Jetsettersblog

Popular Landing Spots For British Skiers & Snowboarders

Leading flight search engine, Skyscanner (www.Skyscanner.net), dips into its data to see where British winter sports enthusiasts are flying to this winter. Despite economic woes, European ski searches appear healthy with a small rise in flight search traffic for ski airports compared to last year. With a strong US dollar, it seems many Brits are avoiding transatlantic mountains and favouring the more local European peaks.

1. Geneva (Switzerland) – at number one by quite a long way it’s Geneva. Close to the French border (the airport even has a French sector), Geneva is an ideal landing zone for skiers and snowboarders, offering the choice of over 100 ski resorts within two hours’ drive. One of the closest is Lelex, a small resort served by 13 ski lifts, ideal for families and beginners, and at the other end of the scale – Morzine, part of Les Portes Du Soleil ski area, a huge interlinked domaine offering some 650 different pistes, served by over 200 ski lifts.

2. Nice (France) – located for good access to the ski resorts of the Southern French Alps and the Italian Alps, Nice offers access to 12 ski resorts within 3 hours’ drive. Isola 2000 is one of the best in range, rising to 2610m, offering about 50 pistes and around 120km of downhill skiing and snowboarding. Alba, about 2.5 hours from Nice is an ideal choice for beginners, a compact area which is also good for cross country skiing, boasting 52km of Nordic trails.

3. Salzburg (Austria) – located in the north of the country, Salzburg is surrounded by over 100 resorts to the south, east and west, all of which are less than 2 hours drive from the airport. Mayrhofen is one of the most famous in the area and one of the highest resorts in Austria; part of the Zillertal ski area, it offers access to 130 pistes. If you’re looking for a family ski area and need something with shorter drive times, try St Wolfgang – one of the closest ski areas to Salzburg, this small resort has 9 ski lifts as well as 30km of cross country trials.

4. Munich (Germany) – another good access point with almost 100 ski resorts within 2 hours of the airport. Choose from a great selection of Northern Austrian resorts, or for something a little different, why not visit a German ski resort? Though little known as a skiing destination, Germany has some great options; Sankt Englmar is a small ski area best suited to beginners and young families in the east of Germany – or try Grainau – one of the bigger resorts in Germany offering an impressive vertical drop of over 2000m and 44 pistes.

5. Grenoble (France) – there are over 50 ski resorts within 1.5 hours of the airport, including some of the biggest and best such as Alp d’Huez, Courchevel, La Grave, Meribel and Valmorel. For somewhere a little more secret, try Autrans - a quieter area with 16 lifts and about 18km of downhill slopes as well as 160km of cross country ski trails.

Best of the Rest:

Toulouse (France) – offers access to Pyrenean ski resorts in France, Spain and Andorra. Pas de la Casa is a firm favourite with the Brits, renowned for its excellent value and lively après ski action.

Innsbruck (Austria) – great for getting to resorts in the Tyrol region and the city of Innsbruck itself is home to Nordkette, a small ski area with slopes overlooking the city, which boasts one of the steepest runs in Europe.

Milan Bergamo (Italy) – good for Northern Italian resorts. Try Livigno, a duty free ski resort with an excellent terrain park and good off piste options, a quaint alpine town untouched by overdevelopment.

To find more cheap flights, fast – visit www.Skyscanner.net

G.A.P Adventures, the world’s leading adventure travel company, has launched its range of Expedition cruises with the purchase of the M/S Expedition. Newly refitted, the M/S Expedition will be plying the waters from April 2009 offering a new and comfortable experience in Expedition cruising which will thrill the adventurer in every traveller. To celebrate the new ship, G.A.P Adventures is also pleased to offer travellers 200 GBP off all new Expedition 2009 trips booked by December 15, 2008 for all departures from April to September 2009.

