This winter’s quiet skiing holiday season in Europe seems to have been given a new lease of life thanks to recent huge snowfalls across the continent.

Just two weeks ago travel companies had almost halved their prices for some package deals because of the hitherto mild winter.

But large volumes of snow falling across the Alps may well indicate the rescue that many tour operators have been waiting for, and is likely to also increase business for airport transfer firms.

Crystal Ski’s Marion Telsnig said: “If your lifestyle lets you drop everything to head for the slopes, it’s the perfect scenario now.

“Prices have fallen because of weak demand in January, so you can get last-minute seven-night breaks in Arinsal, Andorra from £129; Cervinia, Italy from £196 (B&B) and Ruka, Finland from £190 (self-catering).

Travelsupermarket’s Bob Atkinson said: “For weeks, the big grumble was: Not enough snow – full stop.

“In many households, dropping the ski holiday seemed an obvious and easy economy to make.

“Now many resorts have enough snow to last the season, with Ischgl in Austria cut off at times by a freak 5ft snowfall in four days.

“While big operators have cut capacity significantly, the accommodation is still there and so are cheap flights.

“On living costs, the big downside is Switzerland: astronomically expensive for lift passes, meals out, and bars. France, Italy and Austria are more realistic as the pound edges towards 1.20 euro.

“Half-term is showing some ridiculous prices but there is decent value available on either side of that.”

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