This was one of the more unusual sights in the Austrian Tirol at just 1700 meters yesterday. In sweltering temperatures of 30 C, we saw a child shovelling some of the preserved snow at the top of the Hahnenkamm gondola in Kitzbuhel! The lift company’s experiment involves keeping ‘haystacks’ of last season’s white stuff under insulated wraps. It’s then used in November as a base layer for key pistes.

I wonder if she was thinking about her skiing for next winter? We certainly are…with all these new ski deals that keep coming in. Keep an eye on this page if you’re looking to find a good offer – but if you can’t wait for the season to start then there’s still time to book a summer holiday in the mountains with road cycling, mountain biking, hiking, golf and loads of other activities – or just some picnicking and relaxation in gorgeous surroundings.

Summer in the Alps

Niederau for £399pp with Inghams Lakes & Mountains
Explore the marked trails and rolling hills around Niederau this summer. Stay seven nights half board at the three-and-a-half-star Hotel Austria from £399pp, saving £349pp and departing August 13. Price includes return flights from Birmingham to Salzburg, including resort transfers. Bookings: Inghams Lakes & Mountains.

Les Carroz for £322pp with Peak Retreats
Stay 14 nights for £322pp (save £280pp, it was £378pp) at Les Chalets de Jouvence, which is a five-minute walk to the centre of Les Carroz. This four-star self-catered apartment offers access to the indoor heated pool and leisure facilities, with the Ô des Cîmes Spa and Beauty Care Centre. The holidays is based on the week commencing August 13. Apartment prices are for five people sharing a two-bedroom apartment and include transport. Accommodation-only holiday packages also available. Bookings: Peak Retreats.

Selva from £531pp with Thomson Lakes & Mountains
Book a week’s catered accommodation at the three-star Chalet Salvan in Selva Val Gardena from £531pp (save £130pp) including flights from Gatwick to Verona and resort transfers departing August 20. Direct flights available from all major UK airports at a supplement starting at £20. Bookings: Thomson Lakes & Mountains.

Winter Trips

Whistler from £919pp with Ski Safari
Book an eight-night trip to Whistler staying at the four-star Aava Whistler. Situated in a central location in Whistler Village a short walk from the lifts, the hotel has an outdoor pool, outdoor hot tub and a fitness room, sauna and gym. Book before August 31 and save up to 40%, and benefit from a free room upgrade. Departing March 7, the eight-night trip costs from £919pp and includes return flights from Heathrow to Vancouver, car hire/taxi transfer from the airport. Food costs extra. Bookings: Ski Safari.

Val d’Isere from £629pp with VIP Ski
Improve your ski skills with VIP Ski’s TDC Clinic package in Val d’Isere. Spend the week at the new Ski Club Aspen, and choose either three or five days’ coaching. TDC coaches can improve your skiing on a fun and inspiring course – instead of pre-planned lessons and drills, their approach is based around coaching skiers on their style as an individual, allowing them to make a breakthrough in confidence and ability. Priced from £629pp (saving £104pp) for seven night’s catered accommodation and a three-day clinic with three hours a day of coaching. Flights and transfers included (except on December 5). Bookings: VIP Ski.

Argentiere apartment from £345 with Lagrange Holidays
Book before August 29 to save 20% on stays between January 7 and February 4, and March 4 and April 15 in selected accommodation at Le Cristal d’Argentiere in Argentiere. This smart, self-catering residence is in the heart of the village and is an ideal base for exploring the slopes of the surrounding Chamonix Valley. Prices start from £345 per apartment per week based on accommodation-only. Bookings: Lagrange Holidays.

Tignes for £283pp with Ski Collection
Book before October 31 and receive 10% off selected dates. For example, stay seven nights at La Ferme du Val Claret in Tignes Val Claret, for £283pp (it was £314pp). The four-star family-friendly self-catering residence is at the foot of the slopes, and you’ll have free access to the nearby spa centre at Le Nevada. The price is based on the week commencing January 7. Bookings: Ski Collection.

Alpe d’Huez apartment for £391 with Pierre & Vacances
The Ours Blanc residence is located in the heart of Alpe d’Huez, where a free five-minute shuttle service takes you to the slopes. Priced from £98pp (£391 per apartment, down from £518, so a saving of 23%) for a seven-night self-catered stay in a studio apartment that sleeps up to four people. Travel not included. Bookings: Pierre & Vacances.

La Rosiere for £152pp with Peak Retreats
Book before September 15 to get 20% off selected holiday dates. For example, stay seven nights for £152pp at Le Rufuge in La Rosiere (it was £190pp) in a four-star Savoyard-style self-catered apartment for between 6 and 14 people, 250m from slopes. The south-facing residence has an indoor heated pool and sauna, and free WiFi. Based on seven people sharing a three-bedroom apartment on the week commencing January 7. Bookings: Peak Retreats.