Let it snow
It's not too late to make the most of the snow.
You can still bag yourself a bargain winter holiday
Great for non-skiers
Getting there
Balkan Holidays offers a week's stay in Kranjska Gora from just £389 per person, including flights, transfers and half-board accommodation. Call 0845 130 1114 or visit www.balkanholidays.co.uka.
You don't have to be a skiing fan to go on a snow holiday. Lots of resorts cater for those who don't want to put on a pair of skis. Kranjska Gora in Slovenia offers plenty of alternative activities, for example. You can try snowmobiling, a fun way to check out the resort's panoramic scenery. Or, if you fancy something slower paced, you can go sledding, watch dog-sleigh races or ice-skate at the town's open-air ice rink. And if you want to go a bit farther afield you can sign up for various day excursions, like a visit to the region's Postojna caves.
Great for groups
Getting there
Prices start from £92 for a week's accommodation and return Dover-Calais ferry crossing with SeaFrance. For details see www.seafranceski.com or call 0871 663 2557.
Getting together with your friends or coupling up is a great way to save money on winter-sports holidays. Some tour operators offer group discounts when you book. Other companies, such as seafranceski.com, offer ski holidays by ferry and are ideal for skiers on a budget. Travelling by car means you can load up your equipment without worrying about excess charges. And if you go as a group you can split the driving between you. You also have the flexibility to stop off on route if you choose to.
Great for families
Bansko in Bulgaria is a cheaper and smaller family-friendly alternative to some of Europe's more expensive and crowded resorts. A recent multi-million pound investment in its ski infrastructure means it now has excellent ski runs that cater for all levels, snow-boarding facilities and a winter sports fun park. And there's a junior ski club for the kids at this resort, which is rapidly growing in popularity and is brilliant for families.
TIP If you are taking a self-catering holiday, head to the local supermarkets and delis to save on restaurant bills.
Getting there
First Choice offers packages from £395 for seven days half board. For full details call 0871 664 0130 or go to www.firstchoice-ski.co.uk.
Value for money
With the euro strong against the pound head for countries out of the euro zone to nab yourself a bargain. Eastern European countries such as Bulgaria and Montenegro are increasingly popular with those in the know.
If you're in the euro zone then Andorra, one of the original budget ski destinations, is still a great place for cheap winter deals. Or you can choose resorts with short transfer times, fly with budget airlines, and stay at the nearest resorts to these destinations to lower the costs of your trip. For inspiration on budget winter breaks check out www.aitoskiholidays.co.uk. All of its 30 members provide financial protection in the event of any problems so you can enjoy a worry-free getaway.
And if you can't get away
There's no need to miss out on some winter fun if your budget won't stretch to a skiing holiday. SNO!zone has three indoor real-snow ski slopes in Milton Keynes, Castleford, Yorkshire and Braehead, Glasgow, where you can ski, snowboard or toboggan all year round. Prices start from £13 for an hour's skiing or snowboarding or just £9 for a 30-minute tobogganing session. For more details see www.snozoneuk.co.uk