Ski holiday 'avalanche' reported at Dover ferry port

Excellent conditions in European resorts led to an "avalanche" of passengers embarking on ski holidays via Dover ferry port during February half-term, it was announced recently.

The popularity of winter sports getaways was attributed to "world-beating snowfalls" in the Alps and the Pyrenees, as well as less mainstream resorts in countries such as Bulgaria and Slovenia.

Nearly 480,000 passengers boarded Dover ferry crossings during the half-term holiday period in February, an increase of 14 per cent on the same time last year.

Kate O'Hara, head of marketing for the Port of Dover, said: "Winter holidaymakers who travel by car and ferry benefit from being able to book their tickets, put the skis in the roof-rack and just go."

Brian Rees, a spokesman for Dover to Calais ferry operator P&O Ferries, added: "For those who might normally take long-haul ski trips to the USA and Canada – with all the 'excess baggage' of airport travel – the prospect of the best skiing in the world on their European doorstep proved a huge draw."

Passenger numbers were boosted in February by the launch of new LD Lines services from Dover to Boulogne and Dieppe, while Seafrance also reported a 28 per cent increase in traffic.

It was also announced recently that Dover ferry port handled more traffic in January, with a 14 per cent year-on-year increase in passenger numbers.

Dover - Calais

1 x Foot Passenger(s) Return

Travelling on:

03/06/2012 - 03/06/2012

£13

Get Price for 123456789 passenger(s)Go

Dunkerque - Dover

Car + 2 Return

Travelling on:

15/06/2012 - 15/06/2012

£19

Get Price for 123456789 passenger(s)Go

Dunkerque - Dover

Car + 4 Return

Travelling on:

14/06/2012 - 14/06/2012

£19

Get Price for 123456789 passenger(s)Go

* Prices are "from prices" and are indicative only

More ferry cheap prices