million kronor are planned, including better snow production and a new chairlift in Trysil.
More foreign guests
Although the winter season is far away, the booking pressure at the ski resort company continues to increase, compared to last year. Ahead of the coming winter season, the booking situation is nine per cent better than at the same time last year, measured in terms of nights, according to the quarterly report. According to CEO Stefan Sjöstrand, there are several reasons for this, including the Swedish krona.
Many choose to stay at home due to the weak currency, and many foreign guests come here for the same reason.
But also because there is a snow guarantee here in Northern Europe due to climate change, believes Stefan Sjöstrand.
For us, it is of course positive, but for the climate, it is not good.
Increased price of lift passes
Foreign tourists have also increased significantly. Germans, Dutch and Brits have increased by a total of 60 per cent this year. But the largest single increase this year is accounted for by the Danes.
We can see that international guests are choosing to come to us in a completely different way than they have done before.
Currently, around 30 per cent of Skistar's capacity is booked for the coming season, according to Stefan Sjöstrand.
And when it comes to the price of lift passes – the average price increases by 4 per cent this year. Which is mainly due to increased costs.
Spare parts and all materials have increased significantly in price. We buy everything in euros, and due to the weak Swedish currency, this means increased costs.
