SAFETY AND POLES’ SKIING AWARENESS

Winter sports are becoming more and more popular

29 percent of Poles can ski, and 8 percent are able to snowboard - this is the result of research conducted by the Institute of Market and Social Research (IBRIS) for Polish Cable Cars Company. The winter sports popularity is growing. Even if we do not often go skiing or snowboarding, we take these sports systematically. Almost 70 percent of ski and board fans have put on their equipment at least once in the last three seasons.

Where do Poles go skiing?

Costs make the about 50% of skiers choose Polish ski-slopes. The other half willingly goes skiing in the Alps, we are also happy to visit Austria and Italy. There are the less-obvious ski spots which are also gaining popularity: for example the Sierra Nevada massif in Spain or Swedish resorts with good conditions and cosy atmosphere.

The ski market value - how much we spend on skiing?

The estimated cost of a weekend stay in the Polish mountains’ resorts for a family of four, travel and ski-pass costs included - the minimum of PLN 1500-2000. A weekly stay increases the costs to about PLN 3000 thousand, an economic accommodation option.  If you include the skiing equipment purchase, accessories and clothes, these costs increase quite significantly and may amount to around 1000-2000 person / year, assuming there is only one trip adventure a year.

We estimate that the total Poles’ expenditure for ski trips and equipment reaches PLN 3 billion. This market has been constantly growing, and Polish ski resorts have something to compete for.

Safe skiing - are Poles safe skiers?

The previous winter season of 2016/2017 saw 3883 events on the slopes. This is the number of GOPR Mountain Volunteer Rescue Service interventions. The lifeguards provided assistance to skiers - 38%. 62 percent. - more serious rescue operations.  Is this signifficant?

In general, the long-term the situation on Polish slopes has been improving, and Poles are getting better and better at skiing.  - We choose more reliable equipment, use it more consciously, we aree more cultivated - explains Jacek Dębicki, the head of GOPR.

We need to remember about the right equipment and professional preparation for each season. Specialized services come handy. 

We look forward to seeing you at the Winter-Sport expo held from 22 to 24 February in Szczyrk!

(JL)