Find a mountain village that is a little off the beaten track but is still connected to some great piste skiing or find cheap ski deals online. They might not have the fastest lifts or the busiest night life but within minutes of getting off the first lift you can be skiing in some of the biggest circuits around. Morgins, Switzerland for example is perfectly located in the Portes du Soleil circuit yet is small and friendly enough to have a great mix of local Swiss skiers and British tourists. Prices in the bars, restaurants , ski shops and ski schools are considerably lower than those in the major ski resorts such as Courchevel, Meribel and Val D’ Isere, yet there is 650km of linked skiing on your doorstep.