Last Minute Ski Holidays Deals

One of the keys to capitalising on a last-minute ski deal is being flexible in terms of the locations you’re willing to travel to.

You might be lucky and find a bargain in your favourite resort, but if that’s not available, there are many alternative ski resorts which are still awesome and might even convince you to broaden your horizons the next time you’re planning ahead for your usual annual or biannual break.

Let’s take a look at some well-known locations and hidden gems where you could set off for some time soon.

• Last minute ski deals in France
  
  

  Sainte Foy is often overshadowed by its better-known neighbours Tignes and Les Arcs, but it’s actually a brilliant place to ski, with lots of snow-sure, north-facing runs, twisting tree-lined routes and off-piste terrain in a ski area that ranges in altitude from 1550m to 2520m. This is a charming resort with lots of traditional stone and wood Tarentaise chalets, excellent kids facilities and entertaining après for adults.

  Alternatively, Samoëns is a short hop from Geneva in the Savoie Mont blanc region and you’ll find fascinating history and stunning scenery around every corner here as it’s the only French mountain resort which is designated as a protected heritage site. The pedestrianised town centre is a pleasure to stroll around, with its ancient, intricately carved buildings and 12th century church and the skiing is pretty darn good here too as its part of the famous Grand Massif ski area, which boasts 265km of corduroy just waiting to be explored. You’ll find a wide range of accommodation options here and although the après scene is much quieter than the likes of Val Thorens, there are still enough pubs and clubs for you to have a great night out.

• Last minute ski deals in Italy
  
  Skiing and snowboarding in Italy are laid-back and inclusive, with great apres-ski, fab food and lovely scenery. One resort here where you might just bag a bargain is Sestriere, the highest resort in the Milky Way ski area, which sits at a lofty 2000m+. This is a purpose-built resort has a history that stretches back to the 1930s, a pedigree that made it a location for the 2006 Winter Olympics, and 400km of pistes to explore in the wider ski area which spans the border into France.

  Cervinia is another classic Italian ski area where the mighty Matterhorn looks so close that you could reach out and touch it. With 350km of slopes shared with Zermatt to suit skiers of all stripes and plentiful off-piste opportunities, the skiing is excellent, and this is complemented by affordable restaurants serving hearty, high-quality Italian fare, a variety of après bars and off-slope activities like swimming, paragliding and ice karting.

• Last minute ski deals in Austria
  
  Alpbach is a lovely Tyrolean village that’s the perfect choice for a last minute Austrian ski break. This idyllic spot has been named Austria’s most beautiful village in the past and it’s characterised by wonderful wooden farmhouses, an iconic church spire and winding streets, with the gorgeous Gratlspitz peaks in the background. The skiing terrain is particularly good for novices and intermediates, while off-slope activities include hiking, snowshoeing and horse-drawn sleigh rides.

  Meanwhile, Ischgl in the Silvretta ski area offers skiing from 1400m-2864m and a vast 238km of piste, as well as a superb snowpark with a brilliant big air bag. Snow conditions are super here throughout the season and the nightlife is legendary, with expansive bars like Fire & Ice entertaining pleasure seekers until the wee small hours. Off the slopes you’ll find fab pool and spa facilities where you can relax and unwind and a natural ice rink that’s popular with locals and visitors alike.

• Last minute ski deals in Switzerland
  
  Flumserberg is a fab Swiss ski resort for a last minute break and it’s suitable for both skiers and snowboarders alike. Part of the Heidiland ski area in East Switzerland, there’s a 65km skiable area here, with a wide variety of slopes for all abilities at altitudes ranging from 665m to 2222m. There’s a preponderance of territory for intermediate skiers here, with many red runs, but there are also some cracking black runs for advanced skiers and good green and nursery slopes for novices.

  Alternatively, grab a last minute deal to Andermatt and you’ll soon be in snowsports seventh heaven, with 120km of well-groomed piste linking it to sister resort Sedrun, and first-rate snow quality throughout the season. Accommodation includes modern hotels as well as authentic wooden chalets and this is a hotspot for vertiginous skiing and snowing, with world-class freeriding on the Gemsstock mountain. There’s a decent apres-ski scene here supported by venues like De Prato and the Piccadilly Club, while it has improved its facilities for children in recent year, with the Natschen beginners area being a particular highlight.

• Last minute ski deals in Andorra
  
  The tax-free principality of Andorra in the Pyrenees between Spain and France has really started to punch above its weight as a ski location in recent years and this is a savvy pick for a last minute, low-cost ski holiday.

  Party town Pas de la Casa is the most popular resort here and it’s easy to see why ̶ set at a heady 2100m and with skiing available right up to 2640m, this pedestrianised resort in the 210km Grandvalira ski area always provides great value for money for all types of visitors. Lift passes for kids under five and adults over 70 are completely free, there’s plenty of well-appointed accommodation with doorstep skiing and the apres-ski scene here is very lively indeed.

  Meanwhile, El Tarter is also part of Grandvalira and is a smaller resort than Pas, but it does feature the biggest snow park in Andorra, the fun Bababoom Circus and has an official English-speaking ski school which is highly rated. Despite its diminutive size, El Tarter is certainly no backwater when it comes to apres-ski ̶ you can party at the vast open-air club L’Abarset, enjoy cocktails and music at Dylan’s and bust some Ibiza-style moves at Diamond CBbc nightclub.