Inghams, have launched their main 04-05 season brochure on the back of, "another successful season for Inghams in 03-04." The company reported that thanks in part to good weather conditions they had seen a 5% rise in bookings, with business good across the range, but particularly strong in Bulgaria and Canada. "Inghams is now the leading winter sports operator in the UK," according to their press statement.

There are two new destinations for the coming season. Due to the continued strong growth in Lapland last winter, Inghams have introduced the new resort of Ruka in Finnish Lapland, only 25 miles away from the Russian border. A new direct charter flight from London Gatwick to Kuusamo will be serving this resort which has attracted considerable sums of investment in the resort due to the reliable snow conditions. There is a choice of accommodation from the four star Hotel Rukaholi to beautiful log cabins. Most hotels have kindergartens and with the short transfer, will interest families. Prices start from �342 for 7 nights on accommodation only at the Kelokivakka Cabins, Ruka.

In Slovenia Inghams has added Kranjska Gora to its programme, a resort dominated by the majestic Julian Alps and just a few miles from Austria and Italy. Prices start from �355 for 7 nights on half board at the four star Hotel Lek, Kranjska Gora.

The choice of short break destinations now also includes St. Moritz and Villars.

Prices in the new brochure show a modest increase in Europe (1%-3%). In North America prices have come down helped by a strong pound against the US & Canadian Dollar.

Inghams offer a wider choice of departure airports than any other operator, for winter eight new flights have been introduced. The new routes include two new charter flights into Bolzano, where Inghams operate exclusively on the British market from London Gatwick and Birmingham. These flights serve Italian destinations significantly reducing transfer times to resorts including Canazei, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Arabba, Ortisei, Selva and Passo Tonale. There's also a new flight into Kuusamo in Lapland.

Three new flights with the low cost carrier "Zoom" from London Gatwick and Glasgow to Vancouver for the resort of Whistler and from London Gatwick to Montreal serving the resort of Tremblant. Capacity on charters to Calgary from London Gatwick and Manchester has been increased. Due to high demand for flights to Romania last winter an extra charter has been added from Manchester to serve the resort of Poiana Brasov .

Due to Christmas and New Year falling on a Saturday this year, Inghams offer flexibility in holiday arrangements with durations and departure dates so that important festive days are not missed travelling. For example In Austria flights will leave on Thursday 23rd December for 7 nights and Thursday 30th December for 9 nights.

The company reports bookings on its Early Bird brochure are currently up 50% on last year.

www.inghams.co.uk