SAM Magazine-London, England, Oct. 28, 2008-The United Kingdom ski and snowboard market has grown over the past year by three percent, according to the Ski Club of Great Britain's annual Snowsports Analysis, with more than 1.35 million people taking ski and snowboard holidays from the UK.

The research report, published for the eighth year, showed that growth of independent travel slowed compared to previous seasons, to less than three percent from nearly 10 percent in 2006-07. In contrast, the tour operator market grew three percent year on year, the largest percentage growth since 2001-02. The report suggests that skiers looking for the convenience of a package holiday and no-frills airlines may have contributed to shift. France remains the top destination, garnering 43 percent of the market.

The report notes that the average cost of a snowsports holiday rose slightly, from £648 in 2006-07 to £664 in 2007-08. "Skiers and boarders seem to be turning to the Internet to research and book their holidays and don't seem to be deterred by increased prices. I think the UK snowsports industry is right to be positive about the state of the market," said Caroline Stuart-Taylor, CEO of the Ski Club of Great Britain.

The use of the Internet and the relative strength of the British pound against the U.S. dollar may have created opportunities for North American resorts to tap the UK market, though that advantage has diminished in the past few months. Some observers have noted an increase in visitors from the UK at U.S. resorts, as these guests flee the crowds and intimidating lift queues at the more popular European resorts while also taking advantage of a weak dollar.

The Snowsports Analysis 2008 was compiled using data from questionnaires sent to UK tour operators and transport companies following the 2007-08 season, supported by other industry reports and information. \