A question that I get asked a lot is "when is the right time to book?" It's a difficult one because there are so many variables at play. It used to be that waiting until the last minute got you a brilliant deal, and there are still always gems to be found (and bargained for), but it's easier said than done with a party bigger than 2, and pretty much impossible with a family.
Other commentators suggest booking as soon as you get back from your trip for next season, so as to secure early booking discounts, and this is especially relevant with the big tour operators. Where the discounts are substantial, you know who you want to go with and where you want to go in a years time, then I think the benefits of booking this early are worth it, especially if you have children.
What is very relevant to the decision is whether you're going all in with a tour operator or whether you're going it alone and booking independently. Tour operators have mass bargaining power and therefore their prices are very good, especially if you book early as I've said. However whether you're getting value for money is sometimes questionable (notice the sometimes!).
Clearly chalets love to get an early booking, however they often have much less margin to play around with and are unable to match the savings available for early bookings with the tour operators. But on the flip side, there is very little bargaining to be done last minute with a tour operator, you just pay the package prices, argue around a bit of loyalty discount and you're done. Booking last minute with a chalet is different. They want to fill it, they need to fill it and if (and that's a very big and relevant if) they have space the week before, there may well be opportunities to ask them nicely if they're open to reducing the price. If you don't ask you don't get. Of course, for bigger groups this may well be just too risky, especially now in the current climate where all ski industry players are running a very lean and tight ship.
I think there is some real value in early bookings with the tour operators when they offer half price lift pass deals. These are the real deal clinchers. An Espace Killy lift pass, for example, is around £200 for a week. A half price deal is seriously valuable. I've utilised these deals when I've organised big (20+) group holidays as lift passes are a real expense. Though you do, in my opinion, have to compromise on quite a lot in some cases e.g. chalet calibre, customer service, kids facilities, you get my point.
Personally, I can never really get away from the charm and excitement of putting together my own ski trip. Talking to chalet owners, looking at flights, working out the best place to get lessons, hire, transfers, nannies. There are great deals to be found on everything (just take a look at SkiSquirrel) but more importantly these companies are run by people who love the mountains, who want to provide you with the best ski experience possible, and who are passionate about their company and about making it amazing. And if you really know where to look, these days an independently organised trip is very likely to be cheaper and better quality. The way forward in fact.
I have come across a ski pass, which is essentially a Pay as You Go lift pass operating in a number of French resorts. It's brilliant as you only pay for what you use, perfect for me as I ski so much and goes some way to helping the independent skier out in that department. And some chalets have arrangements too, just remember to ask!
Of course, there are exceptions to everything. If you pay through the teeth, there are tour operators who can provide that extra special service from start to finish (just think Scott Dunn, YSE). But if you're looking to get a good balance between cost and quality your best bet is to get on the phone and start enquiring with some of the fantastic chalet companies out there. Book the chalet and the flights, and go from there.
And if you need any suggestions on where to start, just let me know.
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