European skiing holidays "going cheap"

Savvy winter sports enthusiasts can pick up a bargain holiday this year, despite good levels of snowfall, it has been claimed.

According to figures from The Co-operative Travel and Travelcare, prices for European skiing and snowboarding breaks have fallen this year, with some trips up to £100 less than they were last season.

Particular bargains can be had in Italy, the research showed, where ski holidays have dipped in price by 16 per cent from £710 to £597, while trips to Bulgaria are down 13 per cent.

Mike Greenacre, managing director of The Co-operative Travel, said: "The 2006/2007 season was one of the worst on record for snow fall in the European ski resorts, with artificial snow cannons being used to generate enough snow, especially in more low lying areas.

"As a result, advance bookings to long-haul destinations have rocketed. For example, sales to Canada have increased 99 per cent with the increase driven largely by skiers wanting guaranteed snowfall.

"At the same time European prices have tumbled, meaning that last-minute bookers can capitalise on this."

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