Acknowledgements The International Report on Children’s Lift Ticket Prices would not have been possible without the support of ski resorts across around the world, Snow Hunter and Patrick Thorne and the contributions of hundreds of individual participants whose feedback has been invaluable.
Contents Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………….
1
Methodology ………………………………………………………………………..............
2
Fast Numbers ………………………………………………………………………………..
3
Country Analysis: …………………………………………………………………………..
4
Andorra ………………………………………………………………………………………..
4
Argentina ……………………………………………………………………………………...
7
Australia ……………………………………………………………………………………….
10
Austria …………………………………………………………………………………………
12
Bulgaria ………………………………………………………………………………………..
15
Canada ………………………………………………………………………………………..
18
Chile …………………………………………………………………………………………...
21
Czech Republic ………………………………………………………………………………
24
Finland ………………………………………………………………………………………...
27
France …………………………………………………………………………………………
30
Germany ………………………………………………………………………………………
33
Greece ………………………………………………………………………………………...
36
Italy …………………………………………………………………………………………….
39
Japan ………………………………………………………………………………………….
42
New Zealand ………………………………………………………………………………….
45
Norway ………………………………………………………………………………………...
48
Russia …………………………………………………………………………………………
51
Scotland ……………………………………………………………………………………….
53
Slovak Republic ………………………………………………………………………………
55
Slovenia ……………………………………………………………………………………….
58
South Korea …………………………………………………………………………………..
61
Spain …………………………………………………………………………………………..
64
Sweden ………………………………………………………………………………………..
67
Switzerland ……………………………………………………………………………………
69
USA ……………………………………………………………………………………………
72
Other Countries ……………………………………………………………………………..
75
Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………………..
80
Introduction Globally, the number of snow sports participants is static and in some cases slowly falling. There is a general agreement that the future of winter sports relies on children taking up the sport at a young age. Whilst there are many ways to encourage children to participate in winter sports, one area under constant debate is the price of lift passes. The following report is an objective look at lift pass prices for children globally and common pricing initiatives used.
To best present the information the report will first provide the methodology used and fast numbers. The report will then summarize the key child pricing information in various countries. Finally the report will conclude its findings by summarising the best practices of the countries.
It is important to note that this report does not intend to critique or compare lift pass prices of ski resorts. It is simply a presentation and summary of readily available information.
1
Methodology Prices from 700 ski resorts in over 50 countries were examined. To further the scope, prices for 1 day lift passes and 6 day lift passes were examined. A table of these findings can be found in Appendix 1. Currency To ensure relativity to readers, prices are always presented in the local currency.
Age Range The age which constitutes a child varies from country to country. Therefore, before each country analysis the age range of a child was defined. Time period: All prices were researched over an eight month period from May to December, 2013.
Source of information: To maintain objectivity pricing information was gathered directly from resort websites. Discounts for purchases in advance, tourism operator discounts, wholesaler discounts, seasonal discounts and other private discount agreements are not taken into consideration. Price Changes It is acknowledged that prices can change at any time. For this reason the report will be dynamic. Resorts are encouraged to contact FIS on communications@fisski.com should they wish to make a change.
Tax: Prices may or may not be liable to purchase tax in some regions and countries.
2
Calculating Totals Some resorts do not publish 6 day lift ticket prices. In this instance, the lowest published price is taken a calculated out to equal 6 days. For example 5 days + 1 day, 4 days + 2 days, 2 x 3 days, 3 x 2 days or 6 x 1 day.
Fast Numbers (Based on 700 ski areas worldwide)
36% offer half priced (or less) tickets for children.
62% offer a discounted price to children aged 16 or older.
35% offer some form of family discount on standard lift ticket prices when families buy tickets together.
Least expensive 1 day lift pass price for a 6 year old: free
Least expensive 1 day lift pass price for a 12 year old: free
Least expensive 1 day lift pass price for a 16 year old: free
Most expensive 1 day lift pass price for a 6 year old: USD 78
Most expensive 1 day lift pass price for a 12 year old: USD 99
Most expensive 1 day lift pass price for a 16 year old: USD 99
5% of resorts examined offer half priced (or less) tickets for children, a discount for children to the age 16 or and offer some form of family discount on standard lift ticket prices all together.
3
Country Analysis Andorra Overview Both of Andorra’s main ski areas offer discounts throughout childhood, with three pricing sectors – free for younger children, a discount for elementary age school children and then on- going discounts for teenagers.
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
Children Free To Age
0-5
5
Children Pay From Age
0-6
6
Children Receive Child Discount to Age
11
11
Children Receive Teen Discount to Age
17
17
Approximate Average Child Discount **
-
12 %
(* Based on 2 Andoran resorts, rounded to nearest whole year) (** Where offered). (** Difference between an adult price and a 12 year old child’s price)
4
Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0-0
0
0-0
0
4
0-0
0
0-0
0
5
0-0
0
0-0
0
6
28.5 – 32
30.25
144 – 162
153.00
7
28.5 – 32
30.25
144 – 162
153.00
8
28.5 – 32
30.25
144 – 162
153.00
9
28.5 – 32
30.25
144 – 162
153.00
10
28.5 – 32
30.25
144 – 162
153.00
11
28.5 – 32
30.25
144 – 162
153.00
12
35 – 44
39.50
168 – 216
192.00
13
35 – 44
39.50
168 – 216
192.00
14
35 – 44
39.50
168 – 216
192.00
15
35 – 44
39.50
168 – 216
192.00
16
35 – 44
39.50
168 – 216
192.00
17
35 – 44
39.50
168 – 216
192.00
Andorra’s Position on Standard Ski Resort Child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: No family discounts are offered for daily and weekly tickets at Andorra’s ski areas, but family season pass deals do exist. Teen Discounts: Andorra’s ski areas offer a small discount of around 12% for children aged 12 to 17. Other Discounts: Andorra’s ski areas offer discounts for advance online purchase of tickets.
5
Initiatives from Andorran Ski Centres Vallnord offers a family season pass for Andorrans likely to ski for at least two weeks in the season. This includes free skiing for children up to age 11 and further discounts for repeat adult and teen buyers in subsequent seasons.
6
Argentina Overview Most ski areas in Argentina follow a standard price structure. At most resorts children are free until age 5 or 6, with children under 3 not allowed on the lifts. Children then receive discounts of around 15-25% until age 10 or 11. Children aged 12 and above pay full adult prices.
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
Children Free To Age
0-5
5
Children Pay From Age
0-6
6
10 – 15
11
Children Receive Teen Discount to Age **
-
-
Approximate Average Child Discount ***
-
17 %
Children Receive Child Discount to Age
(* Based on 9 Argentinian resorts, rounded to nearest whole year). (** Not offered in Argentina). (*** Difference between an adult price and a 12 year old child’s price)
7
Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0-0
0
0-0
0
4
0-0
0
0-0
0
5
0 - 375
72.22
920 - 1865
363.33
6
185 - 377
299.67
920 - 1875
1488.55
7
185 - 377
299.67
920 - 1875
1488.55
8
185 - 377
299.67
920 - 1875
1488.55
9
185 - 377
299.67
920 - 1875
1484.55
10
185 - 377
299.67
920 - 1875
1484.55
11
185 - 388
308.33
920 - 1875
1534.50
12
185 - 455
361.00
920 - 2300
1534.50
13
185 - 455
361.00
920 - 2300
1534.50
14
185 - 455
361.00
920 - 2300
1534.50
15
185 - 455
361.00
920 - 2300
1534.50
16
200 - 455
367.00
1200 - 2300
1837.00
17
200 - 455
367.00
1200 - 2300
1837.00
Argentina’s Position on Standard Ski Resort Child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: Family discounts are unusual in Argentina but Caviahue has a family group discount of 10%. Families must be made up of five members.
Teen Discounts: There are no teen discounts in Argentina. Other Discounts: Most Argentinian ski areas divide the season in to three or four periods – low, medium and high. Lowest prices are offered in June and September. 8
Initiatives from Argentinean Ski Centres La Hoya offers a free day’s skiing when you buy a six day pass (ie: seven days for the price of six). Some areas, including Caviahue, offer 25-50% discounts to people who live locally or in the wider region making it more feasible for children living locally to ski more.
9
Australia Overview Australia is one of the world’s more generous nations for child discounts with children paying nearly half the adult price right up to age 14. This is one of the largest percentages globally. In regards to teen discounts some leading Australian areas also offer a small teen discount.
