In some parts of Europe, high prices and Christmas markets go hand in hand. But in others, this year’s soaring costs have come as a shock.
25.11.2023 - 01:19 / euronews.com / Rebecca Ann Hughes
While most ski holidays mean dreamy days of fresh snow and cosy chalets, every winter sees some spoiled by scammers.
As the hotspot resorts begin to open their slopes, holidaymakers will be hiring equipment, booking lessons and choosing their accommodation - and fraudsters will be waiting.
Some scams mean losing money, but others can mean risking your safety.
To make sure you slalom in between the scams this winter, here’s what to look out for and precautions to take.
The most common scam is rental accommodation, according to Sébastien Mérignargues, director of Avoriaz 1800 in Haute-Savoie.
“It is unfortunately a very widespread problem and occurs in all ski resorts,” he says. At Haute-Savoie, he sees around five holidaymakers per season that are tricked by fake rentals.
Scammers repurpose photos and descriptions of a property from an existing advert or combine images and information from two adverts and put them online.
The actual accommodation that a traveller reserves then turns out to be a completely different property, or doesn’t exist at all.
“Most of the time, clients receive a confirmation after paying a deposit and then everything disappears,” says Mérignargues. “The criminals use hidden IP addresses and operate from abroad, which makes it easier for them to evaporate into thin air.”
In Châtel, a resort in the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, the town hall has set up an accommodation identification system, assigning each property a 13-digit number.
Landlords must register on the platform before advertising their accommodation.
“As soon as an owner wants to place an ad, he is asked for this identification number. If he enters a fake one, we receive a notification,” explains Tiffany Vulliez, at Châtel town hall.
In Avoriaz, a similar system is in place. “There was a spike in these kinds of scams three years ago,” says Mérignargues.
“If it has calmed down a little since then, it is because all the stations have developed techniques to stop this phenomenon and because the media has raised public awareness.”
You can also consider booking with an agency. “Going through agencies that have exclusive properties is a guarantee,” says Florence Chone, marketing and communications director at rental agency Cimalpes.
“Just like knowing that there are agents on site, who will welcome you and hand you the keys.”
Another precaution holidaymakers should take is not to be lured by what seem like very good deals.
“Always be wary of prices abnormally below those of the market,” says Mérignargues. “Furthermore, if an owner asks for a deposit, or even the entire rental price by transfer, you should be cautious.”
Another common scam is people posing as ski instructors and offering their services online. Advertisements praise the
In some parts of Europe, high prices and Christmas markets go hand in hand. But in others, this year’s soaring costs have come as a shock.
If holiday shopping makes your head spin, why not search for a gift that has no cost at all. This winter, there are several contests, sweepstakes and giveaways for free trips in the new year that could be worth the five minutes it takes to sign up. Here are some of the top offers available this month.
The season of mittens and hot chocolate is upon us and if you’d rather spend a tranquil afternoon beside a fire than brave the crowds at a big ski resort, these snowy getaways are for you. Picture yourself in a luxury treehouse in the woodlands of Vermont, or a quiet cottage in the Catskills, or a retro motor lodge near Grand Teton National Park. Consider a new boutique hotel in Rhode Island from which you can tour Gilded Age mansions trimmed for the holidays. Or check into a statelynewcomer in Germany and browse Christmas markets in places you thought existed only in fairy tales. From Bavaria to Wyoming, winter wonderlands await.
While recently planning a trip to Aspen, which is going through its biggest winter expansion in half a century (read more here), I was chatting with a local tourism representative and told her I was going to look into flights. Her response? “You want to fly United.” When I checked, United was indeed the easiest and most affordable way for me to fly to Aspen.
United Airlines seemingly isn't concerned about transatlantic demand for next summer.
‘Tis the season for planning an epic winter getaway and Southwest is helping by offering one-way flights starting at just $39.
What will it be, views over the Med or a sea of summits? Dog sledding in the larch forests or meandering down a blue slope in the sunshine? A friendly old hamlet or MKII resort? Or how about all above the above?! The mountains and valleys of the Southern Alps promise a thousand treats to share. And the cherry on the cake? You’ll find all the space you need there…
In the vibrant heart of the St. James Quarter, W Edinburgh encapsulates Scotland’s Capital City.
Each year in the Alps, as the first snows of the season start to fall, mountain towns welcome winter visitors with a slew of smart new hotels. And this year is no different, with upscale brands including COMO Hotels and Resorts moving its beach-beautiful ethos to the Italian Alps in COMO Alpina Dolomites, and Grace Hotels giving St Moritz its first luxury opening in half a century in the Grace La Margna. With its boutique modern addition, the sleek Swiss hotel breathes new life into the former art nouveau hotel La Margna, following a trend for high-profile revamps seen across the Alps this season. Here’s a look at the six best new openings, many of which revitalise former hotel landmarks.
Looking to move abroad and give remote working a try? There are dozens of destinations now offering visas to digital nomads.
The lights are twinkling, the mulled wine is flowing and London’s festive season is in full swing.
In a high-profile showdown, Rome, Busan and Riyadh are the top contenders to become the host city of the 2030 World Expo, with the organizing body choosing the winner on Tuesday.