At 105 metres (345 ft) in length and with a top speed of 16 knots, the new M/S Expedition can accommodate up to 120 passengers, allowing for a unique way of exploring the Polar regions. Also, state-of-the-art stabilizers will ensure as smooth a ride as possible. Guests will have the choice of different categories of cabins ranging from triples to suites, each featuring outside facing portholes or windows. Besides special amenities such as a pub, a fitness centre and a sauna, the ship will boast multiple viewing areas - including a large 360-degree observation deck for wildlife spotting.

“G.A.P Adventures is proud to announce a new line-up of expeditions to some of the most mesmerizing corners of the world including Antarctica, the Azores, the Arctic and around the British Isles,” says Bruce Poon Tip, CEO of G.A.P Adventures. “As each voyage is equipped with a superb team of onboard experts in marine biology, history and geology, we can not only ensure exceptional value for money but also an insightful and unforgettable experience for all travellers.”
G.A.P Adventures’ new thrilling Expedition cruises include:

Explore the Azores
Embark on the M/S Expedition and voyage around this captivating and remote archipelago, located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, 1000 miles off the Portuguese coast. Travellers will witness first-hand the stunning azure seas and the unspoilt natural beauty of these volcanic islands, including Graciosa, Floral, and Faial and taste the world famous Verdelho wine on Pico Island. Also, this 10-day cruise offers a rare opportunity for wildlife viewing: sailing around the Azores is the best way to see seabirds, dolphins and whales up close!
Price: from 1460 GBP
For more information: http://www.gapadventures.com/tour/XVEANX

Arctic Highlights
Sailing from Spitsbergen to Iceland, travellers will follow the breathtaking edge of the ice and witness outstanding wildlife, including polar bears, walruses and reindeers. Navigating south towards Greenland, they will spot whales, orcas and white-beaked dolphins, and venture into Greenland’s untouched tundra aboard a zodiac. After visiting Scoresbysund, one of the largest fjord systems in the world, visitors will complete their journey in Iceland and the steaming hot springs of Reykjavik.

Price: from 2095 GBP
For more information: http://www.gapadventures.com/tour/XVAHNX

Wild Scotland
Embark the M/S expedition and begin your 13 day journey into the Scottish wilderness. Experience the dramatic landscapes of the Hebrides, the tranquility of uninhabited Treshnish and the natural beauty of North Rona, where you can spot colonies of great black-backed gulls, great skuas and puffins. Head on towards mystical Orkney and the Shetland archipelago before returning to the Scottish Highlands with their craggy cliffs bristling with birdlife.
Price: from 2295 GBP
For more information:
http://www.gapadventures.com/tour/XVWSNX

Britain and Ireland in Bloom
This 13 day expedition takes you through some of the most beautiful gardens and historic mansions in Great Britain and Ireland. Sailing past the Isle of Wight, visitors will reach the rocky island of St Michael’s Mount and then continue towards Ireland. After visiting historic Kilkenny, they will explore Garinsh Island, one of the most beautiful gardens of the country, the mysterious landscape of Connemara and the imposing Giant’s Causeway. Travellers will end their journey on Scottish shores and visit Iona, the legendary burial grounds of Scottish Kings.

Price: from 2295 GBP
For more information:
http://www.gapadventures.com/tour/XVBINX

Norwegian Fjords and Polar Bears
A mystical two-week journey, drifting past medieval villages, majestic icebergs and along crystalline fjords. Departing from Edinburgh, travellers will first stop at Orkney then continue northwards to the remote Shetland Islands. Along the Norwegian coastline, visitors will take zodiac and land excursions to get a closer look at some of Scandinavia’s major highlights: medieval Trondheim, the steep fjords of Central Norway, and the cold waters of Andoya Island, famous for whale watching. Travellers will then visit Bear Island, a birdwatcher’s paradise, and head on to Svalbard, an archipelago of deep fjords and massive ice sheets, populated by polar bears, seals, reindeers and arctic foxes.
Price: from 2270 GBP
For more information: http://www.gapadventures.com/tour/XVNFNX

Visit www.gapadventures.com/new  to see all of G.A.P Adventures’ brand new expeditions. Note: Trips are listed before discount and do not include international airfare.