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
Children Free To Age
0-5
4
Children Pay From Age
0-6
5
Children Receive Child Discount to Age
13 – 15
14
Children Receive Teen Discount to Age **
17 - 18
18
-
45 %
Approximate Average Child Discount ***
(* Based on 10 Australian resorts, rounded to nearest whole year). (** Where offered). (*** Difference between an adult price and a 12 year old child’s price)
10
Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0 – 11
1.37
0 – 48
6.86
4
0 – 11
1.37
0 – 48
6.86
5
11 – 64
33.37
48 – 324
127.57
6
11 – 64
49.33
48 – 332
256.29
7
45 – 64
55.37
197 – 332
277.57
8
45 – 64
55.37
197 – 332
277.57
9
45 – 64
55.37
197 – 332
277.57
10
45 – 64
55.37
197 – 332
277.57
11
45 – 64
55.37
197 – 332
277.57
12
45 – 64
55.37
197 – 332
277.57
13
45 – 64
55.37
197 – 332
277.57
14
45 – 97
60.00
197 – 564
311.86
15
72 – 110
96.25
359 – 605
489.57
16
72 – 110
96.25
359 – 605
489.57
17
72 – 110
96.25
359 – 605
489.57
Australia’s Position on Standard Ski Resort Child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: Single family discounts are unusual but several Australian ski areas do offer extra discounts when families buy tickets together.
Teen Discounts: Australian children pay child prices to mid-teens and in one case up to age 18.
Other Discounts: Some Australian centres offer discounts in low season and/or for advance online purchase. Some areas also offer midweek price savings. 11
Austria Overview Austria has a relatively generous lift ticket pricing structure for children. A small number of resorts (less than 3%) ask children to pay a nominal fee even when very young, but around 80% do not ask children to pay at all until either age 6 or 7. Children above this age normally receive a 40-50% discount on the full adult price. Some resorts are very generous and do not ask children to pay at all until ages 9, 10 or 11.
Most Austrian resorts offer substantial discounts for children right up to age 16 and in some cases as old as 20
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
Children Free To Age
0-9
6
Children Pay From Age
0 - 10
7
Children Receive Child Discount to Age
10 –19
16
Children Receive Teen Discount to Age **
16 - 20
18
-
52%
Approximate Average Child Discount ***
(* Based on 130 Austrian resorts, rounded to nearest whole year). (** Where offered). (*** Difference between an adult price and a 12 year old child’s price)
12
Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0 – 21.5
1.03
0 – 69.5
2.95
4
0 – 21.5
1.03
0 – 69.5
2.95
5
0 – 27.5
1.93
0 – 138
5.97
6
0 – 32.5
8.15
0 – 138
34.56
7
0 – 32.5
21.37
0 – 138
88.13
8
0 – 32.5
21.47
0 – 138
88.90
9
0 – 32.5
22.50
0 – 141
99.41
10
15.5 – 32.5
23.53
79 - 156.5
100.66
11
15.5 – 32.5
23.53
79 – 156.5
100.66
12
15.5 – 32.5
23.53
79 – 156.5
100.66
13
15.5 – 32.5
23.53
79 – 156.5
100.66
14
15.5 – 32
23.92
79 – 156.5
103.60
15
17.5 – 46
28.15
82.4 – 204
129.97
16
25.5 - 46
34.51
128.8 – 204
162.49
17
25.5 - 46
35.21
128.8 – 204
163.28
Austria’s Position on Standard Ski Resort Child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: Only around 5% of Austrian ski areas offer a family discount. Family discounts are perhaps less common in Austria as substantial discounts are offered to children right up to adulthood.
Teen Discounts: More than 90% of ski areas in Austria offer teen discounts. Approximately half of the 90% offer discounts to age 18 and 20% of cases offer discounts up to age 20. 13
Other Discounts: Some Austrian centres offer discounts in low season and/or for advance online purchase. There are also low season packages with free skiing for children when families book accommodation with adult lift tickets.
Initiatives from Austrian Ski Centres Up to two children aged up to 11 ski for 2 Euros per day at Heiligenblut (Grossglockner) when an accompanying adult buys a lift ticket of the same value. The third or more child/youth pass (up to the age of 18) receives a free ticket when skiing with this adult. Unaccompanied children only pay 50% of the adult ticket price from age 5 – 10. These deals together make Heiligenblut one of the most generous ski areas for families, particularly large families, in the world.
The ski resort of Galtür has removed teen ticket pricing. Children aged 8 to 18 now pay the child price which is a little more than 55% of the adult price. Children aged seven or younger ski for free. A six day child pass is 100 Euros and 175 Euros for an adult in the main season.
The Hochalmbahn has established a web page with pricing specifically for families only, requiring one adult and one or more child, no complex calculations: http://www.hochalmbahnen.at/family-tariff.html
Finally, one of the most successful initiative is the Schools Sport Action. A nationwide action developed by the Tyroler, Oberösterreicher and Voralberger Boards of Education in conjunction with the Austrian Ski Federation (OESV) and Austrian Seilbahnen (cableways association). The action sees school children receive either free half day lift passes or lift passes for only 5 Euros. This initiative is valid in 138 ski resorts across Tyrol, Oberösterreich and Voralberg. Children must also attend school in these three regions and trips to the snow must be carried out in school hours.
14
Bulgaria Overview Bulgarian ski areas vary as to when children have to pay for lift ticket passes. Some appear to require payment as soon as a child can use the lift, others do not require payment for young children with their families until age 8. However all children are asked to pay adult prices from age 12. One of the four main Bulgarian resorts offers teen discounts providing student identification is presented.
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
Children Free To Age
0–7
3
Children Pay From Age
0- 8
4
11 - 12
11
18
18
-
24%
Children Receive Child Discount to Age Children Receive Teen Discount to Age ** Approximate Average Child Discount ***
(* Based on 4 leading Bulgarian ski areas, rounded to nearest whole year). (** Offered by one area). (*** Difference between an adult price and a 12 year old child’s price)
15
Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0 – 38
15.00
0 – 221
77.25
4
0 – 38
15.00
0 – 221
77.25
5
0 – 38
15.00
0 – 221
77.25
6
0 – 38
15.00
0 – 221
77.24
7
22 - 38
23.25
0 – 221
114.00
8
22 - 38
30.75
88 – 221
154.25
9
22 - 38
30.75
88 – 221
154.25
10
22 - 38
30.75
88 – 221
154.25
11
22 - 38
30.75
88 – 221
154.25
12
22 - 55
41.25
88 - 290
229.75
13
22 - 55
44.75
117 – 290
237.00
14
22 - 55
44.75
117 – 290
237.00
15
22 - 55
44.75
117 – 290
237.00
16
22 - 55
44.75
117 – 290
237.00
17
22 - 55
44.75
117 – 290
237.00
Bulgaria’s Position on Standard Ski Resort Child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: No Bulgarian ski areas publicised and family discount. Cerkno offers a family lift pass whereby the first three family members pay 20.50 Euros each, while the fourth and every subsequent family member pays 15.5 Euros each.
Teen Discounts: Vitosha offers a 20% discount to students who present their school ID. Other Discounts: Some areas offer discounts if tickets are booked through a third party such as a tour operator. 16
Initiatives from Bulgarian Ski Centres At Vitosha there is a 15-20% discount on lift pass prices when you rent equipment or take lesson with the ski school.
17
Canada Overview Canada leads the world in terms of the size of discount it offers children on adult ticket pricing. This can be as much as two thirds off.There are different approaches on each side of the country. In Quebec prices are typically lower than the global average, but children usually have to pay a small amount from birth (typically $10-$15 per day) and rather more from age 5/6 to use the slopes. Free child tickets are rare even for the very young, but overall family prices compare favourably as total ticket costs are low.
In central and western Canada children typically do not pay for tickets until age 5 or 6, and in one case until age 8. After this age heavily discounted rates are provided, but the full adult prices are often higher than in Quebec.
In almost all cases child discounts end at age 12. A few resorts offer child prices up to age 13 and even 17. But most Canadian resorts offer a smaller teen discount for the remainder of childhood and sometimes right up to early 20’s.
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
Children Free To Age
0-7
4
Children Pay From Age
0-8
5
Children Receive Child Discount to Age
12 – 17
12
Children Receive Teen Discount to Age **
17 - 25
19
-
55 %
Approximate Average Child Discount ***
(* Based on 32 Canadian resorts, rounded to nearest whole year). (** Where offered). (*** Difference between an adult price and a 12 year old child’s price)
18
Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0 - 46
3.14
0 – 179
15.21
4
0 - 46
3.14
0 – 179
15.21
5
0 - 46
6.46
0 – 179
27.84
6
0 - 46
24.35
0 – 264
131.05
7
0 - 46
32.52
0 – 312
175.90
8
20 – 46
33.75
75 - 312
182.00
9
20 – 46
33.75
75 - 312
182.00
10
20 – 46
33.75
75 - 312
182.00
11
20 – 46
33.75
75 - 312
182.00
12
20 – 46
33.75
75 - 312
182.00
13
35 – 67
49.91
139 - 530
293.50
14
35 – 67
49.91
139 - 530
293.50
15
35 – 67
49.91
139 - 530
293.50
16
35 – 67
49.91
139 - 530
293.50
17
35 – 67
49.91
139 - 530
293.50
(Most Canadian lift tickets are subject to purchase tax, sometimes from the province or the national government. The figures above do not show tax)
Canada’s Position On Standard Ski Resort Child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: Only one Canadian ski area of the 32 surveyed publicised a special family discount scheme. The discount represents a saving of around 20% on the total cost of two adults and two children buying tickets together.
