Book early to bag bargain ski packages

Tour operators have slashed prices of ski packages by up to 20 per cent, but as there are so many fewer holidays available than this time last year winter sports enthusiasts are being advised to book early to avoid missing out.

As many of the major tour operators, including Thomson (www.thomsonski.co.uk), Crystal (www.crystalski.co.uk) and First Choice (www.firstchoice-ski.co.uk) have cut their number of ski packages by as much as 15 per cent, peak weeks are expected to sell out fast.

So anyone planning to buy a ski package for Christmas, New Year February half-term or next Easter should book as soon as possible, say tour operators. Although prices are down for the rest of the season, ski packages for these weeks are already selling at up to eight per cent higher than this time last year.

Ski package deals available at the moment include up to £50pp off with Thomson Ski, Crystal Ski and First Choice Ski, which is in addition to other online discounts. Inghams (www.inghams.co.uk) is knocking up to £75pp off bookings before September 30 while Neilson (www.neilson.co.uk) has discounts of up to £150 off ski packages and a further £100 off ski packs.

Winter sports enthusiasts who are happy to make their own arrangements, rather than buying a ski package, should take a look at low-cost carrier easyJet's (www.easyjet.com) new dedicated ski website.

The new site features accommodation in more than 220 European resorts plus extras such as equipment hire and airport transfers. Latest offers include three nights' accommodation in Bad Gastein from £142, boot hire from £1 for the duration of the trip and 10 per cent off transfers from Geneva, Munich and Zurich.

EasyJet's flights to Geneva, the gateway to many of France and Switzerland's top ski resorts, start from £23 one-way.

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