It may still only be November, and the first charter flights may not yet have taken off to the increasingly snowy Alpine slopes for the start of winter 2012-13 next month, but the country's largest ski holiday tour operator Crystal (0871 231 2256; www.crystalski.co.uk) have already released their first holiday packages for winter 2013-14.
One of the best deals is in fact for a week's self catering at the Residence Sunotel in Les Carroz, France, departing on 2 March 2014 from Gatwick including airport transfers for which prices start at £329 per person (based on four sharing). If you can't wait that long the same price is offered for 4 January 2014 departures.
No new destinations have been announced so far, but many of the old favourite early booking offers are back for 2013-14, and you have four months to book to take advantage of them – the cut off date to qualify is book by 31 March 2013.
They include a 2for1 ski/board hire offer, saving up to £89, to any European ski resort flying with Thomson Airways. You'd save £89 with this deal in Lech for example. There's also free ski equipment for children in over 60 resorts if an adult pre-books the same. Or take your own gear and get 2for1 ski carriage, saving up to £35.
Crystal Ski Plus packages will be back priced from £419 per person (based on Chamrousse Apartments, departure 11 Jan 2014, four sharing). The packages include flights, transfers, local lift pass, ski/board hire or ski carriage and a week's accommodation.