19
Teen Discounts: All Canadian resorts surveyed offered teen discounts to at least age 17 and in many cases, in to their early 20’s. Student identification must be presented to receive the discount. This teen discount structure is among the best in the world.
Other Discounts: Some Canadian centres offer discounts for skiing midweek, in low season and/or for advance online purchase.
Initiatives From Canadian Ski Centres Canada’s ‘Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass program’ is one of the world’s top initiatives to bring children to the snow. Open to all Canadian children aged 9 and 10 years old it is valid at over 150 participating ski areas across Canada. The program is simple with children receiving their first three visits to any resort for a flat rate of $29.95. Parents of the children must register to receive this offer and registration is free with a small fee for postage of the pass.
Mont Sutton in Quebec offers teen prices to adults in full time education up to the age of 24. The resort all offers a limited area pass which covers two lifts and costs half the price of a regular ticket. This makes skiing and snowboarding at Mont Sutton very affordable.
20
Chile Overview Approximately half of ski areas in Chile do not to offer free skiing for children. However most resorts offer discounts until age 11 or 12. About a third of resorts offering further discounts, sometimes to age 24 if a valid student identification is presented.
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
Children Free To Age
0-5
3
Children Pay From Age
0-6
3
Children Receive Child Discount to Age
11 - 14
12
Children Receive Teen Discount to Age **
17 -24
22
-
17%
Approximate Average Child Discount ***
(* Based on 11 resorts in the Chile, rounded to nearest whole year) (* Where offered) (** Difference between adult and 12 year old child ticket price)
21
Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0 – 21’000
8’333
0 – 90’000
48’500
4
0 – 21’000
8’333
0 – 90’000
48’500
5
0 – 25’000
11’111
0 – 150’000
58’650
6
9’000 – 25’000
18’444
40’500 – 150’000
109’167
7
9’000 – 25’000
18’444
40’500 – 150’000
109’167
8
9’000 – 25’000
18’444
40’500 – 150’000
109’167
9
9’000 – 25’000
18’444
40’500 – 150’000
109’167
10
9’000 – 25’000
18’444
40’500 – 150’000
109’167
11
9’000 – 25’000
18’444
40’500 - 150’000
109’167
12
9’000 – 42’000
23’055
40’500 – 252’000
143’500
13
20’000 – 42’000
26’778
96’750 – 252’000
164’166
14
20’000 – 42’000
26’778
96’750 – 252’000
164’166
15
20’000 – 42’000
28’556
96’750 – 252’000
168’166
16
20’000 – 42’000
28’556
96’750 – 252’000
168’166
17
20’000 – 42’000
28’556
96’750 – 252’000
168’166
Chile’s Position On Standard Ski Resort Child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: Few ski areas in Chile promote family discounts. However Lagunillas has a sliding scale of family discounts. This means families with 3,4 or 5 children pay less than families with 1 or 2 children.
Teen Discounts: Only a small number of ski areas in Chile offer a discount to children over the age of 12. Those that do offer a saving between 10-15% off the adult price. At Valle Nevado 22
children over the age of 12 and up to 23 who are still studying receive special discounts. A valid student identification must be shown.
Other Discounts: Most Chilean ski areas offer discounts for skiing in low season, some offer discounts for joining a resort membership club.
Initiatives From Ski Centres in Chile Some areas limit child price by child height. To qualify for child discounts at Pucon a child must be under 15 years of age and under 1.3m (4 feet, 4 inches) tall.
23
Czech Republic Overview Very few ski areas in The Czech Republic offer any free tickets for young children. However discounts up to age 10 are quite substantial, in some cases up to 80%. From age 10 on, there are smaller discounts which are almost 25% off the adult price. Teenagers can also receive a 10% discount up to the age of 18.
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
Children Free To Age
0-5
1
Children Pay From Age
0-6
1
Children Receive Child Discount to Age
8 - 13
10
Children Receive Teen Discount to Age **
15 -17
16
-
25%
Approximate Average Child Discount ***
(* Based on 7 resorts in the Czech Republic, rounded to nearest whole year) (** Where offered) (*** Difference between adult and 12 year old child ticket price)
24
Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0 – 430
245.71
0 – 2100
1273.00
4
0 – 430
358.57
0 – 2100
1473.00
5
0 – 430
358.57
0 – 2100
1473.00
6
390 – 580
441.43
2000 – 2890
1762.00
7
390 – 580
441.43
2000 – 2890
1762.00
8
390 – 580
441.43
2000 – 2890
1762.00
9
390 – 580
441.43
2000 – 2890
1762.00
10
390 – 580
498.57
2000 – 2890
2058.00
11
390 – 580
498.57
2000 – 2890
2058.00
12
390 – 680
512.86
2000 – 3300
2099.00
13
390 – 680
512.86
2000 – 3300
2099.00
14
530 – 680
557.71
2590 – 3300
2306.00
15
530 – 680
557.71
2590 – 3300
2306.00
16
530 – 680
607.14
2760 – 3300
2531.00
17
530 – 680
607.14
2760 – 3300
2531.00
The Czech Republic’s Position On Standard Ski Resort Child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: 20% of the Czech Resorts examined offered family discounts when a family purchase tickets of the same duration together.
Teen Discounts: Most Czech ski areas offer teen discounts with savings typically between 1025% off the full adult price.
25
Other Discounts: Most Czech ski areas offer discounts for skiing in low season. Some offer discounts for online booking.
Initiatives From Ski Centres in the Czech Republic Zeleznรก Ruda offers particularly generous discounts of around 80% to children up to the age of 8. For children above the age of 8 and up to 18 tickets cost a third of the adult price.
26
Finland Overview Finland has some of the most standardised lift ticket pricing in the world with child prices fairly consistent between all leading Finnish resorts. With one exception, all offered free skiing to children up the age of 5 or 6. Most charged adult price from age 12 or 13.
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
Children Free To Age
1-6
6
Children Pay From Age
1-7
7
Children Receive Child Discount to Age
11 – 12
11
Children Receive Teen Discount to Age **
17 - 19
18
-
29 %
Approximate Average Child Discount
(* Based on 15 leading Finnish resorts, rounded to nearest whole year). (** Where offered) (*** Difference between adult and 12 year old child ticket price)
27
Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0 – 16
1.07
0 – 96
6.40
4
0 – 16
1.07
0 – 96
6.40
5
0 – 16
1.07
0 – 96
6.40
6
0 – 28
4.60
0 – 168
26.27
7
0 – 28
21.77
0 – 168
97.50
8
16 – 28
23.43
81 – 168
104.70
9
16 – 28
23.43
81 – 168
104.70
10
16 – 28
23.43
81 – 168
104.70
11
16 – 28
23.43
81 – 168
104.70
12
16 – 38
29.40
81 – 192
133.97
13
22 – 38
34.07
105 – 192
148.40
14
22 – 38
34.07
105 – 192
148.40
15
22 – 38
34.07
105 – 192
148.40
16
22 – 38
34.07
105 – 192
148.40
17
22 – 38
34.07
105 – 192
148.40
Finland’s Position On Standard Ski Resort Child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: Prices are typically lower than the European average for children and adults so further family discounts may not be seen as necessary.
Teen Discounts: Teen discounts are only offered by a handful of Finnish resorts. Those that do offer discounts provide a saving between 5 – 15% off the adult price for children up to the age of 17.
28
Other Discounts: Some Finnish centres offer discounts in low season and/or for advance online purchase.
Initiatives From Finnish Ski Centres Safety First – at some Finnish resorts young children ski free only if they are wearing a helmet.
29
France Overview France has the widest range of children’s lift ticket price bands. Most resorts begin child pricing between ages 4 and 6. However some resorts move children from the child price band to youth/teen pricing at age 8, while others hold child pricing right through to age 24.
