SeaFrance has announced an affordable route to the slopes this winter: Dover-Calais crossings start at £25 each way for a car and up to five passengers.

Budget airline Ryanair is charging from £40 for skis this season; families and groups of skiers could save by taking a ferry and driving to the slopes.

A SeaFrance representative said, "Forget about extortionate baggage charges, airport security queues, weight restrictions and extra charges for skis; a SeaFrance crossing works out at just £6.25 (based on four in a car) and includes transport of all skis, boots and as much luggage as can be fitted into a car or roof-rack."

SeaFrance operates up to 15 daily return crossings on the Dover-Calais route. Fares for a car and up to five passengers start from just £25 each way online for any duration and from £19 return for a day trip.

Taking a car allows you to pack as much luggage as you want and there's no waiting around for trains, taxies, or coaches to and from the airport. A car enables you to easily access surrounding resorts, towns, and cities on day trips. Self-catering guests can save money by accessing out-of-town supermarkets which are considerably less expensive than resort shops. See our article, Economy Drive: To The Alps By Car for more details.

More information on SeaFrance crossings