The ski season lasts about five months and relies on one thing: snow. But depending on which month from December to April that you decide to take your ski holiday, your experience can vary quite significantly.

Early season ski holidays

'Early season' is generally classified as early December until about Christmas time (although the season can begin earlier in selected high-altitude resorts). It's not easy to know how good the snow will be at this point, but December ski holidays can be superb if you're lucky enough to get a dump of snow. Prices are lower and the slopes are quieter – so you could be in for a treat if the right weather hits.

Christmas and New Year ski holidays

There’s no place like the mountains for feeling the Christmas spirit. As such, prices do go up for this time of year, but the magic of a white Christmas speaks for itself. And with plenty of events put on by ski resorts such as fireworks and torch-lit processions down the mountain, it’s a great time to visit for a family ski holidays in particular.

January ski holidays

As the years go by, snowfall patterns become increasingly hard to predict, however this is historically a month rich in snowfall. This means it’s perhaps less appealing to fair weather skiers and those shying away from the lower temperatures. However, prices go down in January as a result so it can be a great time to catch some powder. You might decide it’s a good time to get ski-in ski-out accommodation to avoid trudging about too much. Alternatively, treat yourself to a ski holiday with a high-end operator such as Abercrombe & Kent, Kuoni, Oxford Ski Company or Scott Dunn who run a driver service in Courchevel 1850, St Anton and Val d’Isère to transport you and your skis to and from the slopes each day.

February ski holidays

By now, there is likely to be a good snow-base wherever you are. However, the slopes are generally quite busy at this time, especially in France where half term is spread across the whole month!

Spring ski holidays

From mid-March until the end of April, things get a little warmer – wonderful for many reasons. The snow is a touch softer in the mornings. Longer days means you can take long lunches in sunglasses whilst sipping a beer and getting a tan, and continue skiing until 5pm. Children are happy in the more gentle temperatures. Aprés-ski fun and games can often be found outdoors as the sun goes down. You could even opt for a chalet with an outdoor hot-tub, to prolong the joys of being outside later in the evenings. It’s a great time for a ski holiday.

Summer ski holidays

It's not the first thing that springs to mind for your summer holiday, but in Alpine ski resorts with a glacier (such as Tignes or Zermatt) you can enjoy early morning skiing on a few high slopes, and find yourself in a bikini after lunch, or on a mountain-bike somewhere amongst the pine trees. Alternatively, head to the mountains in Chile or New Zealand. Summer ski holidays can actually be fabulously varied if you head to the right destination.