Number of locations where child ticket pricing ends (based on 109 resorts): Number of resorts Age
ending child pricing at this age
7
4
8
1
9
15
10
2
11
18
12
35
13
18
14
9
15
12
16
0
17
4
24
1
30
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
Children Free To Age
3–6
4
Children Pay From Age
4-7
5
Children Receive Child Discount to Age
7 - 24
13
Children Receive Teen Discount to Age **
8 - 24
15
-
17%
Approximate Average Child Discount
(*Based on 109 French resorts, rounded to nearest whole year). (** Where offered). (*** Compared to a 12 year old child)
Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0–0
0
0-0
0
4
0 – 39.1
2.08
0 – 210
11.53
5
0 – 39.1
21.34
0 – 210
111.63
6
0 – 39.1
28.07
0 – 210
158.04
7
16 – 39.1
28.16
81 – 210
159.78
8
16 – 39.1
28.53
81 – 210
160.59
9
16 – 39.1
28.53
81 – 210
160.59
10
16 – 39.1
28.60
81 – 210
160.66
11
16 – 39.1
28.60
81 – 210
160.66
12
16 – 47
29.69
81 – 227
165.20
13
16 – 47
34.47
81 – 238.5
182.74
14
16 – 50.5
34.84
81 – 252.5
192.12
31
15
16 – 50.5
35.89
81 – 252.5
196.21
16
16 – 50.5
37.30
81 – 252.5
198.04
17
16 – 50.5
37.38
81 – 252.5
198.43
France’s Position On Standard Ski Resort Child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: French resorts offer more family discounts than any other country. Around 85% of French resorts offer a family saving when families buy passes together. Family discount structures vary but typically teenage children qualify for a family discount. At La Clusaz there’s a 10% saving on all tickets when four family members with children aged up to 15 buy their tickets together.
Teen Discounts: Teen discounts are available however most resort choose to provide discounts when ticket are bought in a family package.
Other Discounts: Some French ski areas offer low season discounts with free skiing for children at low season times. Val Cenis offers a free child’s lift pass when two adults buy a pass during low season periods.
Initiatives From French Ski Centres There is a variety of initiatives from resorts. Most French ski areas ask children to pay from age 4 or 5 but around 25% do not ask children to pay until age 6 and approximately 1 in 20 do not ask children to pay until age 7.
During Christmas Praz sur Arly offer free tickets to children under the age of 10 when two parents purchase ticket. A large number of French ski areas also offer substantial discounts (often half price) on Saturdays. Decisions on this offer take place usually on the day and when the number of skiers and snowboarders is low.
32
Germany Overview German ski areas are some of the most generous in the world for child pricing. 70% of ski areas examined do not ask children to pay until age 7. As children get older nearly all hold child lift prices – typically less than half the adult price – right through to age 16. Finally 90% of resorts offer a further teen discount until 18 or over. The level of discount is much greater than the world average. Moreover the period for which it is offered continues later into childhood than the world average.
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
Children Free To Age
0–6
4
Children Pay From Age
0–7
5
Children Receive Child Discount to Age
16 – 17
16
Children Receive Teen Discount to Age **
17 – 19
18
-
55%
Approximate Average Child Discount ***
(* Based on 10 German resorts, rounded to nearest whole year). (** Where offered). (*** Difference between adult and 12 year old child ticket price).
33
Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0 – 15.5
1.55
0 – 69.5
6.95
4
0 – 15.5
1.55
0 – 69.5
6.95
5
0 – 15.5
1.55
0 -69.5
6.95
6
0 – 23.5
16.60
60 – 158
75.15
7
14 – 23.5
18.10
60 – 158
75.15
8
14 – 23.5
18.10
60 – 158
75.15
9
14 – 23.5
18.10
60 – 158
75.15
10
14 – 23.5
18.10
60 – 158
75.15
11
14 – 23.5
18.10
60 – 158
75.15
12
14 – 23.5
18.10
60 – 158
75.15
13
14 – 23.5
18.10
60 – 158
75.15
14
14 – 23.5
18.10
60 – 158
75.15
15
14 – 23.5
19.10
60 – 158
78.35
16
14 – 32
26.20
60 – 195
116.05
17
21 – 32
26.80
105 – 195
120.55
Germany’s Position On Standard Ski Resort child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: 60% of German ski areas offer family discounts on top of their existing child discounts. Typically there are additional discounts when a family skis together and buy tickets together.
34
Teen Discounts: Teen discounts are offered by almost 90% of the German ski areas. Teen discounts are typically smaller savings of 10-20% off the full adult price. Some resorts offer younger teens child prices which can amount to a saving 55% off a full price ticket.
Other discounts: No other discounts were apparent.
Initiatives From German Ski Centres Balderschwang offers a Family Card with a scale of discounts starting from 1 parent + 1 child and rising to 2 parents + 2 children then the third child and each additional child skis free. Children must be under the age of 16.
35
Greece Overview Greek resorts are among the more generous in providing child discounts. Prices are much lower than the European average and parents can expect to pay further reduced rates with more than a third off, right through to age 16. Teen discount are also available right up to adulthood.
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
Children Free To Age
4-5
4
Children Pay From Age
5-6
5
Children Receive Child Discount to Age
11 – 18
16
Children Receive Teen Discount to Age **
17 - 18
18
-
35%
Approximate Average Child Discount ***
(* Based on 4 Greek resorts, rounded to nearest whole year). (** Where offered). (*** Difference between adult and 12 year old child ticket price)
36
Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0–0
0
0–0
0.00
4
0-0
0
0–0
0.00
5
0 – 15
5.75
48 – 90
34.50
6
8 – 15
10.25
48 – 90
61.50
7
8 – 15
10.25
48 – 90
61.50
8
8 – 15
10.25
48 – 90
61.50
9
8 – 15
10.25
48 – 90
61.50
10
8 – 15
10.25
48 – 90
61.50
11
8 – 15
10.25
48 – 90
61.50
12
8 – 15
11.50
48 – 90
69.00
13
8 – 15
11.50
48 – 90
69.00
14
8 – 15
11.50
48 – 90
69.00
15
8 – 15
11.50
48 – 90
69.00
16
8 – 15
11.50
48 – 90
69.00
17
8 – 15
11.50
48 – 90
69.00
Greece’s Position On Standard Ski Resort child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: Greek ski areas have some great family initiatives. One of the best included a 35 Euro day pass for a family of four.
Teen Discounts: Most Greek ski areas offer child prices right through to age 16 and in some instances up to 18 years of age.
37
Other Discounts: Some Greek centres offer discounts in low season and/or for advance online purchase where available.
Initiatives From Greek Ski Centres A lot of work is done towards families. Season passes for families at Kalavryta ski area are priced at €390. Smaller Pilion ski area offers a three person family annual pass for just €220. Mount Parnassos also offers good family discounts and the second child in a family skis or snowboards for €1 a day. 3-5 Pigadia offers similar discounts and a ‘large family’ reduced price as well as discounted tickets for unemployed parents. This makes it easier for lower income families to afford to ski and snowboard.
38
Italy Overview Italian resorts offer a wide range of discount schemes for children.
A large number of Italian resorts charge a low rate for children aged up to 6, 7 or 8 and then a higher rate for older-children to mid-teens. Quite often young children are free when an accompanying parent pays for a ticket of the same duration.
At most Italian resorts child pricing continues through to age 15 or 16. Most Italian resorts have two or more seasons during winter – typically low, standard and high. Prices in the low season can be up to a third of the high season price.
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
Children Free To Age
0-8
5
Children Pay From Age
0-9
6
Children Receive Child Discount to Age
8 – 18
18
Children Receive Teen Discount to Age **
14 – 16
15
-
26%
Approximate Average Child Discount ***
(*Based on 70 Italian resorts, rounded to nearest whole year). (** Where offered). (*** Difference between adult and 12 year old child ticket price)
39
Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0 – 35
6.36
0 – 151
15.31
4
0 – 35
6.63
0 – 151
16.71
5
0 – 35
6.63
0 – 151
16.71
6
0 – 35
9.75
0 – 151
28.78
7
0 – 35
9.75
0 – 151
28.78
8
0 – 35
11.27
0 – 151
36.80
9
16. – 35
27.23
70 – 170
136.09
10
16. – 35
27.23
70 – 170
136.09
11
16. – 35
27.23
70 – 170
136.09
12
16 – 44
30.00
70 – 210
151.52
13
16 – 44
30.00
70 – 210
151.52
14
16 – 44
30.33
70 – 210
153.06
15
16 – 46
31.93
70 – 234
160.63
16
16 – 46
33.48
70 – 234
166.71
17
22.5 - 48
39.29
70 – 234
201.05
Italy’s Position On Standard Ski Resort child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: Family discounts are unusual in Italy with less than 10% of ski areas offering them. Those that do, such as Livigno, offer an overall discount when families buy tickets for the same duration all together.
Teen Discounts: Teen discounts are very rare in Italy. Unusually resorts that offer teen pricing tend to end their offers before other areas end their wider child pricing.
Other discounts: No other discounts were apparent. 40
Initiatives From Italian Ski Centres Many Italian resorts traditionally offer low season packages where ski holiday costs for children - usually up to age 12 - are free. This includes lift pass, accommodation and sometimes dining, rentals and ski school too. Under 16s are usually half priced in these deals.
La Thuile promote transferable ski passes for young couples. Young couples with one child under three can purchase a week ski pass and transfer it to their friends. This means some adults can remain at the base of the mountain looking after kids while others ski. They can then swap.
