Snow’s been falling across much of the Alps this week! OK, so it may melt tomorrow at valley level – that’s just normal for this time of year. But up on high, the base layer is settling. It’s still far too early to say whether there’s going to be a vintage start to winter, but all the signs are promising.

As you will be aware, the traditional Saturday changeover day falls on Boxing Day which is not A favourite day to travel home. Because of this, some tour operators are finding it difficult to sell Christmas and even New Year…so there are some great bargains around at the moment.

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

Due to readers’ requests, we now also have our ski holiday prices in euros (with the exchange rate correct at the time of writing), although you should contact tour operators direct for a quote that doesn’t include travel from the UK.

Early Season Skiing

Obergurgl from £499pp with Ski Total
Chalets in Obergurgl, are rare but the comfortable and individual Chalet Angela is an exception. With easy access to the skiing, either by private minibus or a short walk, this is a perfect chalet for small group or a family. An early season ski trip starts from £499 (675€) for eight days commencing December 5. This price is based on two adults sharing and includes return flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck, resort transfers, free wifi, and eight nights chalet catered accommodation. Further details from Ski Total.

St Anton short break from £129pp per night with VIP SKI
In the traditional Austrian resort of St Anton, the operator has two chalets and one hotel which are is an ideal location for skiers of all abilities. Short breaks of three to five nights start from £129pp (174€) per night from December 6-13. For those who want a full week, stay in Hotel Montjola and pay £729pp (986€) instead of £929pp, so a saving £200pp (271€). When booked a week later, a seven-night stay costs £1,519pp (2054€). For more information visit VIP Ski.

Christmas

La Plagne apartment for £889 with Lagrange
There’s 15% off one-week stays from December 19 in selected apartments in a variety of French ski resorts, if booked by September 28. For example, a one-bedroom apartment sleeping up to four people at the ski-in ski-out residence Les Chalets Edelweiss in Plagne 1800 is now £889 (1202€) per apartment per week – it was £1,041 (1408€) per apartment per week. For more information and bookings, visit Lagrange Holidays.

Les Gets for £799pp with Ski Famille
Save £200pp (271€) in chalets with in-house childcare. Families can enjoy the Christmas week in a fully catered luxury chalet in the resort of Les Gets for £799 (1081€) per adult, including flights and transfers. Child prices now start at £399 (540€); giving savings for a family of four of up to £640 (866€). Details from Ski Famille.

La Tania from £227pp with Peak Retreats
Spend a week in La Tania, staying in Le Britania from £227pp (was £283pp). These self-catered apartments are in an ideal ski-in ski-out position at the foot of the slopes, next to the ski schools, lifts and shops. Book before November 3 and receive 20% off the Christmas week starting December 19 and stay eight nights for price of seven. More details from Peak Retreats.

Reberty ten nights for £1,500pp with Powder N Shine
There’s a new 10-night festive break at Chalet Flocon des Neiges in Reberty Village, which means you won’t have to spend Boxing Day travelling home. The Christmas and New Year package runs from December 23 to January 2 and costs £1,500pp (2029€). This includes 10 nights full chalet board, plus lavish feasts over Christmas and a New Year’s Eve party. Chalet Flocon des Neiges is ski-in, ski-out and has a large living/dining area with central fireplace. If you don’t mind travelling on Boxing Day, there’s an offer of £900pp (1217€) plus a free lift pass worth 228€ for December 19-26 in the operator’s other chalets. Further information from Powder N Shine.

Paradiski from £376pp with Ski Collection
Ski Peisey-Vallandry which is connected into the giant Paradise area along with La Plagne and Les Arcs. Accommodation is in L’Oree des Neiges from £376pp (was £417pp), self-catering in a well-appointed residence, located within walking distance (300m) of the village centre of Vallandry and offering doorstep skiing. Book before October 31 and receive 10% off the weeks of December 19 or March 5. More details available from Ski Collection.

Les Gets from £3,299 for a family of five with Esprit Ski
Whether you are travelling as just one parent with one child or in a larger group with three or more children, there will be a an offer to suit you. Celebrate Christmas from £1,639 (2217€) for one adult one child in Les Arcs staying in Chalet McKinley or from £3,299 (4462€) for a family of five to Chalet Martine in Les Gets. Prices are based on a family travelling out on December 20 for one week and includes return flights from Gatwick to Geneva, resort transfers, free wifi and seven nights catered accommodation. More information from Esprit Ski.

Cauterets eight days from £136pp with Pyrenees Collection
Ski Cauterets and stay in Le Domaine des 100 Lacs from £136pp (184€) – an extra night saving of £100pp (135€). The apartments are located in the upper area of the spa town of Cauterets, 500m from the Lys cable-car and 1km from the village centre and thermal spa. Eight nights are now going for the price of seven on the week starting December 19, staying December 18 for free. Further details from Pyrenees Collection.

Other Times of Year

Save £150 per couple on lift passes in Verbier with Inghams
Book Verbier before October 15 and benefit from up to £150 (203€) of savings on lift passes when you stay seven nights chalet half-board at the 4.5 diamond Xtra Chalet de Verbier. The price is from £664pp (898€) with a saving of £150 (203€) per couple on lift passes, departing January 9. (Lift pass savings of up to £150 are available on January 2, 9 and 16). For more information visit Inghams.

Morzine apartment from £720 with Pierre & Vacances
Stay at the new Residence Électra
is located in the Les Crozats area, on the hills above Morzine, with direct access to the slopes on skis. The property is also linked to the heart of the resort and to shops by escalator.
Prices are from £720 (934€) – down from £927 (1254€), so a saving 22% – for a week’s stay from January 2 in a one-bedroom apartment that sleeps up to five people. For more information visit Pierre & Vacances.

Aspen-Snowmass from £1,359pp and gift card with Ski Safari
For the ultimate in big name resorts, head to Aspen-Snowmass, which is even better value this year. Book now and you will receive an exclusive US$200 (£131/177€) resort credit gift card as well as 20% off accommodation prices. Stay at the four-star Timberline Condos, with prices starting from £1,359pp (1838€) for 10 nights B&B, including a 20% discount if you book by October 30. Prices based on four people sharing a deluxe two-bedroom condo and includes flights and resort transfers. Visit Ski Safari for details.

BOGOHF lift passes with Crystal Ski
If you book by September 30 to any of the 96 resorts in Europe for holidays departing during December, January and February (excluding half-term), you qualify for a Buy-One-Get-One-Half-Price (BOGOHP) lift pass saving you up to £141 (191€). For example it’s £105 (142€) in Les Arcs and £103 (139€) in St Anton. And if you travel in a group of 10 and more, all group members will receive a BOGOHP lift pass provided you book by September 30 in selected accommodation. Visit Crystal Ski to find out more.