Snow-Bored: Our Snowsports Poll Results Revealed

Got a mountains-shaped void in your life this snowsports season? Us too. And at least 1,000 other snow enthusiasts, who we surveyed as part of our British Snowsports Poll to uncover how the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has affected them. To what lengths would snow fans go to get their fix? We’ll tell you.

SKIERS WOULD RATHER CANCEL CHRISTMAS THAN THEIR SKI HOLIDAY

Our results revealed that more than half (52%) of skiers and snowboarders felt that it would be hard to go without their snowsports holiday and would be prepared to do everything they could to ensure it still goes ahead, including making some extreme sacrifices. It was found that almost one in two (47%) would cancel Christmas, 23% would go without their mobile phone, an astonishing one in ten (13%) would go without sleep, and 20% would go without sex. Snow fans in Wales were more likely to give up seeing their family, whilst the Scots would rather give up sex and sleep, but not their mobile phone.

MOUNTAIN MIGRATION?

COVID restrictions don’t appear to phase ardent snowsports enthusiasts, with 40% prepared to quarantine for up to four weeks, to get just seven days on the slopes. Men would be more likely (54%), as would those aged 25-34yrs (55%).

Two-thirds (60%) of London snow-lovers have considered moving to the mountains this winter, having already researched long-term letting options for destinations such as the Alps. This is almost double the national average as 35% of British snowsports fans claim to have considered a migration to the mountains.

POWDER PASSION POINTS

But why are we Brits so passionate about powder? Snow+Rock asked participants to rate the moments they would miss most. Topping the poll after actual skiing and snowboarding was enjoying the mountain lifestyle, eating and drinking, and taking in the views and air. Sitting by a cosy fire came in second, whilst ‘après ski’ was a close third. ‘Spending time with family and friends’ and ‘wearing snowsports gear’ also made the top rankings. Interestingly, people in the East Midlands would miss the mountain views more than they would the actual skiing or snowboarding, and Geordies appear to be the most competitive, being more likely to miss snowball fights and the challenge of a black run.

COVID WINTER A STRUGGLE FOR SNOW-LOVERS

With so many great reasons to love the escape to the snow, it’s understandable then that the thought of having a winter holiday cancelled has left many skiers feeling a little blue. A third of British snowsports fans (30%) say they will be sad and unhappy, whilst almost a quarter (22%) go as far as to say they would be devastated and downright miserable if they’re unable to get away.

FILLING THE VOID

Most skiers and snowboarders appear to be holding out for news of travel restrictions lifting, with over 60% yet to make alternative plans and almost one in ten (8%) admitting they haven’t a clue what they’ll do instead. A massive 44% think they’ll end up staying at home and just watching films.

In need of a (ski) lift?

Feeling lost without your snowsports fix this season? Check out our Instagram filter or hit the slopes from behind your desk with the Snow+Rock Zoom background. Find out how below.

AR INSTAGRAM FILTER: WHICH SLOPE WILL YOU TAKE ON?

Scan this QR code with your phone to try the Snow+Rock Instagram filter, or click here. Please note this filter will only work if you are on your phone and have the Instagram app.