ONLINE ski tour operator Direct ski.com has come to the aid of cashstrapped skiers with advice on how to ski and save, both in resort and before you travel, from borrowing ski gear to packing tea bags.

BEFORE YOU SKI

● Look for ski clothing bargains on ebay, in charity shops, or borrow.

● Don’t skimp on eye protection, but take summer sunglasses rather than buy new ski goggles.

● Look out for bargain, end-of-season highfactor summer suntan creams.

● Book to self cater. It’s cheaper to eat in and the holiday price tumbles for a group.

● Take a polythene bag of instant coffee and tea bags with you instead of buying in resort.

● Don’t buy skis or boots, hire in resort.

● Do some online research. Find out the best value bars and restaurants before you fly.

● Book to ski in mid- January or March when ski holidays are least expensive.

● Pack all liquids in your suitcase. Airports will confiscate perfumes and cosmetics.

WHILE IN RESORT

● Beware of expensive mountain restaurants, fill up at breakfast.

● Carry water with you rather than buying on the mountain. (Austrian tap water is even better than bottled.)

● Stock up in the duty free and hold your own apres-ski parties.

● Avoid impulse buys in resort, they are the most expensive places to shop.

● Invest in a really good pair of ski socks, it’ll save pounds in resort on blister plasters.

● Don’t buy ski boots on impulse, hire until you can afford the best.

● If you’re not going to ski the full area, only buy a local area lift pass.

● Go to the tourist office when you arrive. It’s where local discounts are advertised.

● Pack a disposable camera, not your best digital. They’re never the same when you drop them from the ski lift.

● Remember, if you can’t see a price, you can’t afford it.