* Price quoted is for a Category 1 cabin. Other cabin types are available and can be viewed at www.gapadventures.com/expedition

The Rhine Valley Music Festival (24–31 May 2009) features seven private concerts performed by top rank musicians in a variety of historic buildings along one of Europe’s great rivers. The audience lives on a modern and comfortable ship, chartered exclusively for the week, disembarking for concerts or to explore historic towns and sites along the way.

Some of the finest musicians in Germany and Switzerland (and Britain), including the Baden-Baden Philharmonic, Andreas Scholl, Basel Chamber Orchestra, Cantus Cölln, Natalie Clein, Basel Chamber Orchestra and Amphion Octet, perform music by Mendelssohn, Haydn, Nikolaus Bruhns, Matthias Weckmann, Schumann, and others.

The historic venues, often dating from the same period as the music performed in them and in some cases with even more specific links, include the Kurhaus in Baden Baden, Church of the Holy Trinity in Speyer, Hambacher Schloss and the Residenzschloss in Mannheim.

The spoken word contributes to the audience’s experience and there are daily talks by musicologist Roderick Swanston and Timothy Blanning, Professor of Modern History at Cambridge.

Launched in 2006, the MS Helvetia II is one of the most modern and comfortable passenger ships on European waters.

Prices range from £2,660 to £4,390 per person and include admission to all seven private concerts, a choice of flights from London, Manchester and Birmingham, accommodation for seven nights on board the river cruiser, all meals including wine, water and coffee, coach travel, talks by a musicologist and historian, interval drinks, all tips, taxes and admission charges, practical and historical information and a detailed programme booklet.

‘European Boating Holidays’ announce fixed Euro to Pound exchange rate for 2009 bookings With brochure prices currently in Euros, EBH will offer existing and new travellers a fixed rate of 1.30 to 1 for holidays booked to any destination by the end of January 2009.

European Boating Holidays is the 1st independent inland water cruise company in Europe operating two brands Locaboat with the classical P nichettes and Cardinal with its modern fleet of Europas Call 0845 450 5229 or visit Locaboat.com or cardinalboating.com

LONDON, UK - ‘European Boating Holidays’ announce fixed Euro to Pound exchange rate for 2009 bookings

This week, EBH will freeze the Euro to Pound exchange rate in order to pass significant savings onto customers for 2009 holidays. With brochure prices currently in Euros, EBH will offer existing and new travellers a fixed rate of 1.30 to 1 for holidays booked to any destination by the end of January 2009.

‘We are determined that our existing and new clients are able to continue enjoying boating holidays across Europe in the New Year despite the economic downturn. This fixed exchange rate, will save a family of four more than 225* for a week in April onboard a P nichette 1020FB in Ireland or France,’ says Matthieu Glasson, Sales and Marketing Manager at EBH.

EBH can be contacted on 0845 450 5229 or enquiries made online at
http://www.locaboat.com or http://www.cardinalboating.com.

Notes to Editors:
* Based on today’s rate of 1, 09 to 1

About EBH
With Locaboat and Cardinal EBH has 450 boats, traditional or modern, for 2 to 12 people, with no need for a boat licence, spread across 28 bases through France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Holland and Ireland. Whether you’re a couple, family or group of friends the differing models are designed to suit any sailor.

During your cruise, an abundance of activities are available, from discovering gastronomic delights, historical sites, biking along the tow paths, fishing for catch of the day or simply relaxing on deck with a glass of the regions finest wine.

Example Pricing based on fixed exchange rate: ( 1.30 to 1)

Prices for the 4th May bank holiday weekend onboard a Locaboat Penichette in France, Italy or Holland, start at 184 per person based on four sharing.

Prices for the 25th May Bank Holiday weekend onboard a Locaboat Penichette (P1400FB) in Ireland start at 1182 - so 148 per person based on 8 people sharing.

Prices for a week in April onboard a Cardinal Europa in Germany start at 1292, so 646 per couple based on two couples sharing.

