Prices of ski holidays on the slide

Tour operators are expected to start slashing prices of ski holidays following a 15 per cent drop in early bookings, making this the worst start to the winter season for at least 10 years.

Skiers who have yet to book should be able to pick up ski packages at bargain prices as many tour operators are suffering from a lack of business despite the heavy snow falls across Europe.

Only a few months ago ski operators were warning customers not to expect last minute discounts, but now the same companies seemingly have no choice but to cut prices to attract bookings.

In some resorts hotels and bars are also cutting prices and a report in the travel industry newspaper Travel Trade Gazette claimed some resorts, including those in the Three Valleys in France, were cutting the price of lift passes.

Skiers are believed to have been deterred from skiing in Europe this winter following reports in the British press last year about high prices on the slopes. To try to counter this, the French tourist board has launched an Affordable France section on its website www.uk.franceguide.com

Included in the section are discounted midweek ski breaks to Megeve, one of the classiest French resorts, special offers in Tignes in the Espace Killy ski area, family Easter holidays in Les Gets and self-catering packages from as little as £97 per person.

Crystal Ski (www.crystalski.co.uk), the largest UK ski operator, has seven nights self-catering from £195 per person in La Plagne, one of the top French ski resorts, departing on December 19.

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