There are two great ways to save money on your skiing this season. I’ve teamed up with ski enthusiasts MyTravelMoney.co.uk and holiday deal experts RivaPR.co.uk to bring you the following top tips for 2013/2014.

  1. Go off piste – when it comes to location, at least. Swapping traditional cold-spots for emerging ski destinations, such as Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia and Sweden, can shave hundreds of pounds of the cost of your break – chalets, hotels, eating out and essentials such as lift passes tend to be cheaper and exchange rates are favourable – you get more bang for your buck in a non-Eurozone location.
  2. If you have got your heart set on Europe, at least be savvy when it comes to buying your Euros. Airport bureaus remain the most expensive place to buy your travel money, adding mark-ups of up to 10.01%, according to a mystery shop conducted this month for MyTravelMoney.co.uk. Buy online to secure the best rates – get delivered the next day or pick up at the airport with the special rate locked in.
  3. Be an early bird – save hundreds of your holiday by booking now. Book before November 30 and receive 10% off stays from December 14-21 2013 & January 11-31 2014 in Cordee Des Alpes in Verbier. On reservation, quote ‘Early Bird Deal’.  Prices start from £240 per night. See www.hotelcordee.com or email info@hotelcordee.com. In addition, Verbier’s design hotel, Hotel Nevai is offering 15% off early season bookings. Book before end of November. Buffet breakfast & tax included from £158 per night. See www.hotelnevai.com or email info@nevaihotel.com.
  4. One big outlay on a skiing holiday is the lift pass. Look for early bird specials and book online before you arrive for the best deal. Ditto ski hire – be sure to hire in advance to get the best rate. If you do book a flight, be sure to read the small print about taking ski equipment.
  5. Team up with another family and guarantee a white Christmas, a visit from Santa and a sumptuous cooked Christmas dinner in Verbier. Chalets still available include Chalet Romantica (sleeps 4) from £8,250, Chalet Baroque (sleeps 8) from £17,950 & Chalet Chineur (sleeps 8) from £23,940. See www.skiverbier.com.

and a bonus one…..own an Alpine property? If so, you should be a member of Snow Swappers, a holiday swapping service dedicated to ski resorts around the world. Membership is currently free for one year and you can make as many swaps as you like, ensuring that you get to ski in different resorts without any accommodation costs.