It’s not just heaps of fresh snow and blue skies that make a great ski trip. Economic conditions come into the reckoning too and, for anyone leaving the UK for the slopes there couldn’t be a better time to go than now.

In the last year we’ve seen the value of the pound rise about 20 per cent in most European countries, most importantly against the French franc and the German mark (the former being most critical since France still dominates the European ski industry with its high tech, high altitude resorts).

Even in Austria, where pretty resorts and good night life are powerful draws for family holidays, the reputation for expense has started to melt. However, its reputation for lower altitude resorts, lift queues and too many loud Germans hasn’t.

But the return to France is not just a result of a stronger pound. There the economy limps along like a debutante snowboarder and unemployment scales a new peak each month, contributing to an economy tighter than this season’s ski pants. So, with inflation hovering around 1.5 per cent prices are stable and competitive. That’s not to say France is cheap, just cheaper than for some years.

Even getting there is better value than ever. Cross channel competition is hot and, if you plan to drive to France, Switzerland or Austria, there are some very good inclusive ferry, vehicle breakdown and personal ski insurance packages on the market. Package trips make a lot of sense, especially for the novice skier, for whom ski hire, passes and lessons can all be pre-booked and paid for in the UK. There aren’t quite so many last minute deals available this year but you should find one to suit your pocket and requirements.

It’s worth doing some research, the last thing you want is to land up in a soulless French resort full of apartments if you want non-stop life, or a resort strong on nursery slopes if you’re in training for the re-make of Downhill Racer. So consult monthly ski titles, brochures and excellent ski reference books.

You don’t have to be super rich and own an apartment to enjoy a self-catering holiday on the slopes. Many people rent their properties by advertising in the weekend broadsheets and the ferry operators have holiday arms with whom you can book an apartment. Once you’ve found a resort you’re happy with you can ask at the local tourist information centre about their arrangements for letting out vacant apartments.

If you’re making your own way to the slopes the main cross channel operators have special “ski packages” whose prices not only include the crossing, but both vehicle breakdown and individual personal ski insurance. The prices quoted here are for four adults, (two people in brackets) away for nine or 10 days.

The cheapest is Hoverspeed, the hovercraft operator, who would charge you £139 (£99) if you leave Dover after 3.30pm or $149 (£109) before 3.30pm. Ferry operator P&O also charge £149 (£99). The rest charge between £197 (£135) and £208 (£156), which is also the cost of the Le Shuttle “drive on drive off” tunnel service.

If, however, you are putting together a package separately, or flying off on a last minute booking, there is a chance you could either forget about personal ski insurance altogether, save money and ignore it, or just accept the policy sold by the travel agent. Don’t, it’s not worth it.

Don’t forget it or try to save money by cutting it out, you could be liable for crippling medical fees, and if you were to cause injury to another on the slope you might get sued (and legal fees aren’t cheap). And if your skis were stolen while you’re tucking into a chocolat chaud could you afford to replace them?

Likewise don’t accept without question the policy proposed by the travel agent or the bank from whom you get your currency. Agents often say it’s obligatory. This is untrue. They are right to offer it and may ask for proof of your alternative cover. This practice is currently being investigated by the Office of Fair Trading, and as a sign of Government disapproval, the Chancellor is planning to levy VAT on the insurance sold as a condition of buying a certain holiday.

Insurance is an important subject which will be fully addressed in a coming issue of TNT but, within the confines of skiing there are a few critical factors to consider when comparing policies:

• Are snowboarding and off piste skiing covered?
• What is the medical cover, does it include recovery if you are stuck on the mountain and will it get you back home if required?
• Will your skis and bindings be sufficiently covered if damaged (whether they are hired or your own).
• If weather prevents skiing will you get compensation for lost use of ski pass/equipment /lessons etc?

If you know you’ll be travelling again within the year, look into Annual Policies. Worldwide’s is particularly good and includes 17 days’ skiing and any number of other trips in a 12-month period (each up to 62 days) for £75.

To me, skiing can combine all the elements I look for in a holiday: fresh air, good food, conviviality, excitement, and the unexpected. Which is why I always insure.