Finally Montecampione offers a one day adult ticket incorporating a low priced child ticket at a nominal extra cost.
41
Japan Overview The average age of when children must pay tickets in Japan is 9. This is thanks to many leading Japanese resorts offering free tickets up to the age of 12 or 13.
For older children many Japanese ski areas also offer teen discounts and some have family pricing deals which help bring costs down further still.
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
Children Free To Age
0 - 12
8
Children Pay From Age
0 - 13
9
Children Receive Child Discount to Age
12 – 18
13
Children Receive Teen Discount to Age **
12 - 18
16
-
65%
Approximate Average Child Discount ***
(*Based on 10 Japanese resorts, rounded to nearest whole year). (** Where offered). (*** Difference between adult and 12 year old child ticket price)
42
Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0 – 2’500
354
0 – 11’000
1’100
4
0 – 2’650
518
0 – 13’600
1’470
5
0 – 2’650
518
0 – 13’600
1’470
6
0 – 3’700
782
0 – 22’000
3’580
7
0 – 3’700
1’968
0 – 22’000
7’730
8
0 – 3’700
1’968
0 – 22’000
7’730
9
0 – 3’700
1’968
0 – 22’000
7’730
10
0 – 3’700
1’968
0 – 22’000
7’730
11
0 – 3’700
1’968
0 – 22’000
7’730
12
0 – 5’000
2’325
0 – 28’500
8’230
13
2’000 – 5’300
3’857
12’000 – 28’500
18’750
14
2’000 – 5’300
3’857
12’000 – 28’500
18’750
15
2’000 – 5’300
3’857
12’000 – 28’500
18’750
16
2’000 – 5’300
4’007
24’000 – 31’500
22’830
17
3’600 – 6’000
4’007
24’000 – 31’500
22’830
Japan’s Position On Standard Ski Resort child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: Family discounts are unusual in Japan as children are free at many resorts until age 12 or 13.
Teen Discounts: About a quarter of Japanese ski areas offer a teen discount after the child discount. These discounts can range between 20-30% off the adult price. Some resorts offer child prices right through to age 18 and do not differentiate children in to pre-teens and teens. To take advantage of these offers proof the teen is still in school must be presented. 43
Other Discounts: Some Japanese centres offer discounts in low season and/or for advance online purchase.
Initiatives From Japanese Ski Centres Japan’s leading ski resort operator, Prince Hotels, which runs 10 of the country’s top ski areas, does not charge children to ski until they are age 13. This action sets the global standard.
Alts Bandai offers a discount to families who sign up as online members. Members receive further reductions – 8’400¥ to 5’500¥ - off already discounted family lift tickets. Additional adults can also be added to the family for 3’300¥ rather than the usual 4’700¥ and more children for 2,200¥ each.
44
New Zealand Overview New Zealand have strong pricing structures for children. Many resorts have free skiing for children up the age of 10 and some with free tickets up the age of 5 or 6.
What is the most unique about new Zealand is that all of the areas offered discounted prices up to age 17. This means special teen discounts are not required.
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
4–9
6
Children Pay From Age
5 - 10
7
Children Receive Child Discount to Age
16 - 18
18
Children Receive Teen Discount to Age **
-
-
Approximate Average Child Discount
-
43%
Children Free To Age
(*Based on 10 leading New Zealand ski areas, rounded to nearest whole year). (** Where offered). (*** Difference between adult and 12 year old child ticket price)
45
Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0-0
0
0-0
0
4
0–0
0
0–0
0
5
0 – 58
11.33
0 – 348
68.00
6
0 – 58
25.92
0 – 348
131.30
7
0 – 58
41.33
0 – 348
249.50
8
0 – 58
41.33
0 – 348
249.50
9
0 – 58
41.33
0 – 348
249.50
10
20 – 58
45.58
120 – 348
256.08
11
20 – 58
45.58
120 – 348
256.08
12
20 – 58
45.58
120 – 348
256.08
13
25 – 58
46.66
150 – 348
269.75
14
25 – 58
46.66
150 – 348
269.75
15
25 – 58
46.66
150 – 348
269.75
16
25 – 58
46.66
150 – 348
269.75
17
25 - 97
57.50
150 – 562
316.50
New Zealand’s Position On Standard Ski Resort child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: Family discounts are not common. This is because child prices are typically lower than the global average. However, one location which does offer a family package is Treble Cone. A family comprising of two parents and two children (who are still attending school) can obtain a family discount. Each additional children is then only $20 NZD, which is about 40% of the regular rate.
46
Teen Discounts: Teen discounts are not needed as all areas offer child prices to age 17 or 18. Most also offer young adults discounts for students in college in New Zealand (and sometimes Australia). A valid student ID must be presented when purchasing these tickets.
Other Discounts: Some New Zealand centres offer discounts in low season and/or for advance online purchase.
Initiatives From New Zealand Ski Centres Temple Basin conducts special children’s weeks. Children from sports clubs and schools are invited to the mountain for a full snow experience. Free lift passes along with mountain games, crafts, free lessons, free rental equipment and logging are provided. For children from a distance buses are provided to the mountain. Also during these weeks the regular deal of children under 10 ski for free extends to children up to the age of 14. Older children must register for the kid’s weeks to receive the free pass.
47
Norway Overview Like in many Scandinavian countries children in Norway do not need to pay for a lift pass until 7 years of age. After the age of 7 many ski resorts offer child pricing to age 15. This is well above the global average. Research also showed that adult day passes at smaller resorts are cheaper than child tickets in major resorts.
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
Children Free To Age
6–7
6
Children Pay From Age
7- 8
7
14 - 17
15
Children Receive Teen Discount to Age **
-
-
Approximate Average Child Discount
-
20 %
Children Receive Child Discount to Age
(*Based on 15 leading Norwegian resorts, rounded to nearest whole year). (** Where offered) (*** Difference between adult and 12 year old child ticket price)
48
Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0-0
0
0-0
0
4
0–0
0
0–0
0
5
0-0
0
0-0
0
6
0 – 310
271.33
0 – 1485
1126.00
7
230 – 310
291.67
890 – 1485
1214.00
8
230 – 310
291.67
890 – 1485
1214.00
9
230 – 310
291.67
890 – 1485
1214.00
10
230 – 310
291.67
890 – 1485
1214.00
11
230 – 310
291.67
890 – 1485
1214.00
12
230 – 310
291.67
890 – 1485
1214.00
13
230 – 310
291.67
890 – 1485
1214.00
14
230 – 310
291.67
890 – 1485
1214.00
15
230 – 310
351.00
890 – 1485
1536.00
16
230 – 395
355.67
890 – 1865
1562.00
17
230 – 395
355.67
890 – 1865
1562.00
Norway’s Position On Standard Ski Resort child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: Family discounts are not common in Norway. Prices are typically lower than the European average for children and adults so further discounts may not be thought necessary.
Teen Discounts: Teen discounts were not offered by any of the Norwegian resorts examined
49
Other Discounts: Some Norwegian centres offer discounts in low season and/or for advance online purchase.
Initiatives From Norwegian Ski Centres Safety First – at some Norwegian resorts young children ski free only if they are wearing a helmet.
50
Russia Overview Russia has a mixture of long established ski areas, sometimes run with a club structure, and modern new state-of-the-art world class resorts.
At older resorts there is a pricing structure charging per use of the ski lift. This makes it difficult to compare to day and weekly passes. At newer international resorts day and weekly passes are offered.
Both types of resorts offer children pricing with children typically free to age 6 and then discounted to age 14.
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
Children Free To Age
0-5
5
Children Pay From Age
0-6
6
12 – 14
14
Children Receive Teen Discount to Age **
-
-
Approximate Average Child Discount
-
22%
Children Receive Child Discount to Age
(* Based on 5 Russian resorts, rounded to nearest whole year) (** Where offered) (*** Difference between adult and 12 year old child ticket price)
51
Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0 – 650
162.50
0 – 3’900
780.00
4
0 – 650
162.50
0 – 3’900
780.00
5
0 – 650
162.50
0 – 3’900
780.00
6
650 – 1’250
775.00
2’600 – 6’400
4’000.00
7
650 – 1’250
775.00
2’600 – 6’400
4’000.00
8
650 – 1’250
775.00
2’600 – 6’400
4’000.00
9
650 – 1’250
775.00
2’600 – 6’400
4’000.00
10
650 – 1’250
775.00
2’600 – 6’400
4’000.00
11
650 – 1’250
775.00
2’600 – 6’400
4’000.00
12
650 – 1’250
775.00
2’600 – 6’400
4’000.00
13
650 – 1’250
895.00
2’600 – 6’400
5’280.00
14
650 – 1’250
895.00
2’600 – 6’400
5’280.00
15
1’100 - 1’600
1’262.00
4’000 – 9’600
7’140.00
16
1’100 - 1’600
1’262.00
4’000 – 9’600
7’140.00
17
1’100 - 1’600
1’262.00
4’000 – 9’600
7’140.00
Russia’s Position On Standard Ski Resort child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: At Rosa Khutor when two adults and two children purchase the same pass for the same duration a discount is available. Other resorts did not show family discounts
Teen Discounts: No teen discounts were offered at the ski areas which were examined.
