If you're planning to head for the ski slopes this winter and haven't booked your holiday yet, don't leave it too late.

While the summer-sun operators are suffering following the 11 September terrorist attacks as holidaymakers remain reluctant to commit themselves, the ski market is booming.

Lizzie Norton, director of specialist travel agent Ski Solutions, said skiers are notoriously resilient. 'Skiing is one sector of the market which has not been affected by 11 September,' she said. 'Skiers are used to taking risks - nothing will put them off, they're addicted.'

However, many skiers are spurning the US in favour of the more traditional destinations such as France and Switzerland.

Ski Solutions said New Year breaks are practically sold out but there are still pockets of availability for the Christmas week.

· Ski Solutions (020 7471 7700) is offering a week's half-board at Courchevel 1850 for £315 with departures from Gatwick on 15 December.

· Inghams (020 8780 4433) is offering a week's half-board at the Hotel Bernerhof in Wengen, Switzerland for £280 between 12 and 19 January.