AFTER much heavier snowfalls in Europe than usual at this time of the year, ski fans who can grab skis or snowboard to head for the slopes before Christmas can enjoy some great bargains.

Says Lala Stewart at Ski Solutions: “There was a reluctance to book early after the poor snow and fears of global warming last winter. Operators have had to cut prices, but this early snow is a real kickstart to the market.

“Although many skiers don’t plan to take much time off before Christmas, hoteliers in some resorts offer special rates. We have tailor-made four-night B&B breaks in Val d’Isere in French Alps from £399, and in Lech, Austria, from £519.”

In the French Alps, Ski Solutions offers seven-night catered chalet stays from December 8 from £240, saving £220. Seven nights on the same basis in La Plagne from December 15 at £299 is reduced £120.

A catered chalet in Courcheval 1850 from December 23 from £549 per person saves £599. A week in Val d’Isere, ex- Manchester on December 8, costs £329, saving £171.

There are big cuts too from mainstream operators in December. Crystal Ski offers seven nights’ catered chalet skiing in St Anton, Austria for £449, down by £221, from December 15, while seven nights’ catered chalet stay in Flaine, in the Alps from December 22 falls £368 to £431.

Information: Crystal Ski (0871 231 2256); Thomson Ski (0870 606 1470); Crystal Finest (0870 060 1370); Ski Esprit (01252 618 300); Total (08701 633 633); Ski Solutions (020 7471 7777); First Choice (0871 664 9017); Ski Weekends (0870 442 3400); Balkan Holidays (0845 130 1114).