When it comes to ski and snowboarding holidays, British sports enthusiasts continue to make Europe a popular destination for hitting the slopes, one sector commentator has claimed.

Carrie Hainge, brand and product manager from the Ski Club of Great Britain, said Val d'Isere and Tignes in France and Austria's Ischgl, St Anton and Kitzbuhel were all big hits with Brits wishing to see out their winter on the piste.

Resort choice and perfect snow conditions are major factors when it comes to having an enjoyable ski holiday, one sector commentator has claimed.

Carrie Hainge, brand and product manager from the Ski Club of Great Britain, explained that snow was "key" as it tended to be the top resorts that were more popular with holidaymakers and sports enthusiasts, because they were more likely to be located in an area that was "snow-sure".

Britons planning to get the new year off to an exciting start by heading for Europe's ski slopes may wish to plan every aspect of their trip before they jet off, following the advice of one sector commentator.

Writing on the online pages of the Times, Steve Keenan said that sports enthusiasts who visit ski and snowboarding resorts in the Alps may find certain things expensive.

The price of ski and snowboarding holidays is falling, according to one sector commentator, which should come as good news to winter sports enthusiasts.

Writing on the online pages of the Times, Tony Dawe said that many resorts were inundated with bookings following Christmas from people keen to see in the new year on the slopes.

British winter sports enthusiasts are being quick to snap up ski and snowboarding holidays as Europe enjoys its best start to the season in more than 20 years, one sector commentator has claimed.

Writing on the online pages of the Times, Ashling O'Connor claimed that winter on the slopes had got off to a flying start following record snowfalls in conjunction with an oversupply of accommodation which had resulted in holidaymakers rushing to grab themselves some bargain getaways.

According to one TV comedian, his biggest question as he prepared to jet off and hit the slopes for a winter sports holiday was whether to take his kids skiing or snowboarding.

Writing on the online pages of the Independent, Dom Joly of Channel 4's Trigger Happy TV explained that he and his wife had always favoured skiing as snowboarding seemed "common".

One sector commentator claims that there are a number of steps holidaymakers can take to ensure they have an adventure-packed getaway on the ski slopes, without seeing their finances melt away.

Jennifer Openshaw, president and co-founder of WeSeed, explained that ski holidays were a great family experience which created more enjoyable memories than a lot of the rest of the festive period offered.

The ski season has seen its best start in ten years, thanks to the heaps of snow that have fallen over recent weeks.

Writing for the Guardian, travel reporter Tom Robbins noted that this year there are "vast quantities" of snow.

Britons preparing to jet off and enjoy a Christmas skiing or snowboarding down some of the best slopes the world has to offer may be interested to know that there are simple steps they can take to make their winter sports getaway greener.

Trey Granger, writing on the online pages of Earth 911, explains that holidaymakers should avoid simply binning their old snow sporting equipment when they upgrade it.

With early snowfalls across the globe and a host of great deals to be had, now may be the perfect time to grab the skis and book a winter getaway.

Writing on the travel pages of the Daily Mail, Pete Hardy explains that on a recent visit to Val d'Isere, there was such a covering of fresh snow he found it hard to believe it was still December and not mid-February.

Parents planning to whisk their children off for a Christmas with a difference this year by taking them on a dream ski holiday have been advised by one sector commentator to consider a smaller resort.

Speaking to online resource OnTheSnow.com, Mike Harrelson of Travel Montana said that families should consider winter sports destinations that are off the beaten track so that holidaymakers are not forced to contend with large groups of tourists and long queues for the lifts.

Britons hoping to jet off for a well earned break this winter in order to hit the slopes on their skis and snowboards have been offered a number of cost-cutting tips by one sector commentator.

Serena Cowdy, writing on the online pages of Fool.co.uk, said that it was possible for winter sports fans to spend under £500 per person and still have the trip of a lifetime.

Cheap flights to Geneva could be the starting point for a holiday that caters for all the family - skiers and non-skiers alike.

The resort of Saas-Fee can provide a balanced mix of runs for beginners and more experienced skiers, while also catering for those that are not interested in hitting the slopes.

Ski resorts across Europe and in the US are set to open their doors early to winter sports fans this year.

According to online resource TravelMole, the move has followed heavy snowfalls across Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland and Scandinavia, as well as parts of North America.

Britons planning to hit the slopes for a spot of skiing or snowboarding this winter have been advised to keep in mind that they will have to pay extra baggage fees for their equipment.

J Parry, writing on the online pages of Snowbrainer, said travellers should always check how much it would cost to stash their skis and snowboard before they jet off and that they should also ensure there will be space on the carrier for them.

Britons hoping to enjoy some winter sports over the coming months by hitting the slopes for a snowboarding session have been advised to book their trip last minute in order to save money.

Derek Larney, writing on the online pages of Trinity News, said that holidaymakers who are not fussy about their destination but simply want to get on with snowboarding should wait and see if any bargains come up.

Britons who are planning to hit the ski slopes over the coming months should ensure that they have purchased the cover they need before they jet off, one sector commentator has claimed.

Kelly Ostler-Coyle, spokesperson for the Association of British Insurers, said being taken ill and needing medical treatment or breaking expensive equipment can end up being costly for holidaymakers.

Britons have been advised to shop around when it comes to securing skiing and winter sports cover, as prices tended to vary.

Graeme Trudgill, technical and corporate affairs executive at the British Insurance Brokers' Association, said holidaymakers should speak to their insurance broker, who may be able to find a provider who would not double the price of an extension.

Holidaymakers looking for a bargain break on the slopes have been advised to schedule a trip between January and March.

Iain Mayhew, writing on the online pages of the Mirror, explained that this period would not clash with a festive season of half-term breaks.

Despite the ongoing credit crunch and global financial crisis putting pressure on people's budgets, many holidaymakers are still leaving their troubles at home to hit the ski slopes in France, it has been noted.

Families or friends seeking cheap winter flights may be interested to learn that the French Government Tourist Office is reporting strong early sales of skiing vacations.

Snowboarding enthusiasts may be wise to spend some time in the Alps, it has been asserted.

Winter sports blog Homeboy reports an interview with snowboarder Anniina Karvinen, who explains that the Alps and Lapland are the two main regions in which to practise the sport.