Mountain Trends for Winter 2023/2024

Is winter mountain tourism becoming more and more popular? It saw a tourism boom during Covid and during heatwaves. Although the mountains are appreciated in summer for their cool air, they are no less charming in winter with their snowy landscapes and ski resorts. Discover the mountain trends for winter 2023/2024 and how to prepare for the tourist season.

Mountain tourism is evolving

The mountains in winter attract tourists for several reasons, combining aspects related to nature, leisure activities and the warm atmosphere of this time of year.

• Winter sports: the mountains in winter offer an ideal playground for winter sports and snow sports enthusiasts.
• Dream settings: snow covering the peaks, forests and valleys creates enchanting winter landscapes. The mountains offer breathtaking panoramas that attract photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.
• Festive atmosphere: winter is often associated with the holiday season, such as Christmas and New Year’s. Mountain resorts create a festive atmosphere with Christmas markets, light decorations, special events and fireworks, attracting families and couples looking for warm and convivial moments.
• Escape and disconnection : far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Tourists seek to disconnect from urban stress and enjoy a calmer, more soothing environment.
• Unique experiences: winter in the mountains offers unique experiences that cannot be had anywhere else. Special activities such as outdoor Nordic baths, dog-sled rides, evenings in an igloo, or outings to watch the northern lights (in certain regions) attract travellers in search of new sensations.
• Cozy accommodations : mountain accommodations, whether chalets, gîtes or hotels, are often designed to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, which particularly appeals to tourists seeking comfort and conviviality.

The mountains in winter attract tourists for the variety of leisure activities they offer, the beauty of their snowy landscapes, the festive and convivial atmosphere, and the opportunity to escape everyday life in a soothing natural environment.

The current trends

With the evolution and increase in the number of holidaymakers visiting the mountains in winter, the offer has had to develop; new trends have emerged. Here is a list of what’s new for winter 2023/2024.

The era of ski 4.0

Many ski resorts are adopting digital technologies to improve the skier experience. Mobile apps are being developed to provide real-time information on slope conditions, lift waiting times, weather forecasts, etc. Some resorts even offer electronic passes and RFID wristbands to make accessing the slopes easier. The goal is to make skiers’ lives easier in order to offer them a memorable experience and make them want to come back next year.

Ski touring is in fashion

Ski touring is gaining popularity with mountain enthusiasts. Skiers looking for freedom and adventure opt for routes off the marked trails. More and more resorts offer areas dedicated to ski touring and specific equipment for rent. More and more people are looking for an authentic activity or a different experience, sometimes far from the crowds. Off-piste or unusual touring routes are worth developing.

Glamping in the mountains

Glamping (glamorous camping) is arriving in the mountains. Unusual accommodations such as geodesic domes, treehouses or luxury igloos offer visitors a unique experience close to nature, while enjoying high-end services. Offer your guests a different experience.

The boom in eco-friendly resorts

Travellers are increasingly aware of the importance of preserving the environment. Ski resorts are turning to sustainable and eco-responsible practices, such as the use of renewable energy, waste sorting and the protection of natural habitats. It is therefore important to raise your guests’ awareness of the climate impact and to be careful to leave no trace.

Wellness experiences at altitude

Travellers are increasingly looking for wellness experiences in the mountains. Spas and relaxation centres are being integrated into resorts to offer moments of relaxation after an active day on the slopes. This can be an ideal alternative for those who do not want to ski or who want to try other sports activities.

The boom in freeride and freestyle

Fans of extreme sports and thrills are increasingly drawn to freeride (off-piste) and freestyle (acrobatic tricks). Resorts offer secure areas for these activities, as well as internationally renowned events and competitions.

Skiing accessible to all

Ski resorts are striving to make winter sports more accessible to people with reduced mobility or specific needs. Adapted equipment, trained instructors and dedicated services are being put in place so that everyone can enjoy the pleasures of the mountains. An aspect to develop as a priority in order to strengthen your offer.

How to prepare for the tourist season

Now is the time to think about your offers for winter 2023/2024 and your communication strategy.

Raising your guests’ awareness of their environmental impact

Raising mountain guests’ awareness of their environmental impact is essential to encourage responsible and sustainable tourism. Here are a few tips that can help you in this approach.

• Inform guests at the time of booking: take advantage of the booking stage to inform your guests about the eco-responsible practices of your property or the mountain resort.
• Display good practices: place posters or information boards in areas frequented by tourists. They can remind people of simple guidelines such as recycling waste, saving water and electricity, or respecting trails and local wildlife.
• Digital awareness: use digital tools such as mobile apps and websites to raise guests’ awareness of their environmental impact. Offer interactive guides on good practices in the mountains, quizzes on local ecology, or videos illustrating environmental issues.
• Staff training: make sure your staff are well trained to communicate about environmental issues and your property’s eco-responsible practices. Staff can play an essential role in raising guests’ awareness by informing them directly during on-site interactions.
• Lead by example: adopt eco-responsible practices yourself. For example, implement initiatives to save energy, reduce waste or use local and sustainable products in your property.
• Organize educational events : plan special events dedicated to environmental awareness. Talks, workshops or outings led by nature guides can let guests learn more about the region’s wildlife, plants and fragile ecosystems.
• Partnerships with local associations : work with local environmental associations to organize awareness-raising and nature conservation activities. This will involve your guests in concrete initiatives and support local projects.
• Communicate the results: show your guests that their actions and commitment make a real difference to preserving the mountain environment.

Using Reservit

With mountain tourism being a trend for winter 2023/2024, it is imperative to be operational and to market your property successfully. To help you reach your year-end goals, Reservit offers a complete solution tailored to your needs and to the structure of your property.

This package includes:

• A booking engine
• A Channel Manager
• A complimentary cancellation insurance tool with a snow option
• A secure online payment tool
• A guest satisfaction solution
• A module to optimize your pricing policy

This way, you can manage everything more easily and save time to better communicate about your offers. If you would like to find out more about how this package works, you can contact an advisor.

These trends reflect the changing expectations of travellers when it comes to mountain tourism. Whether for snow sports fans, nature lovers or travellers seeking relaxation, winter 2023/2024 promises to offer an unforgettable mountain experience. It’s up to you to prepare a suitable offer for the winter season.

Julie
Communication Manager
In partnership with Jennifer Therond