Other Discounts: No other discounts were apparent.
52
Scotland Overview Scotland’s ski areas offer free skiing until a child is aged 5 or 6. After this age ticket are almost half the cost of an adult until age 17. In all resorts examined this price continue to age 18 if the individual is a full time college student and can present a valid ID.
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
4–5
5
Children Pay From Age
5 - 10
6
Children Receive Child Discount to Age
11 - 17
15
Children Receive Teen Discount to Age **
17 - 17
17
-
49%
Children Free To Age
Approximate Average Child Discount
(* Based on 5 Scottish ski areas, rounded to nearest whole year). (** Where offered). (*** Difference between adult and 12 year old child ticket price)
53
Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0-0
0
0-0
0
4
0–0
0
0–0
0
5
6.75 – 20
12.15
40.5 – 98
64.70
6
6.75 – 20
16.15
80 – 103.5
93.30
7
15 – 20
18.50
80 – 103.5
93.30
8
15 – 20
18.50
80 – 103.5
93.30
9
15 – 20
18.50
80 – 103.5
93.30
10
15 – 20
18.50
80 – 103.5
93.30
11
15 – 20
18.50
80 – 103.5
93.30
12
15 – 20
19.30
80 – 103.5
98.10
13
15 – 20
19.30
80 – 103.5
98.10
14
15 – 20
19.30
80 – 103.5
98.10
15
15 – 20
19.30
80 – 103.5
98.10
16
18.5 – 32.5
24.00
80. – 174.5
122.30
17
18.5 – 32.5
24.00
80. – 174.5
122.30
Scotland’s Position On Standard Ski Resort Child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: Family discounts are offered by 80% of Scottish ski areas. Four or more family members are required to purchase tickets together to receive this discount.
Teen Discounts: At four of the five Scottish ski areas children pay child prices through to their late teens. In one case the child age is divided in to two categories with teens paying slightly more than children. 18 year olds can pay children prices but must present a valid full time student ID. 54
Slovak Republic Overview The Slovak Republic has standard pricing for children across the country’s leading ski areas. Children aged 5 and under ski free and children aged 6 to 12 receive a discount of 30% off the adult cost. Most Slovak ski areas offer a small teen discount for older children until they are adults.
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
Children Free To Age
5–5
5
Children Pay From Age
6- 6
2
Children Receive Child Discount to Age
11 - 12
11
Children Receive Teen Discount to Age **
13 - 18
17
-
43%
Approximate Average Child Discount
(* Based on 7 leading Slovak ski areas, rounded to nearest whole year). (** Where offered). (*** Difference between adult and 12 year old child ticket price)
55
Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0-0
0
0–0
0
4
0-0
0
0–0
0
5
0 – 19
3.17
0 – 104
17.33
6
19 – 26
22.17
96 – 132
117.00
7
19 – 26
22.17
96 – 132
117.00
8
19 – 26
22.17
96 – 132
117.00
9
19 – 26
22.17
96 – 132
117.00
10
19 – 26
22.17
96 – 132
117.00
11
19 – 26
22.17
96 – 132
117.00
12
19 – 26
22.67
121 – 150
118.29
13
22 – 30
25.17
150 – 198
132.00
14
22 – 30
25.17
150 – 198
132.00
15
22 – 30
25.17
150 – 198
132.00
16
22 – 30
25.17
150 – 198
132.00
17
22 – 30
25.17
150 – 198
132.00
The Slovak Republic’s Position On Standard Ski Resort Child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: 2 of the 7 resorts examined offer a family discounts.
Teen Discounts: Most Slovak ski areas offer a teen discount from age 12 to 17. The discounts tend to be a small saving on the adult price.
56
Other Discounts: Slovak resorts divide the season into four different pricing bands, with the lowest usually just before the Christmas week. Prices may also be lower if purchased in advance online where offered.
Initiatives From Slovak Ski Centres Jasnรก promotes the purchase of an interchangeable adult ticket. This is particularly helpful for parents with younger children as one adult can remain with the kids whilst the other enjoys the mountain.
57
Slovenia Overview Most Slovenian ski areas offer free skiing to children until age 5 or 6. After this age many resorts offer generous discounts for children. These discounts normally equate to just under half the adult price. In most cases these prices continue right through age 16.
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
Children Free To Age
0–6
5
Children Pay From Age
0- 7
6
Children Receive Child Discount to Age
12 - 15
14
Children Receive Teen Discount to Age **
14 - 23
-
-
48%
Approximate Average Child Discount
(*Based on 10 leading Slovenian ski areas, rounded to nearest whole year). (** Where offered). (*** Difference between adult and 12 year old child ticket price)
58
Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0 – 10
1.00
0 – 60
6.00
4
0 – 10
1.00
0 – 60
6.00
5
0 – 19
6.20
0 – 104
34.30
6
0 – 19
14.10
0 – 104
61.20
7
10 – 27
16.80
51 – 137
63.90
8
10 – 27
16.80
51 – 137
63.90
9
10 – 27
16.80
51 – 137
63.90
10
10 – 27
16.80
51 – 137
63.90
11
10 – 27
16.80
51 – 137
63.90
12
10 – 27
16.80
51 – 137
63.90
13
13 – 27
19.00
51 – 137
76.00
14
13 – 29
20.00
51 – 160
80.60
15
15 – 29
22.20
51 – 160
107.95
16
15 – 29
23.10
59 – 160
111.25
17
15 – 29
23.10
59 – 160
111.25
Slovenia’s Position On Standard Ski Resort Child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: Family discounts are offered by several Slovenian ski areas. Cerkno offers a family lift pass whereby the first three family members pay 20.50 Euros each, while the fourth and every subsequent family member pays 15.50 Euros each.
Teen Discounts: Although most Slovenian ski areas offer quite generous ticket pricing for children, most also offer a ‘youth’ discount. Some also offer discounts for people in their 20s if a valid student ID is presented. 59
Other Discounts: Some Slovenian ski areas with online booking offer lower prices when tickets are bought in advance. Lower prices may also be offered mid-week. Part day, certain lifts only, family, student and other deals are available along with discounts on Mondays.
Initiatives From Slovenian Ski Centres Krvavec offers 50% off a child lift pass on that child’s birthday.
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South Korea Overview South Korea has one of the simplest child pricing structures. Children still in primary/elementary school receive a discount on the adult price, normally to age 11 or 12. After this age children pay adult prices. Free tickets for young children are not available.
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
Children Free To Age
0-0
0
Children Pay From Age
0-0
0
11 – 12
11
Children Receive Teen Discount to Age **
-
-
Approximate Average Child Discount ***
-
13%
Children Receive Child Discount to Age
(* Based on 4 South Korean resorts, rounded to nearest whole year). (** Where offered). (*** Difference between adult and 12 year old child ticket price)
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Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
44’000 – 63’000
52’750
264’000 – 378’000
316’500
4
44’000 – 63’000
52’750
264’000 – 378’000
316’500
5
44’000 – 63’000
52’750
264’000 – 378’000
316’500
6
44’000 – 63’000
52’750
264’000 – 378’000
316’500
7
44’000 – 63’000
52’750
264’000 – 378’000
316’500
8
44’000 – 63’000
52’750
264’000 – 378’000
316’500
9
44’000 – 63’000
52’750
264’000 – 378’000
316’500
10
44’000 – 63’000
52’750
264’000 – 378’000
316’500
11
44’000 – 63’000
52’750
264’000 – 378’000
316’500
12
56’000 – 83’000
67’500
336’000 – 498’000
405’000
13
65’000 – 83’000
71’000
390’000 – 498’000
426’000
14
65’000 – 83’000
71’000
390’000 – 498’000
426’000
15
65’000 – 83’000
71’000
390’000 – 498’000
426’000
16
65’000 – 83’000
71’000
390’000 – 498’000
426’000
17
65’000 – 83’000
71’000
390’000 – 498’000
426’000
South Korea’s Position On Standard Ski Resort child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: There are not known to be any family ticket discounts in South Korea.
Teen Discounts: There are not known to be any teen ticket discounts in South Korea.
Other Discounts: South Korean resorts do not appear to offer seasonal discounts. However many resorts operate almost 24 hours per day. Tickets tend to be sold in 4-8 hour blocks including a midnight to 4am slot. These prices can be lower. 62
Initiatives From South Korean Ski Centres Some South Korean ski areas offer lift ticket discounts for adults and children of typically 50% if they join a resort membership programme.
