Resorts are beginning to open for skiing, albeit some just for weekends. Verbier is open this weekend, Val Thorens opens 70% of its lifts from November 18, and other high resorts like Val d’Isere are expected to open on time on November 25.

Meanwhile, most of the major operators have ski holiday deals throughout the winter, with plenty of availability for Christmas and New Year. It’s also worth having a look at what the ski specialist travel agencies have on offer.

Don’t forget to reserve your airport parking at least 24 hours before you go – this is especially important during peak holiday periods. If you’re flying from Gatwick, Cophall Parking has some offers just for Welove2ski viewers.

Pre-Christmas Trips

Lech from £999pp with VIP Ski
Save nearly £500 on a single skiing holiday (no supplement) in Lech. Staying at Hotel Theodul will mean you’ll meet other solo travellers on the slopes at one of VIP Ski’s hosting groups. A seven-night stay, departing December 13, costs from £999pp (was £749pp so a saving of £499pp). The price includes seven-nights’ half-board, flights, transfers, and hosting. Bookings: VIP Ski.

Meribel from £599pp with SNO
Save hundreds of pounds at Chalet Mira Belum in Meribel, which has been discounted by 45% from £1,093pp to £599pp for the week beginning December 19. The price includes flights from Stansted, airport transfers and seven nights chalet catering, and the package comes with 2-for-1 ski/snowboard and boot hire. The chalet is positioned near the main square. Bookings: SNO.

La Plagne family trip for £1,499 with Ski Famille
On the week commencing December 16 you can stay at Chalet Nicole in Plagne 1800 for £1,499. The spacious chalet has a hot tub, sauna and dedicated playroom. The price is for a family of four, including Gatwick flights and transfers. This saves up to £1,214. All prices include chalet catering, Gatwick flights and transfers. All holidays offer access to in-chalet childcare. Bookings: Ski Famille.

Morzine and other French resorts for £150 off with Ski Weekends
There’s £150 off per person on chalet December for departures. The offer applies to both short and long breaks but excludes New Year. For example, Chalet Chapelle in Morzine departing December 14 has £150 off. The offer is on a call to book basis (023 8098 2089) and is valid until November 13 at 7pm. Bookings: Ski Weekends.

Tignes from £399pp with Ski Total
Treat yourself to a stay in the snow-sure resort of Tignes, where Chalet Hotel Rosset is now from £399pp (was £739pp) travelling out on December 12. The property is one minutes’ walk from the nearest lift and has lovey views across the lake. This price includes return flights from Gatwick to Geneva, resort transfers, and seven nights chalet catered accommodation. Bookings: Ski Total.

Christmas Holidays

La Rosiere from £325pp with Esprit Ski
Stay in the friendly resort of La Rosiere where Chalet Arnica is now from £325pp. The popular chalet has with lovely views and access to a sauna. The price is based on a family of four (two adults and two children aged two to ten years) from £1,299 travelling out on December 19, and includes return flights from Stansted to Chambery, transfers, and seven nights catered accommodation. Esprit Classic Child Care is available from £239 for a week of ski lessons. Bookings: Esprit Ski.

Sauze d’Oulx from £499pp with Inghams
Save a whopping £320pp in Sauze d’Oulx. The resort is part of the vast Milky Way ski area, which offers 400km of slopes, whilst the lively village boasts great value bars and restaurants – perfect for Christmas. Stay seven nights half-board (with free wine at dinner) in three-and-a-half star Hotel Hermitage from £499pp arriving December 23. Price includes return flights from Gatwick to Turin and resort transfers. Bookings: Inghams.

New Year Celebrations

Tignes three-bedroom apartment for £3,934 with PowderBeds
Spend a week in Tignes Val Claret, arriving on December 30. The accommodation is in Residence L’Ecrin des Neiges, with a three-bedroom standard apartment sleeping eight people. The price is now £3,934 accommodation-only – it was £4,371 so a saving of 10%. Bookings: PowderBeds.

La Tania for £966pp with Alpine Elements
On the week of December 27 stay in Hotel Montana in La Tania, where you can ski to the door. There’s a sauna, steam room, pool, and hot tub too. Accommodation is on a half board basis, including wine at dinner, afternoon tea, flights and transfers. Bookings: Alpine Elements.