The Residence l’Ours Blanc in Alpe d’Huez: 10% off over February half term.

Discounted ski accommodation over the February half-term holiday is usually rarer than hen’s teeth. But in one company’s early-booking sale, self-catering ski apartments in France and Andorra are currently being offered at savings of up to 20% – and the week from February 14 is included in the deal.

Admittedly, for that key February week, the savings in the Pierre & Vacances sale aren’t usually more than 10%. And it’s worth stressing that self-catering holidays won’t suit every family, especially if Mum and Dad want a complete break from the kitchen. But for self-reliant families who just want to get out and ski all day, and don’t need childcare, there are still some interesting options out there.

For example, in Alpe d’Huez France – which is great both for wobblier intermediates and more advanced skiers – one week from February 14 in a two-room apartment, sleeping 4-5, in the Residence l’Ours Blanc is down €178 at €1,602 (€321pp) self catering.

Meanwhile, in the well-designed and ever-popular village of Arc 1950 – part of intermediate-friendly Les Arcs – a two-room apartment for four people in Le Village is on offer at a discount of €286, for €2,574 (€644pp), self-catering for the w/c February 14 (travel not included).

To get real value out apartments like this, you need to drive down from the UK, rather than fly, because flights from the UK over half-term week are eye-wateringly high: today, we’ve seen London to Geneva at more than £800pp return, flying out on February 14, and back on February 21. And remember to stock up on groceries in the valley supermarkets en route, to save paying unnecessary premiums on everything once you get up to the resort. Do both, and your holiday will probably work out considerably cheaper than the £1500pp, chalet board, including flights and transfers, on offer for the same week in some British-run chalet-hotels.

The sale ends on November 11: but even without the discounts, families who are hunting for a not-too-expensive February half-term trip should consider a self-drive apartment holiday. Plenty of tour operators offer them alongside Pierre & Vacances, including Peak Retreats, Erna Low, La Grange, Ski Independence and Ski Collection.

For more deals and discounts check out our Ski Deals pages.