Ok, so you might still be hoping for an Indian summer but the G-Force and I are already talking about skiing holidays. We’ve been checking out some of the places and deals in “best-kept secret” locations.

Skiing holidays can be pricey unless you know where to book for cheaper deals and great pistes. Three favourites of mine include Les Menuires, Courcheval Le Praz and La Tania in France’s expansive Three Valleys area. These resorts are quieter and less-visited yet still boast amazingly easy access to the huge Three Valleys skiing area.

In particular, the resort of La Tania is a real find. La Tania is situated amazingly close to the far more expensive resorts of Courcheval 1850 and 1550, yet only a cable car and chair lift ride to the same slopes accessed by richer holidaymakers.

Skiing from La Tania

The Three Valleys, boasting Meribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens, is the largest linked ski area in the world. There is a wealth of skiing for all ages and abilities. La Tania is located at an altitude of 1400m and offers great access to the mountain tops at more than 2,000m, as well as to Courcheval and Meribel either side of the resort.

Latest news is that work has started on a new six-seater, high-speed La Tania Bouc Blanc chairlift, which will whizz skiers from the bottom of the Bouc Blanc draglift to the top of the ridge near the existing end of the Crêtes chair. The Bouc Blanc drag will be shortened for use of the La Tania Stade and access to the Dou des Lanches chair. This work is expected to be completed for Winter 2014.

Accommodation in La Tania

A relatively small resort, you’ll find that La Tania is mostly a chalet-style village. Many of these chalets are run independently so we usually look for recommendations before booking. One company that has a number of catered chalets in La Tania is Alpine Action. The chalets and prices look pretty good.

Whether you choose to book the flights and accommodation separately, or find a company that will offer both included I would be hoping to spend much less than £1000 in the early and late season. Remember that you’ll also need to pay for ski lift passes and ski hire if you don’t own your own (if you do own skis and snowboards there will be an extra cost of transporting these on the plane.)

Lunch stops while skiing

Another consideration when going on a ski holiday is spending money. The biggest spend is lunches! We have experienced prices of €12 just for a coffee in some mountain restaurants. To keep costs down you could pack a picnic lunch by shopping at supermarkets or find cheaper cafes. When holidaying in Le Praz a couple of years ago we found the cheapest lunch stops were in La Tania! The resorts that are little further rout of the way tend to have more reasonable prices and are worth seeking out when planning each day of skiing.

For a treat

Until last year I’d not experienced the treat of an after-ski massage. I’d thought this was a cost too far. However the restorative sports massage treatment offered by Massage Me, based in 14 Alpine resorts, was remarkable. I notice that La Tania offers Pamper Off Piste. You can have a massage in the comfort of your own chalet

Message to the G-Force: We need to get the credit card out and get booking!