Skiing needn't cost a fortune with a new opening from Ticket to Ride. The specialist snow and surf operator is opening its new 32-bed Mountain Lodge in Meribel, France, this season with rooms starting from 30 per person per night.

Right in the heart of the Three Valleys area, one lift away from Courchevel and two to Val Thorens or Les Menuires, there are almost endless runs within a short distance. And if the accommodation is cut-price, there are added extras including free WiFi, Apple TV and unlimited hot drinks as well as meals and craft beers from another £30 per person per night.

The Lodge’s team can also help arrange lift passes and airport transfers along with tips on great apres-ski and torch-lit ski descents, plus discounted ski and board hire. The company is also running a Freestyle Snowboarding course in March and introduction to ski touring.

Austria's new mountain thrills

WHIZZING down the slopes at speed needn’t be your only thrill this year. Ischgl in the Austrian Tirol has its new parallel zip-wires SkyFly to get your heart racing this winter.Starting at a height of 1,683 metres at the Silvretta gondola mid station, the two kilometre ride ends on the roof terrace of the Pardatschgrat gondola in the valley at 1,376 metres, reaching speeds of over 50mph along the way.

The two zip wires means you can fly down with a friend — or race them to the bottom — and ski/snowboard gear can be hooked up to come down with you too. It’s open to children aged eight and above.

SkyFly costs around £30 (35 Euros) for adults and £21 (25 Euros) for eight to 16-year-olds.

Detox on the slopes

IF you’re torn between a ski trip and keeping your New Year’s resolution to be healthier, there’s a new detox ski holiday available in France.

AliKats Mountain Holidays, based in Montriond, Morzine, is offering detox smoothies and custom menus at its luxury chalets in the Alps this spring, with hot tubs looking out on to spectacular views. The perfect way to relax after hitting the slopes in the Portes du Soleil.