Prices for a week in June onboard a Locaboat Penichette (P935R) in Ireland start at 759, so 253 per person based on 2/3 sharing.

Prices for a week in June onboard a Locaboat Penichette (P935R) start at 985, so 328 per person based on 3 sharing.

Rail Europe, a distributor of European rail products in North America, announced the launch of Trenitalia’s new Milan to Rome high-speed rail link. The new line shaves an hour off the route, connecting Italy’s political and financial capitals in 3 hours and 30 minutes. The new route establishes Milan as Italy’s main point of connection with Europe’s high-speed larger rail network for the benefit of business and leisure travelers alike. Milan is currently served by Artesia trains from Paris, Cisalpino from Basel, Bern and Geneva, Riviera from Nice and Elipsos overnight trains from Barcelona.

Trenitalia’s ETR500 AV Red Arrow Train, which will service the new route and will be available for reservations on www.agent.raileurope.com in January, was designed by Italian automotive designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro. Giugiaro was recently named Automotive Designer of the Century for his achievements in designing for Audi, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Maserati, Volkswagen and others. The Red Arrow reaches a maximum speed of 186 miles per hour, offering rail travelers in Italy an equivalent level of speed, service and convenience as other European countries.
Passengers can order from a menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner selections from the restaurant car, as well as snacks and beverages from the bar car. TrenItalia’s InterCity Plus and Eurostar Italia trains, offer speedy connections between Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Bologna and Naples and convenient access to many smaller Italian towns. Rail Europe offers a full range of TrenItalia tickets that can be tailored toward each traveler’s individual needs.

To book any of Rail Europe’s wide range of economical railpasses and point-to-point tickets on trains throughout Europe, call 888-382-7245 or visit Rail Europe’s website at the banner at the right.

The first comprehensive inventory of sea and land animals living in Antarctica’s South Orkney Islands has revealed the icy archipelago to be richer in underwater marine species than the Galapagos, with more than 1,200 species counted, including five new to science. Peregrine Adventures visits the South Orkney Islands, plus other exciting new sites both wildlife enthusiasts and history buffs alike will enjoy, during a voyage around The Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica. Similarly, at the top end of the globe, Peregrine’s Svalbard in Depth expedition voyage offers extra highlights too, including a visit to Kvitoya Island, the final resting place for members of Sweden’s ill-fated 1897 Arctic balloon expedition to the North Pole.

The Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica: 24-night voyage departing Ushuaia 6th November 2009

Peregrine’s most comprehensive Antarctic adventure yet promises an in-depth and unforgettable experience cruising around the wildlife-rich Falkland Islands, diverse sub-Antarctic islands and the remarkable Antarctic Peninsula area. Possible new additions to the itinerary include, in the Falklands, Steeple Jason Island, home to the world’s largest black-browed albatross colony and Sea Lion and Bleeker islands, in addition to King Haakon Bay, Cape Rosa and Peggotty Bluff in South Georgia. In 1916, Shackleton and his five companions famously entered King Haakon Bay having miraculously survived a tortuous 17-day journey in a small lifeboat, the James Caird, following the abandonment of the stricken Endurance. They landed at Cape Rosa and a few days later at Peggotty Bluff where they sheltered in the upturned James Caird.

The voyage costs from £7,640 p/p including transfers, ship-board accommodation, port taxes and/or landing fees at Ushuaia, Stanley and South Georgia, all meals, onboard presentations, all shore excursions and a highly experienced expedition leader, crew and lecturers.
Flights are not included.

Svalbard in Depth: 14-night expedition voyage departing London 20th June 09.

Join Peregrine’s Polar expert, Alex Burridge, on a fully escorted expedition voyage exploring the magnificent islands of the Svalbard archipelago. Experience dazzling glaciers, icy fjords, snow-capped mountains and amazing wildlife – polar bears, walrus, whales and vast seabird rookeries. Peregrine’s expedition voyage departs from the township of Longyearbyen, on Spitsbergen, the major island of Svalbard. The Peregrine ‘small ship experience’ allows travellers to choose their level of adventure - from sea kayaking and hiking ashore, to zodiac explorations of ice-filled bays and rugged coastlines. The expedition visits the ice-domed island of Kvitoya, the place where Swedish explorer Andrée and his two companions perished in 1897 during an attempt to fly over the North Pole in a hydrogen balloon.

