Hit the heights for less

Last-minute holidays in January have been selling for up to 30 per cent off brochure prices and there are plenty of early February bargains too, because French schools have later half terms than those in Britain this year.

Andy Perrin at Inghams says: “The booking pattern over Christmas and New Year was unusual this year, because bookings didn’t really get going again until January 7 after the long break.

“That delay has triggered good deals in January and February: we have a seven-night stay at a new hotel in St Anton from £479, virtually half-price.”

But Perrin warns that skiers shouldn’t be guided by price alone: “There are lots of £299 deals about,” he says, “but what’s the point if you ski all the interesting bits by the end of day one?”

The experts also urge holidaymakers to take the cautious approach by booking into higher ski resorts, from 5,000-6,000 feet upwards, to be on the safe side: the northern Alps for instance, got great snow in early-December, but has struggled with milder air since.

Cathy Rankin, marketing director at Pierre et Vacances (PV-Holidays), says: “Prices at half-term are probably 20 per cent below those for the same time in 2012, because British families hit the slopes from February 9 and 16, while French families arrive from Feb 23 and March 2. “For families driving to the slopes, this will be a big advantage: motorways will be less busy, ski schools less crowded than usual.”

P&O Ferries’ Dover-Calais fares start at £37 each way, with links to accommodation with PV-Holidays on its website.

Marion Telsnig at Crystal Ski says: “Leading operators who have seen small falls in the overall numbers of skiers in the past two winters are confident numbers will move back upwards this winter, if only slightly.

“With the snow looking great for the rest of the season, people think this is ‘make up your mind time’.

“Early in March, we have discounts around 25 per cent; seven nights all-inclusive from March 9 in three-star Hotel Brunerie, Les Deux Alpes, is down £240, from £950 to £710, with Thomson flights into Grenoble and transfers.”

Flexiski offers a luxury three-night break in Chalet Amalien Haus in St Anton, Austria, in late January from £595, including chalet dining and transfers from Innsbruck, saving £375.

Telsnig says: “You also get good deals by going high early from April 6, particularly in France which has so much snow you can probably ski until June.”