Keeping track of the best last minute skiing bargains is about to get easier this season with the launch of a new ski price index from Teletext Holidays.

The new index, which is designed to help people manage their winter holiday budget and will be updated on a weekly basis, is online at www.teletextholidays.co.uk/skipriceindex

The index tracks not only the typical cost of the ski holiday itself, but also the cost of essential items such as boot hire and lift passes giving a complete picture of the overall cost of a break away, helping snow seekers keep a check on their holiday budget.

To keep the index bang up to date the Teletext Holidays team will be tracking thousands of last minute holiday prices from hundreds of different companies every week for 10 of the best value European resorts.

Bulgaria and Andorra top the index for the lowest ski holiday destinations.

“The ski market is set for a bumpy ride this year,” said Alison Steed, financial expert and editor of mymoneydiva.com: “For anyone who isn’t a die-hard skier, a winter snow sports holiday could be seen as a luxury especially when people are living on a tight budget.  But ski holidays don’t have to break the bank.” 

“Prices are likely to come down as the season progresses and – because of the recession - we could potentially see much lower ski prices than they have done for years.  That makes it the ideal time to get a bargain break.”

“The index is a really useful tool.  It’s essentially an online “shop window” to show where the best prices are at a glance.”

Despite the Euro strengthening against the pound this year, there are more deals available in popular resorts European resorts which show great value.

Mark Bloxham, head of marketing, Teletext Holidays, said: “The in-resort extras which go alongside a ski holiday, such as boot hire, lift passes, eating and drinking must be considered alongside the actual cost of the break to get a true picture of the total cost. 

“The winter sports market was down last year and it’s likely to be a similar story for the 2009/10 season which means tour operators are likely to stimulate demand by dropping prices. The index will allow people to keep track of the best deals.”

For clever ways to save money on a ski break Teletext Holidays has teamed up with financial expert Alison Steed and her tips are online at www.teletextholidays.co.uk/skipriceindex