carrentals.co.uk, is reporting a surge in winter demand at airports including Geneva and Chambery as independent skiers take advantage of a host of new airline routes this season.
Airlines including EasyJet and Flybe have all launched new ski flights for 2005/06 season, and the impact is now having a knock-on effect for online car hire and accommodation providers, as DIY skiers create their perfect winter breaks.

Carrentals.co.uk is seeing demand for car hire in Geneva up 14% year on year, an increase that is being put down to new flights from a number of airlines including easyJet, which has added flights from Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Chambery bookings are also well up on last year with Flybe launching new flights from Norwich, Exeter, Birmingham and Southampton, all launching mid-December.  Car hire from Chambery is available from £113 for one week’s hire of an economy car.

Carrentals.co.uk preferred online accommodation partner, Self-Catering-Breaks.com, is also reporting strong demand for hotels, chalets and self-catering accommodation across many of Europe’s ski resorts as independent travellers opt to take advantage of low prices and online booking for all of the elements of their ski holiday.  Hits on the website for ski accommodation have increased by 22% in the run up to the new winter season.

Andrew Stevens, managing director of carrentals.co.uk, said: “The launch of so many new flights is undoubtedly boosting DIY ski bookings.  The cheap airline deals, combined with low-cost online car hire and accommodation means that it’s never been easier to create a tailor made ski holiday that can cost significantly less than a package deal.

“With more flights than ever before serving European ski resorts demand for car hire from the airports has shot up.  Bookings for four-wheel drive vehicles are particularly strong, and many people are taking our advice and pre-booking snow-chains and child seats to ensure they receive the extras they need for their journey up to resort.
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