With the new 2010/11 winter holiday brochures beginning to hit the streets, and the nights beginning to draw in, thoughts are turning towards ski holidays. For the Group Organiser, they really do need to start focussing their thoughts right now.

(TRAVPR.COM) LONDON - September 6th, 2010 - The trend over the last few years towards late booking has had serious repercussions for the travel industry, both summer and winter. High profile failures of companies such as Goldtrail and KissFlight, and poor financial results such as the TUI group, have pointed towards late booking as a contributory factor. In an effort to reverse this trend, many travel operators have taken steps to reduce the supply of accommodation which they offer.

Although this has had little if any effect on brochure and normal discount levels, it could mean that late bookers will find their holidays affected. With greater incentives to book holidays early, and a reduced supply, late bookers run double risk: having to pay more for their holiday or not getting the holiday they want. For the Group Organiser, having to go back to your group and tell them that the price has gone up, would not be particularly popular. However, having to tell them that they aren’t going on holiday at all because you left the booking too late, could well push them over the edge!

Like buying in bulk, group ski holidays attract a healthy discount. For groups of around eight or more you should see savings on the basic holiday price of around £200 per person! This is especially likely when booking online. Behind accommodation, the liftpass is usually the next biggest cost, with many of the bigger resorts in the £180 to £200+ area. Tour operators often tie liftpass deals in with their group offers. Alpine Elements offer free liftpasses, as well as 2 for 1 promotions. These two can see you saving in excess of £400, which will definitely make you popular with the group!

A good tour operator will have group travel advisers, who can help point out possible problems that may come up, as well as sort specific group issues. They an also offer ideas for conference facilities, alternative activities (e.g. skidoo safari), pub crawl routes,and help with any special requirements (e.g are there any vegan restaurants in the resort?).

Low deposits mean that the holiday can be secured with all of the early booking discounts, but leaves enough time to save up for the rest of the cost. Sharing rooms is a great way for mates to save money. An example is of a small group deal, Alpine Elements’ Hotel Chamois, in the Portes du Soleil resort of Les Gets, which offers an eight person group who share two quad rooms, a free place. That would mean a saving of nearly £80 per person!

If you are being asked (or have been volunteered!) to organise a group ski holiday, make sure you tap your travel operator for all the expert help they can give you. It’s in their interest to help you get the best for your group.

This coming season, particularly for group ski holidays, it definitely looks like a case of ‘book early or miss out’!

Advantages of going as a group:

• Low Deposit (typically under £100).

• Ski or Snowboard hire discounts, or ‘1 free in 7’ style deals.

• Really big groups can mean free organisers places.

• Children sharing with parents can save around £100.

• Alternative transport e.g. Coach, which can be much cheaper than flying.

• Group travel expert advice from your tour operator - learn from others mistakes.

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