Ski hosting in France

18.3.2014

Question for written answer E-003161-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Ashley Fox (ECR)

The Commission will be aware that a ruling by the French courts in February 2013 banned British ski holiday companies from providing ski hosting for their guests in the French Alps.

Ski hosting involves a member of staff skiing with a group of guests to show them how to get around the resort’s slopes and lift connections without having to consult a map, to show them possible lunch spots, and provide an opportunity for guests to mingle. Ski instruction is neither permitted nor undertaken by the ski hosts.

The main French ski school, ESF, claim that the practice is illegal unless the hosts hold relevant instruction qualifications. As I have outlined, these hosts do not instruct.

Can the Commission confirm whether the current ban contravenes EC law?

OJ C 335, 25/09/2014