63
Spain Overview According to the research there is no national standard for free passes. The age at which children begin to pay in Spanish resorts is divided. Some begin at age 0 others at age 7. Resorts which require young children to pay for tickets usually only charge a few Euros. For the most part resorts opt to end child prices at age 11 or 12
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
Children Free To Age
0-6
3
Children Pay From Age
0-7
4
Children Receive Child Discount to Age
10 – 14
12
Children Receive Teen Discount to Age **
14 - 14
14
-
10.5%
Approximate Average Child Discount ***
(* Based on 15 Spanish resorts, rounded to nearest whole year). (** Where offered). (*** Difference between adult and 12 year old child ticket price)
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Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0 – 32
6.33
0 – 162
35.80
4
0 – 32.5
8.50
0 – 162
47.53
5
0 – 33.5
14.53
0 – 162
75.93
6
0 – 33.5
21.97
0 – 192
110.27
7
16 – 33.5
28.27
76.8 – 192
148.53
8
16 – 33.5
28.27
76.8 – 192
148.53
9
16 – 33.5
28.27
76.8 – 192
148.53
10
16 – 33.5
28.27
76.8 – 192
148.53
11
16 – 33.5
28.87
76.8 – 192
152.53
12
16 – 42
31.11
76.8 – 192
168.59
13
20 – 47
35.97
82 – 234.5
186.73
14
20 – 47
36.86
82 – 234.5
187.73
15
20 – 47
37.03
110 – 234.5
188.30
16
20 – 47
37.03
110 – 234.5
188.30
17
20 – 47
37.03
110 – 234.5
188.30
Spain’s Position On Standard Ski Resort child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: Several Spanish ski areas do offer extra discounts when families buy tickets together.
Teen Discounts: Only a small number of Spanish areas (less than 20%) offer teen discounts. These discounts are normally around 10% off the adult price. No resorts continue their children pricing beyond 14 years of age. 65
Other Discounts: Some Spanish centres offer discounts in low season and/or for advance online purchase.
Initiatives From Spanish Ski Centres Candanchu offers a low rate of less than 10 Euros per day to children aged 3 -5. This offer is only available if a child is wearing a helmet. The ticket also includes a voucher for a free meal at the mountain restaurant.
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Sweden Overview Like many of the other Scandinavian countries Sweden has a consistent children’s pricing structure. Children do not pay until age 8 at any resort, so long as they wear a helmet. Child prices continue to at least age 16 with prices being a fifth off the adult price.
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
Children Free To Age
7-8
7
Children Pay From Age
8-9
8
15 – 17
15
Children Receive Teen Discount to Age **
-
-
Approximate Average Child Discount ***
-
20%
Children Receive Child Discount to Age
(* Based on 10 Swedish resorts, rounded to nearest whole year). (** Where offered). (*** Difference between adult and 12 year old child ticket price)
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Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0–0
0
0–0
0
4
0–0
0
0–0
0
5
0–0
0
0–0
0
6
0–0
0
0–0
0
7
0–0
0
0–0
0
8
0 – 330
258.33
0 – 1575
1116
9
240 – 330
282.50
915 – 1575
1244.50
10
240 – 330
282.50
915 – 1575
1244.50
11
240 – 330
282.50
915 – 1575
1244.50
12
240 – 330
282.50
915 – 1575
1244.50
13
240 – 330
282.50
915 – 1575
1244.50
14
240 – 330
282.50
915 – 1575
1244.50
15
240 – 330
282.50
915 – 1575
1244.50
16
260 – 415
343.75
915 – 1995
1524.00
17
295 – 415
347.92
990 – 1995
1554.00
Sweden’s Position On Standard Ski Resort child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: No family discounts are offered.
Teen Discounts: No teen discounts are required as most ski areas offer child discounts to late teenage years.
Other Discounts: Some areas offer a discount for advance online purchase. 68
Switzerland Overview Switzerland has a strong structure for children’s pricing. In a large portion of leading Swiss resorts children do not pay at all until aged 9. In the case of Zermatt this increases to 10. Once children do start paying the savings on the adult prices can be 50-75%. These savings continue later in to teenage years. Some resorts offer a further level of discount until the age of 24. These discounts are limited to students and a valid student identification must be presented upon purchase.
Child Prices Breakdown Range
Average *
4–9
6
Children Pay From Age
5 - 10
7
Children Receive Child Discount to Age
11 - 16
14
Children Receive Teen Discount to Age **
16 - 24
19
-
46 %
Children Free To Age
Approximate Average Child Discount ***
(*Based on 62 leading Swiss resorts, rounded to nearest whole year). (** Where offered). (*** Difference between full adult price and child pass at age 12).
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Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0–0
0
0-0
0
4
0–0
0
0–0
0
5
0 – 33
2.62
0 – 167
17.40
6
0 – 33
13.73
0 – 167
73.40
7
0 – 33
20.62
0 – 167
106.00
8
0 – 40
20.96
0 – 178
109.30
9
0 – 40
28.78
0 – 198
147.40
10
15 – 40
29.38
106 – 198
150.70
11
15 – 40
29.38
106 – 198
150.70
12
15 – 49
29.75
106 – 198
156.60
13
25 – 49
34.41
106 – 273
185.50
14
25 – 49
35.61
106 – 273
187.00
15
25 – 49
35.61
137 – 273
187.00
16
29 – 55
42.26
137 – 273
224.90
17
29 – 55
44.32
137 – 273
232.40
Switzerland’s Position On Standard Ski Resort Child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: Exactly half of the 62 Swiss ski areas examined offer family discounts on top of already below-international-average child’s lift ticket prices. These come in many different forms but some are more innovative. For example the 4 Valleys now allow second family members e.g. cousins, uncles etc. and grandparents to be included in the ‘family criteria’. This increases the consumers chance of obtaining a discount.
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Crans Montana offers a generous family discount during the off-peak season (January 4 – February 7 and March 15 – April 11) on Saturdays or Sundays. Three people one of which must be a child pay a flat rate for one day. This rate equates to less than the combined price for two adults tickets. Each additional child thereafter is 10 Francs and an additional apprentice/student is 20 Francs.
At Ovronnaz a family discount of 10% on the combined cost is offered when three or more members of the same family, including at least once child aged up to 24, buy a ticket of the same type/duration together.
Teen Discounts: Teen discounts have an older-than-usual age band. Teen discounts can continue up to early 20’s in some locations. Many of these discounts require the customer to present a student identification or proof of age card.
Other Discounts: Discounts for low season or online purchases are rare. However, promotions giving discounts when accommodation is booked are common.
Initiatives From Swiss Ski Centres The 4 Valleys have extended the 15% discount on lift tickets for ‘the young’ from age 14 to age 24. This means a six day 4 Valleys pass will cost 302 Swiss Francs instead of the adult price of 355 Swiss Francs. Children age 7 to 14 pay half the adult price and those aged six and under are free. There is also a family discount of 10% when a family of at least three people ski together. One of the three must be an adult and the other a child under the age of 25.
71
USA Overview US ski areas have a wide range of pricing structures. The vast majority of US resorts offer child discounts to age 12.
Around three quarters offer either a teen discount or continue child
discounts to age 18. The remaining quarter ask that children pay adult prices from age 13.
US resorts also have many different price variants depending on when and how a ticket is bought. The latest innovation for lift ticket purchase is ‘Available at This Price’. Similar to airline tickets or hotel rooms resorts advertise a limited number of tickets at a certain price with ‘5 remaining at this price’ next to a higher price. The closer you purchase to the date you go skiing/snowboarding the higher price.
Child Prices Breakdown
Children Free To Age Children Pay From Age Children Receive Child Discount to Age Children Receive Teen Discount to Age ** Approximate Average Child Discount ***
Range
Average *
0 - 10
4
0 - 11
5
12 - 17
12
15 - 22
18
-
55 %
(*Based on 55 US resorts, rounded to nearest whole year). (** Where offered). (*** Difference between full adult price and child pass at age 12).
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Average Child Prices Age
1 Day Range
1 Day Average
6 Day Range
6 Day Average
3
0 – 59
4.71
0 – 433
21.52
4
0 – 73
5.80
0 – 433
26.78
5
0 – 73
8.78
0 – 433
48.29
6
0 – 78
30.10
0 – 468
178.18
7
0 – 78
44.01
0 – 492
285.29
8
0 – 78
44.01
0 – 492
289.11
9
0 – 78
44.01
0 – 492
289.11
10
0 – 78
44.01
0 – 492
289.11
11
25 - 78
47.54
150 - 580
302.81
12
25 - 78
47.54
150 - 580
307.71
13
25 – 105
64.92
162 – 720
434.91
14
25 – 105
64.92
162 – 720
434.91
15
25 - 117
67.60
240 – 720
438.76
16
25 - 117
67.60
276 – 720
438.76
17
25 - 117
67.60
276 – 720
438.76
(Most US lift tickets are subject to state purchase tax, sometimes this is included in the published price)
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The USA’s Position On Standard Ski Resort Child Discounting Procedures Family discounts: No US ski areas were found to offer family group discounts.
