WITH European ski resorts revelling in bumper snowfalls, it can be hard to find space anywhere in February half-term – until this winter, when families are set to cash in on some bargain prices after a mix-up over holiday dates.

Although it’s been snowing hard since November, operators are cutting prices, and even chasing late bookings with free child places.

Says Andy Perrin at Esprit Ski: “Normally, there is such demand for February half-term week that capacity is sold out by Christmas. But as holiday patterns gradually change, operators this year identified both February 10 and 17 as big weeks.

“While February 10 booked pretty solidly, there is certainly plenty of space from February 17. Some of the larger operators have had such trouble filling up that they have been handing rooms back to hoteliers to fill with local demand.”

Total Ski, with availability in St Anton, Courchevel and Meribel, offers selected chalets from February 17 on a “buy one, get one free” basis, for two children up to 14 sharing their own room.

A family of four in chic Courchevel 1850 from February 17, paying a total £2,877 for two adults and two under-15s, would save more than £1,000 with a choice of regional departures, including Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh.