Will the Economy Affect Your Ski Holiday in Morzine?

Are you considering a skiing holiday in a catered chalet? Morzine is one of the most popular destinations in the French Alps, but how is the French skiing industry viewing the prospects for 2015?

The French and Eurozone economies

You would have needed to be living in total isolation to have failed to notice that the global economy has been somewhat troubled. Even more recently, whilst the crises have receded, the Eurozone, including France, has been in the economic doldrums. In fact, the French economy in particular seems persistently to be hovering on the verge of recession, though technically just about managing to avoid it.

There are many reasons for that, and a number of Eurozone governments, notably Germany’s, are demanding structural change in the French economy. Predictably though, the authorities in Paris are resisting things like economic liberalisation and structural reform as being "un-French" - so nothing much changes. What, though, does all this mean for things such as the luxury of a holiday in a catered chalet, Morzine, and the rest of the French Alps skiing industry?

The prognosis for 2015

Fortunately for UK holidaymakers, this background economic uncertainty is not having an obvious effect on the major ski resorts such as Morzine, and may be unlikely to do during the 2015 season. Accommodation for the key winter holiday dates is already booking out and there isn’t any obvious sign in the more highly-regarded locations that the economy is an issue.

Even though competition from resorts in Italy, Switzerland and Austria is growing, few would dispute that, especically in terms of a catered chalet, Morzine is renowned for facilities that are the envy of its competitors. They also have a significant advantage of being, for the most part, slightly closer to the UK and therefore easier to access than many resorts elsewhere

It’s also worth keeping in mind that not all of Europe’s economies are in the Eurozone or even if they are, they might not be suffering quite as badly as the French economy. In the case of the UK, the economy in 2014 has performed moderately well and in countries like Germany, things may be sluggish but are still moving.

The French slopes are likely to see continued high demand from overseas visitors, even if perhaps a reduction in the number of French skiers. The sheer attractions and convenience of Morzine suggests that the 2015 season is going to be a booming one. Demand at key periods for the best accommodation is likely to be, as always, high, and for those looking for a ski holiday in a fabulous catered chalet, Morzine continues to be the popular option it always has.

Liz Olkowicz is the Business Development Manager for Ski and Summer Morzine, a tour operator, based in Surrey, offering tailor-made ski holidays. If you're looking for a self-catered or catered chalet, Morzine is the perfect location from which to explore the French Alps, so for a great-value Alpine holiday, call us.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.