Teen Discounts: 55% of US resorts surveyed offer teen discounts to at least age 15. Around 40% offer discounts to age 17 or 18 and some up to age 22 provided student identification is presented. Some resorts such as Killington and Smugglers’ Notch that did not offer teen discounts offered a flat child rate up to age 18.
Other Discounts: Some US centres offer discounts for skiing midweek, in low season and/or for advance online purchase. Many offer discounts for buying in advance online and some offer discounts when booking accommodation.
Initiatives From US Ski Centres While others raise their prices at peak times, China Peaks offers discounted skiing, when purchased in advance online, on Christmas day only. Tickets are available for a special rate of $40 for adults, $25 for seniors and juniors, and $15 for children ages 6-12. Sunday River in Maine organise a Children’s Festival Week in January. An entire week dedicated to families with activities including scavenger hunts, live entertainment, movies and themed Perfect Turn kid’s clinics. Special evening performances are also scheduled and include fire-dancing, a reptile show, a mad science workshop and an evening with illusionist extraordinaire Jason Bishop. During the week kids can ski, snowboard, rent, learn, and stay—all for free.
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Other Countries Belarus Belarus has several small ski areas. Many of these areas are part of multi-winter-sports complexes. As a result tickets include access to a wide range of activities. This in itself presents a lot of great value. However specific examination of skiing and snowboarding activities did not reveal child discounts or free tickets. Some locations offered discounts for package holiday bookings but these were not common.
Belgium Belgium has a number of small ski areas in the Ardennes region. Most open according to snow cover and charge per lift ride rather than per hour or day. However Belgium’s primary place for snow sports are the indoor snow centres. Usually children are free up to age 6 and then pay a discounted rate of around 35% off the adult rate, until age 12. From age 12 onwards the full adult price is paid. In some centres prices can be reduced by joining the local ski club for a low membership fee.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Lift ticket prices throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina are reduced by nearly 20% for children under the age of 14. Whilst this may seem like a minimal discount adult prices are very low compared to the European average.
China China’s limited history as a ski destination means tickets are priced according to how many hours you spend skiing or snowboarding. Tickets usually include tuition, clothing and equipment rental in the price. Research did not show any discount for children. However some areas offered the chance to cut costs by buying in advance, joining a resort membership club or visiting off peak. Croatia Children aged up to 14 years of age at the Bjelolasica Olympic Training Centre receive a 40% discount. There is no note of free tickets for younger children or discounts for older children but prices are in any case are much lower than the European average.
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Denmark The Hedeland ski slope offers a healthy discount of around 40% on adult prices to children aged under 16. This discount represents a saving 100 Kronor on day ticket and 80 Kronor on an evening ticket. Estonia On Estonian ski slopes children receive a 40% discount on the adult price. No evidence was found of free passes.
Iceland Iceland has generous discounts for children’s lift tickets. At most areas children do not pay until age 7 and then pay only about 25% of the adult ticket price until age 12. From age 12 to 16 the discount decreases to almost 60% of the full adult price. India Gulmarg ski area in India offers a 50% saving on lift ticket prices for children aged under 10 years old. Children over the age of 10 pay the adult price however lift ticket prices are cheaper then the global average.
Iran There do not appear to be discounts for children at ski areas in Iran. However adult prices to ski in Iran are very low. Israel Israel’s Mt Hermon ski area does not appear to offer any discount for children skiing, although there is a small saving of around 15% for children aged 3 to 11 to enter the site and go sledging. In November 2013 Israel’s Housing and Construction Minister Uri Ariel announced a 30% cut in prices to ski on Mount Hermon for coming winters.
Latvia Latvia appears to have relatively generous pricing for younger children at small ski areas. Children up to the age of 6 can ski free providing age identification is presented. Children above the age of 6 and up to 12 pay 50% of the adult price. For older children adult prices are applicable. 76
Lebanon Some Lebanese ski areas offer child discounts. At The Cedars resorts savings of 25-33% are offered for children up to 16 years of age. There do not appear to be free tickets for the youngest children. Lesotho Lesotho’s Afriski ski area offers free skiing to children up to age 7. Byond this age there do not appear to be any discounts on the adult prices.
Liechtenstein Malbun in the Principality of Liechtenstein offers a comprehensive discount programme for children and families. Children up to the age of 6 ski for free. Children between 6 -12 years of age receive a 40% discount. From 12 years of age to 18 a further youth saving becomes applicable. Students above 18 also receive discounts but identification must be presented. Finally there’s a family discount scheme which brings prices lower. Families must comprise of two or more paying children.
Lithuania The Snow Arena in Lithuania offers a range of child discounts with children aged 1- 2 years free, 3 - 7 year olds paying half price and 8 - 17 years olds paying 20% off the normal adult rate. There are further discounts if you become a member of the centre, saving another 20% on the full price. A special family ticket is also available for groups of two adults and two children aged up to 8. Macedonia Macedonia’s ski resorts tend to divide their ticket pricing into child and adult with no published free tickets for young children. Under 12’s pay child prices - which are a third of adult prices while 13 year olds and above pay adult prices.
Mongolia It is difficult to ascertain the child discount policy in Mongolia, however the modern Sky Resort which opened in 2009 does offer free skiing on a child’s birthday. This is great incentive and good encouragement for children.
77
Poland Ticket prices for children in Poland vary depending on the centre. At several leading areas children up to age 10 receive a discount of around 25-35% on the full adult price. Children aged 10-15 receive a smaller discount of 15-25%. In some cases discounts are granted based on the height of the child, with children under 1.2m high including their helmet receiving the child price. Portugal Serra da Estrela ski area offers free skiing to children until they are five years old. Children aged 10 to 12 receive around a 20% discount. Teenagers are asked to pay adult prices, which are very low by European average price levels. There is a family discount of around 20% when a family of four purchase lift passes together. Children must be between ages between 5 and 18. Romania Typically children up to the age of 6 ski for free. Children between the ages of 7 -12 receive nearly a 50% discount. Serbia Serbia’s leading ski area Kopaonik ask children to pay from age 5 -11. Child discounts are around a third off the full adult price. Children 12 and above pay the full adult price. Lower prices are available outside peak season. South Africa Children skiing or snowboarding at Tiffindell are free of charge to age 5. From age 5 - 8 children receive a 40% discount followed by a 20% discount from age 8 to 15. Teenagers above 15 pay adult prices.
Turkey It is quite difficult to find child or adult lift pass prices for Turkish ski areas. However some reports indicate that children aged 7 to 12 pay half price at one of the country’s leading ski areas, Uludag. Its is assumed children aged under 7 use the lifts for free and children 13 and over pay the adult prices.
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Ukraine At Bukovel, Ukraine’s leading ski resort, children are free to age 5 and then receive half price lift tickets until age 12. Full adult prices payable from age 13 and older. United Arab Emirates Ski Dubai offers 15% off adult prices for children aged 3 to 12. Children under the age of 3 are not allowed in the snow area for safety reasons.
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Conclusion There are many forward thinking and creative actions from ski resorts to reduce the cost of children lift ticket prices. These include half price tickets on children’s birthdays, free skiing up to a certain age followed by teen discounts up to adulthood, special discounts for unemployed parents, discounts when families purchase tickets together, sliding scales where larger families pay less than smaller families, transferable tickets allowing mothers and fathers to swap child minding duties and skiing and many more. Many resorts also combine a series of actions to suit consumer’s situations.
The culmination of all these initiatives shows resorts proactivity towards providing children a chance to try snow sports. FIS strongly encourages resorts to invest effort into communicating their lift ticket initiatives to schools, cultural groups, sporting clubs, family groups and governments to name a few. To assist with global communication and staging events in conjunction with the initiatives, FIS is prepared to support resorts through the Bring Children to the Snow platform. Pricing initiatives qualify for SnowKidz and World Snow Day and can be aligned with the programs without cost.
Finally, FIS encourages all resorts globally to create children lift ticket initiatives. Resorts may emulate ideas presented in this document or generate their own.
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International Report on Children’s Lift Ticket Prices CH-3563 Oberhofen/Thunersee (Suisse) Marc Hodler Haus Blochstrasse 2 Tel +41 33 244 6161 Fax +41 33 244 6171 communications@fisski.com www.fis-ski.com
President Gian Franco Kasper
Secretary General Sarah Lewis
Executive Editors Patrick Thorne, Andrew Cholinski, and Jenny Weideke
Graphical Concept / Layout / Print Andrew Cholinski
Copyright No articles may be reproduced without identification ofthe source (Copyright: FIS). The FIS logograms and World Snow Day logo are registered trademarks of FIS. FIS wishes to thank all its members and partners for their contributions to this publication. Without them this would not be possible
Photo Credits World Snow Day Event Organisers
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