The voyage costs from £5253 p/p twin share including scheduled flights from London to Oslo, and Oslo to Longyearbyen return charter flights, 2-nights pre-tour and 1-night post-tour accommodation, ship-board accommodation, all meals onboard, photography and art workshops, onboard lectures, videos, slide and film shows, all shore excursions, and a highly experienced expedition leader, Alex Burridge.

No fuel or currency surcharges will be added to expedition voyages departing during the 2009 Arctic and 2009-2010 Antarctic seasons..

Peregrine Adventures
01635 872 300
sales@peregrineadventures.co.uk
www.peregrineadventures.co.uk

Ski Freshtracks, the market leaders in adventure skiing, are offering the perfect solution for single skiers this season.

Every Ski Freshtracks holiday is graded by skiing standard which means everyone on the holiday skis and socialises together – ideal for those wanting to hit the slopes, when friends otherwise engaged.
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For the 2008-9 season Ski Freshtracks is offering nine holidays where everyone gets their own room at no extra cost. On all other holidays there are a small number of rooms which can be booked for single occupancy. The holidays with no single supplement include an instructional week in Courmayeur, Italy, a week in the chic Swiss resort of St Moritz and a testosterone-free girls’ weekend in Grindelwald, Switzerland.

For those keen to take advantage of the amazing early-season snow conditions there is still availability during Christmas week in La Plagne and a New Year off-piste week in Flaine.

Caroline Boileau, General Manager of Ski Freshtracks explained the secret to Ski Freshtracks’ success: “All our holidays are ideal for those who don’t necessarily have friends or family who ski at the same level as them, or maybe don’t even ski at all. Anyone can come on our trips and ski at the level that suits them, meaning their skiing nearly always improves and at the same time they make new friends.”

Ski Freshtracks offers 54 off-piste adventure and improvement courses as well as a large ski touring programme and heliskiing trips. Other trips on offer include Action holidays at varying levels of ski standard, weekend trips and a large ‘Peak Experience’ programme aimed at skiers over 50 years of age.

For more details and for booking visit www.skifreshtracks.co.uk  or call 0845 45 807 84

Snowfall Boosts Demand

Prices From £13* Per Day

With heavy snowfall already reported in the Alps, car hire comparator Carrentals.co.uk is advising customers to book ski car hire early to secure the best prices and essential accessories such as snow chains and child seats.

Many resorts in Switzerland, Austria and Italy are enjoying prime conditions, opening early to make the most of the snowfall, with skiers being attracted to snow levels of up to 130cm and more in places.

Gareth Robinson, managing director of Carrentals.co.uk, says: “With the ski resorts enjoying a fantastic start to the season, we’ve seen demand for car hire in these areas jump significantly over the last couple of weeks. There is still availability but prices for rental can vary significantly between suppliers, so our advice is to compare the best deals in advance and book early to secure specific requirements such as snow chains and baby seats.”

Carrentals.co.uk compares car hire deals from leading rental companies in over 9,000 locations, including ski destinations such as Lyon, Turin and Chambery, with prices starting from just £13* per day at Aspen; £18* per day in Lyon; and £21* per day at Banff and Geneva.

Gareth added: “If this level of snow fall continues we are likely to see a rush in bookings over the next couple of weeks. Leaving car hire to the last minute, or, worse, leaving it until you arrive in resort, is likely to mean you pay a premium to secure the car you need, so book early and shop around for the best prices.”

Carrentals.co.uk compares car hire prices from up to 50 companies including Holiday Autos, Alamo, Budget and Thrifty. To compare the best ski deals visit www.carrentals.co.uk

*Prices are based on seven-day rental from 31 January and are subject to change.

