Keep an eye out for ski bargains

THE first major ski resorts are opening their slopes this weekend, with cut-price ski passes and other promotions to tempt people onto the pistes.

Alpine resorts including Alpe d'Huez and Les 7 Laux will be partially open this weekend and are offering €15 lift passes this weekend.

Val d'Isère is also hosting its opening weekend and visitors can try out the latest skis and snowboards for free.

However in the Pyrenees, the resorts of La Pierre-Saint-Martin, Gourette, Le Grand Tourmalet, Piau and Peyragudes have all delayed their opening, which were due this weekend, because conditions have not settled.

Cauterets and Luz Ardiden have both decided to open this weekend as have Grandvalira and Vallnord in Andorra.

Many of the resorts have special offers on accommodation and ski passes on their websites but you can find an overview here.

For a full list of ski stations in France, their opening dates, and their conditions as rated by skiers visit www.skiinfo.fr
Photo: Flickr/paultom2104