With the European ski season in full swing, it’s the traditional time for the country’s biggest ski trip operator, Crystal Ski, to launch their first brochure for next season.

In addition to their usual trips, the new menu includes trips to Igls in Austria, an expert ski host service for some trips to the French Alps, and freeski camps at selected European resorts.

Igls, close to Innsbruck, is suitable for beginners and intermediates. Advanced skiers can also explore eight other ski areas totalling 295km of piste, all within reach by free ski bus. It’s an ideal location for parties with non-skiers who can easily reach the historical city of Innsbruck by tram in 30 minutes and enjoy its charming medieval centre with shops and museums.

The Ski Host service is available to Crystal’s French club hotel guests in Courchevel, Morzine, Alpe d’Huez and Les Deux Alpes. A resident ski expert will be on-hand offering free five-day ski or board escorting service to beat the queues, find the best runs and provide inside information.

Crystal Ski is also introducing ‘Freeski Gromcamps’ in selected European resorts. These camps are for all ages and standards of skiers, from first time freestylers to pro riders, expertly taught by the UK’s top riders and coaches including Pat Sharples, a former England freestyle ski team captain.

More of the popular Crystal Ski Plus all-inclusive packages will be offered including flights, transfers, local lift pass, ski/board hire or ski carriage, self-catering and in-resort service from £389 (€436) per person for a five night stay. They’re valid for departures during non-peak times to the top resorts including Les Arcs and La Plagne in the Paradiski and availability is limited so booking a year ahead at a fixed price is a good way to budget.

With Christmas and New Year falling on a Saturday in 2010, Crystal has opted to run the Christmas and New Year schedule with Monday departures on December 13th, 20th and 27th for seven night holidays for French and Swiss resort departures. On Monday January 3rd 2011 there will be five night holidays with Crystal Ski Plus for £389 (€436) per person in the two-star Hameau du Sauget Apartments in La Plagne, France, including return flights from Gatwick, transfers, local lift pass, ski/board hire or ski carriage.

For Austrian resorts, departures will be on Tuesdays in December for seven nights and on Tuesday, January 4th, for a four nights self catering holiday for £229 (€256) per person in the three-star Rauris Apartments in Rauris, Austria, including return flights from Gatwick or Luton to Salzburg and transfers.

After this, all departures will revert to a Saturday as normal. All other countries have departures on Sundays.

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