DK Eyewitness Travel has named its pick of the best cities to visit in 2009. The world’s bestselling city-guide publisher shows why Northern Europe and the Americas are going to be hot next year. So whether it’s new attractions, regenerated neighbourhoods, or more for your money, the travel experts at DK have 2009’s Top 10 cities all wrapped up…

Vilnius – European Capital of Culture in 2009, the Lithuanian capital is planning 120 art and culture projects, and over 900 cultural events. Highlights include the Vilnius Book Fair in February, Street Musician Day in May, Culture Night on Midsummer Night, and the LUX Festival of Lights in November which brings socially deprived groups into the ‘lighted’ city, using science, nature and art to ‘light’ Vilnius at its darkest period of the year.

Buenos Aires – The old port district of La Boca will feature a major exhibition of France’s surrealist master Marcel Duchamp at the recently revamped Fundación Proa art gallery in February. In June the Puerto Madero docklands district opens the first-ever Fosters & Partners (led by Sir Norman Foster) design project in Latin America. The uber-hip residential space will be the centrepiece of a new cultural district. The bicentenary of Argentina’s independence from Spain is in 2010 but next year offers the chance to go before the hordes do.

Gdansk – Reputed to be the new Krakow in 2009, Gdansk’s old town has been spruced up and the picturesque Bergher houses that line its streets are interspersed with an influx of new hotels, restaurants and shops. With direct flights from Liverpool, Stansted and Birmingham with Ryanair, Poland’s coastline could see a new influx of visitors to this part of the Baltic Sea.

Seattle, USA – With a new Four Seasons hotel just unveiled, a new Hyatt at Olive 8 opening in January 2009 from the Hyatt brand, and a large new “eco-friendly” hotel called “1” scheduled to open mid 2009, a good nights sleep in Seattle is scheduled for next year. Something you need in a city that can see you catching a rock show or taking in the sleek downtown area by kayak, all in one trip. A truly modern American city surrounded by acres of stately redwoods, misty coastline, and glacial caves makes for intriguing juxtaposition.

Bristol – Dita Von Teese recently opened a new Harvey Nichols store alongside a Cinema de Lux and a wealth of luxury apartments at Cabot Circus - a long awaited boost to the Broadmead shopping district. Not long after, Bristol’s robust eco-appeal got stronger as it was named the ‘most sustainable city in Britain’. Luxury consumerism and environmental sustainability look set to coexist in 2009.

Fes – With new direct flights from Gatwick starting in December 2008, with the low cost airline Atlas Blue, it won’t take long before the tourists turn east from Marrakech’s crowded souks, to explore Morocco’s spiritual and cultural hub. The narrow streets of Fes are alive with commerce, and all lanes lead to the Karaouiyne mosque, established in 859, one of the oldest and most illustrious mosques in the western Muslim world.

Washington DC – Fresh with reinvigorated patriotism, tour the Eastern Seaboard by train or bus, heading south from New York to the home of the founding fathers in Philadelphia, then on to the seat of American government. With the largest library in the world (Library of Congress), the National Museum of American History and Arlington National Cemetery, not to mention the White House, Washington DC is a vision of marble and light, with icons and monuments at every turn.

Copenhagen – With 12 Michelin stars awarded in 2008 (that’s more than Vienna, Rome, or Madrid) plus a clutch of new boutique hotels and minimalist designed budget hostels, Copenhagen has become the ultimate gourmet and style destination. Its green-credentials aren’t bad either, recently becoming the world’s first ‘Bike City’ with 36 percent of all Copenhageners cycling to work, school and university.

Cape Town – The hosting of the world cup in 2010 means that visitors in late 2009 will see an upgraded Cape Town Station and the arrival of the One&Only Cape Town luxury resort, complete with Africa’s first branch of Nobu. Cape Town looks set to raise its tourist game in 2009 as it gears up for the sporting events of the following year. Add this to the world famous vista, outdoor activities, and affordable prices due to the exchange rate, and it’s a good time to visit.

