For those desperately seeking snow this winter, setting sail on a cross-Channel ferry offers an affordable way to get to the slopes.

Convenient and low-cost ferry crossings from Dover go straight to the heart of the European road network with most alpine resorts within reach in under a day of driving. With no need to waste time in airport queues or struggle with baggage restrictions, skiers choosing to sail to the slopes can pack the car and get away for less. Crossings with DFDS on its Dover to Calais or Dover to Dunkirk routes start from £68 each way for a car and up to four people.

Stephen House, head of campaigns at DFDS, said: “For ski holidays in France, taking the ferry is a great alternative to flying. You can save on the cost of your winter sports holiday by packing all your kit in the car and heading across the Channel with us. There are no luggage restrictions so pack the boot with everything but the kitchen sink and save the cost of hiring all your equipment when you get to the resort.”

Popular winter sports resorts that are within easy reach of DFDS' ports at Calais and Dunkirk include:

• Les Diablerets, Switzerland – a quiet, stylish resort close to Lake Geneva that boasts three ski areas and lots of low-key après ski activities for those seeking a more relaxed ski break. An 8.5-hour drive from Calais.
• La Clusaz, France – a lively resort with great downhill and cross-country skiing, Le Clusaz is low-lying and may be a better option for late-season skiers. The resort is a nine-hour drive from Calais.
• Morzine, France - a great resort for beginners and families. There are 600km of slopes and more than 30 snow parks, in addition to relaxed, family-friendly off-piste options. Located just under nine hours from Calais.
• Chamonix, France - this charming ski resort is nestled at the foot of the imposing Mont Blanc. In addition to downhill skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing, winter activities on offer here include ice climbing, mountain climbing and hiking. An 8.5-hour drive from Calais.
• La Plagne, France – a snow sports paradise set in the Paradiski area with three glaciers and 425km of pistes. This resort is one of the most likely to get a good covering of snow and is one of the easiest to reach from the UK. A 9.5-hour drive from Calais.

For less adventurous drivers, it's still possible to hit the slopes just an hour from Calais at the Noeux-les-Mines ski resort in the Pas-de-Calais region, which is twinned with La Clusaz. The 'dry' ski facility, which is Europe's largest, is built on a spoil tip in an old mining site and is open all-year-round. Skiers and snowboarders of all abilities are welcome, and rental of winter sports equipment is included in the entrance fee. The resort attracts more than 10,000 visitors and skiers every year.