Money hacks How to save on winter sports holidays

When it comes to skiing and snowboarding, going to Europe will always be cheaper than flying to somewhere such as the US or Canada - but costs vary massively on the continent.

- Emma Lunn

Pick a cheap destination

Marcus Blunt, the co-founder of the ski holiday company Heidi, suggests somewhere off the beaten track such as Bansko or Borovets, both in Bulgaria, for a cheaper deal.

"In Italy, Livigno boasts lower prices thanks to its tax-free status, while Bardonecchia is another lower-cost option with great-value ski passes, and Sestriere has a longer snow season, so you can pick up a bargain in April," Blunt says. "Andorra is also a good bet, particularly El Pas de la Casa and El Tarter. In France, Tignes is cheaper than its upmarket neighbour, Val d'Isère."

As a rule, the higher you stay, the more you pay.

Time your trip New Year and February half-term are the most expensive times to ski or snowboard in Europe. If you have children, the Easter holidays will be cheaper than half-term. For the child-free, December is cheap-ish, but you will be gambling on having enough snow. Early to mid-January can be affordable, but it could be very cold. Later in March and April are cheaper, but the snow may not be as good, especially at lower altitudes.

When we looked on the travel firm Sunweb's website, an all-inclusive week-long stay at Belambra Club Les Cimes du Soleil in Avoriaz, France, was priced at £1,627 for two people in the middle of February but £805 during the first week in April.

Book far in advance You might have missed your chance to get a bargain ski trip for this year - many of the cheap deals sold out ages ago.

Research by Club Med found that 56% of Britons had already booked their ski holiday by September - a 30% increase compared with last year. A forward-thinking 37% of survey respondents had booked up to a year in advance.