Vienna – Vienna’s festival calendar is a true ballroom blur, kicking off with the city’s glittering New Year balls and the annual splendour of the Vienna Opera Ball on 19 February 2009. Come mid-May the city’s greatest festival, the Wiener Festwochen, comes into play with operas, theatre, music and performing arts, and Mozart’s operas are performed in the beautiful Schönbrunn Park until late August.

Ski holidays on the upward climb despite pound’s downward slope.

Ski-mad Brits are refusing to sacrifice their winter holidays by turning their back on the recession and heading to the slopes.

Even the falling pound, which means a lack of extra spending money, isn’t putting ski-crazy Britons off scouring the net for the best bargains to bring down the cost of their winter break.

By booking lift passes and organising the kitty in the UK, powder monkeys are ensuring they stay on the piste but not out of pocket, says Wigadoo, the UK’s leading website for booking trips and events.

“We’ve seen an avalanche of groups booking last-second trips to the slopes to enjoy the best snow for decades,” says Andy Cockburn, CEO of www.Wigadoo.com.

“Some groups have even used the site to get all the money together for a ski trip, and then wait until the best deal comes up.”

“As anyone who’s ever been on a group ski holiday will know, it’s impossible to bag the cheapest deal because of the length of time it takes to get all the money together and book it.”

Looking for holiday companies which offer a discount on groups, such as half-price lift passes or one free place is just one of the bonuses of going with a large group of friends, says Cockburn.

And the beauty of Wigadoo is that you can get your friends to commit quickly and collect the money instantly, then use a virtual prepaid MasterCard to book everything securely at once.

It takes the hassle and pain out of planning and is perfect for complicated get-togethers like ski trips where you might need to book flights, accommodation and ski passes separately but for many people.

Clever ski bunnies have always found the cheapest deals by tailoring their own holidays to suit their needs, and with the Wigadoo MasterCard, they can avoid falling victim to the exchange rate by buying lift passes in advance from the UK.

“Normally as the organiser I would pay for the car rental, ski hire and lift passes out of my account and we would sort out the money when we were there,” says Olivia Gwynn. “However, I would always end up a bit out of pocket and this year that just wasn’t an option.”

Olivia suggested going on a ski trip while she was at work, inviting friends through the Wigadoo Facebook application. Two days later, she had collected all the money, booked a bargain deal and transferred the surplus cash into her own account to use as a kitty.

“Skiers are passionate about their hobby,” says Dan Fox, MD of SkiWeekends.com. “A poor exchange rate or even a recession is not enough to put powder monkeys off their annual pilgrimage to the slopes.”

“Using Wigadoo is just one of the things skiers and boarders can do to keep the costs of their trip down, along with seeking out the best exchange rate,” says Fox. “Because we buy currency in advance if you pre-book your passes with us it’s cheaper than buying them in resort and similar savings apply to ski hire.”

Wigadoo’s top 10 tips to save on a ski holiday

1. Book in groups – there are often great deals around, such as ‘10th person goes free’ or half price insurance for groups of over eight

2. Book ahead – buying lift passes on the internet from the UK is often cheaper than on the slopes

3. Be realistic – if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t get up till gone midday, buy half-day lift passes rather than a full week

4. Be flexible - Christmas, New Year, February half-term and two weeks in April are the most expensive times to ski so try and go in between these dates

5. Get organised – using Wigadoo to pay for everything up front, like a kitty for the chalet, car hire and petrol money means no-one is left out of pocket

6. Don’t settle – ski hire shops are often flexible and a little bit of bartering can go a long way

7. Buy in the UK – goggles, gloves and everything else ski-related practically doubles in price once you get on the slopes, so make sure you’re kitted out before you go

8. Look elsewhere – while the pound is weak against the euro, ski outside of the Eurozone in places like the Czech Republic

9. Be quick – last-second trips are often the cheapest, and many packages have been reduced by 50 per cent in the last few weeks

10. Get behind the wheel – with the recent drop in petrol prices, it may be cheaper to drive to the Alps rather than fly