The number of Dutch people going on winter sports is increasing again. Last year, more than 7% of Dutch people who are 18 or older, were planning to go on winter sports last winter. This percentage covers nearly 1 million winter sports enthusiasts.

According to the ING Financial Fit Barometer, more Dutch people want and are able to spend more money on winter sports holidays, now that the economy is still growing. Furthermore Dutch people are more and more searching for quiet winter sport areas. They want to get away from the mass.

Especially youngsters and people with a higher income go on winter sports. More than half of the skiers and snowboarders choose Austria as their primary destination. France and Germany follow at a suitable distance.

Winter sports is the most popular among higher incomes and young people

Dutch people with an above-average income find their way to the snow most often. Roughly one in ten Dutch people with an above-average income goes on winter sports. Among Dutch people with a below average income this amount is only 4%.

In general, winter sports is not cheap: in addition to the ‘normal’ holiday costs for the trip and the accommodation, there are specific costs for the ski pass and rental of equipment. Also, eating and drinking is relatively expensive in a French or Austrian mountain village.

Among youngsters, going on winter sports is more popular than compared to the elderly. Nearly one in five young people (18-25 years) expects to use their skis this season or go down the slope with a snowboard. The combination of snow, sport and après-ski clearly appeals more on them than on older generations.

The percentage of people in their thirties and early forties going on winter sports is still more than 10%, but among 45 year olds, this percentage dropped to 5% already.

Austria: winter sports destination #1

Austria is by far the most popular holiday destination for Dutch winter sports enthusiasts. Last year, over 50% of the people going on winter sports went to Austria. Especially the Tyrolean region, with winter sports resorts such as Ischgl, Mayrhofen and Sölden, has been extremely popular among the Dutch people. France, Germany and Switzerland follow at a suitable distance.

Sources: ING Financial Fit Barometer

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