Make the most of early season skiing

Not all tour operators are up and running in resort until just before Christmas, so the resorts tend to be quieter, which means it'll just be you, some locals and day trippers. With this in mind the lift pass companies often do special rates for those coming to ski before Christmas, so check out their pricing to see where you can save.

For those opening their doors to guests in early December, you may well be offered a lovely discount for being this year's guinea pigs as they try out their new chalet staff. Hotels and apartment rental companies can also be a little bit more flexible on duration of stay at this time of year.

At this time of year the ski hire shops have just gotten all their new skis and snowboards ready for this winter's customers. This a great opportunity to take some time to chat to the experts, they will unusually have some time, and try something new. And if you don't like it, take it back and swap for something else.

Early season temperatures tend to be colder, and the forecast is for snow. So, pop into a cosy mountain restaurant and order a well-deserved mulled wine to warm up, or make your way down to one of the bars and hotels at the foot of the slopes.

One nice thing about the short December days is being able to ski until it gets dark. It is a great feeling to ski the last run of the day as the sun sets and the night begins to fall. The lifts do not open late enough to actually ski in pitch blackness, but you can arrive at the resort as the very last of the daylight fades away.

At this time of year, resort staff outnumber holidaymakers in the bars. It's opening party season and there is something going on almost every night. News usually travels by word of mouth, so pop into a bar for après ski, get friendly with the staff and find out where the party is later on. With fewer people about than in peak season, you will find some busy bars, some quiet ones and some that are still closed.

In addition to skiing and opening parties, there's always plenty to do away from the slopes, such as ice skating, husky sledding or some early present shopping at the Christmas market.

As you can see, an early season ski holiday is an ideal opportunity to use up the last of this year's annual leave, escape for a pre-Christmas break with your loved one or ones, or grab some mates and start the festivities a little early this year.