LONDON, Feb. 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Expedia.co.uk have released the findings of their global Snow Boots Report, delving into the habits of ski and snowboard holiday-goers and have found that it's the older generation that throw caution to the wind and enjoy a drink or two on the slopes when on a ski holiday.
The research looked at different ages across all the UK regions (as well as in Europe) and found that things normally associated with the young, such as taking more risks and drinking, actually came out higher in the over-55s. Expedia.co.uk also spoke to British Olympic Skier, Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards who commented on the findings.
A third of over 55-year olds go on a ski holiday every year, and while some have been skiing or snowboarding most of their life, 26% took up skiing after the age of 40.
"I got into skiing right after a school trip - I love doing crazy things, ski jumping is pretty crazy", – Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards, "I'm just as excited to put on a pair of skis now as I was 41 years ago."
When asked what attracted the over 55s to a ski or snowboarding holiday, 66% said it was because it was exhilarating and a third said they are attracted to a good après ski culture. 13% admitted that they enjoy a drink every day, which isn't that surprising on holiday, but when compared to the 8% of over 25's that drink every day, it would seem that the older generation is having a very carefree time indeed! Furthermore, 20% said that their ideal après ski experience would be a hot tub and champagne.
Snow holidays can be frightening for some, especially when you hear of accidents such as avalanches even before you've arrived. But for many, it makes no difference at all. 41% of 18-24 years said it didn't influence their decision to book a snow holiday, but it's the over 55s that seem to be living the 'what will be, will be' lifestyle as a huge 71% revealed that news of accidents wouldn't impact them at all.
"I used to practise by jumping off my garage roof onto mattresses... I had many falls and broken bones," - Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards.
Being on the slopes themselves can be a nerve-wracking experience with hidden perils beneath the snow and dare-devil skiers shooting down the mountains, but for 13% of over 55s, it's all part of the fun, as they admit they aren't scared one little bit.
"There's no bigger risk taker than me! Skiing is a lot more accessible now and it's great that over 55s are less fearful and willing to take risks. Especially with so many places near the UK to ski - it's a sport everyone should try," – Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards.
About Expedia
Expedia® is one of the world's leading full-service online travel agents offering access to hundreds of thousands of hotels including boutique hotels as well as major hotel brand names and access to over 500 airlines along with a wide selection of car hire and destination experiences. By combining choice with specialist tools to help refine these options, Expedia.co.uk helps travellers to find and create the trip that best matches their individual requirements. Now with the award-winning Expedia mobile app you can plan and book flights and hotels on the move. The Expedia app offers helpful tools to manage your trip including: airport terminal maps; hotel check out time and flight status notifications; maps to your hotel and a host of other features. Expedia.co.uk partners with loyalty programme Nectar in the UK enabling its customers to collect 200 Nectar points on flight only, hotel or car hire bookings and 1000 points on package purchases through www.expedia.co.uk.
Expedia.co.uk is owned and operated by Expedia, Inc.. Expedia delivers consumers value in leisure and business travel, drives incremental demand and direct bookings to travel suppliers, and provides advertisers the opportunity to reach a highly valuable audience of in-market travel consumers through Expedia Media Solutions. Expedia also powers bookings for some of the world's leading airlines and hotels, top consumer brands, high traffic websites, and thousands of active affiliates through Expedia(r) Affiliate Network. (NASDAQ: EXPE) For corporate and industry news and views, visit us at www.expediainc.com or follow us on Twitter @expediainc. Trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners. (c) 2018 Expedia, Inc. All rights reserved. CST: 2029030-50
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