Airline passenger news and views

There is fresh snow expected over a large swathe of the Alps and it will bring a welcome relief as there have been very few top-ups since the heavy falls over Christmas.

It comes at precisely the right time and resorts and skiers alike can start looking forward to half term – the busiest of the winter school-holiday periods.

There is an unexpected bonus to all of this and for those who have not yet booked or had been put off by either high-season prices or worries about the lack of snow. These uncetainties have resulted in a host of fantastic last-minute deals. There are bargains to be had in top resorts including St Anton in Austria, Zermatt in Switzerland, Val d’Isere, the Three Valleys and La Plagne in France. Such a bonanza is virtu ally unheard of at this time of year.

I have also had reports from friends and colleagues in resorts in France and Austria, updating me on conditions there.The consensus is that those areas with snow-making equipment and hard-working piste-preparation staff have managed to preserve, top up and make the most of the early-season natural snow, providing really good, rewarding cruising on the pistes. Experts and dedicated off-piste aficionados may have cause for concern if there is still not enough new snow after this weekend, but most skiers and snowboarders I spoke to recently told me they found that conditions were much better than expected.

One consideration for skiers in England might be to fly out from Scotland, where half-term falls at a different time, making flights cheaper. In an exclusive arrangement with Inghams, Iglu has put together a range of deals using flights from Scottish airports, including Glasgow and Edinburgh.

If you live in the North of England, this could be an ideal option as the price is reduced by £200 per person and Iglu will also pay your airport parking and hotel for the night if you need to drive up the day before.

It really is the perfect time to book that last minute skiing holiday; if you have the time to surf the web to bag the best bargains around.