According to survey respondents, the best slopes for skiing are to be found in Switzerland, which trounced both Austria and France (rank 2 and 3 respectively) to the number 1 ranking. Boasting some of the best ski resorts in the world, Switzerland headed the Top 10 list of ski destinations, which among others, ranked Canada at number 4, Italy and USA in joint 5th and Russia at number 10.

Reflecting the fact that the ski market is becoming increasingly global, many destinations not popularly associated with a prominent ski culture only just missed out on a Top 10 ranking, such as Chile, South Korea and New Zealand.

Despite the economic downturn, up to 22.5% of the ski enthusiasts in the survey takers spend more than £950 on a ski holiday. US skiers seem more indulgent than their counterparts around the world when it comes to splashing out, with up to 30% spending at least £950 per person for a ski break. In Europe, German skiers top the list of highest average spenders on a ski trip- spending between £796 and £950 per person. The median average spend among skiers globally is £476 - £635.

The survey results also found that some of the most active skiers are to be found in North America, with up to 7.8% of these respondents stating that they skied more than twice a year. By contrast, 55% of European skiers stated that they took a ski holiday only once every two years or less.

Commenting on the findings, WAYN co-CEO Jerome Touze stated that although ski holidays were traditionally seen as very expensive or even ‘posh’, the last decade or so has seen a change in the industry. “Package deals, faster transport and the opening of ski resorts in destinations not traditionally associated with skiing saw the ski market become increasingly global and open- even if the global recession inevitably slowed this trend recently. Indeed, the recession is still likely to dampen many people’s ski plans as the survey results suggest.”

He added: “By contrast, it can be seen that for many, a winter break is the perfect time to escape the cold by going somewhere warm, preferably near a beach.”