Stag party skiers may pay extra to take equipment

Stag party members heading to the Alps for a ski trip may find their costs increase if they take their own equipment, it has been suggested.

The Ski Club of Great Britain highlighted the growing trend for airlines to charge extra to carry skis, poles and snowboards.

It said that winter sports participants often have to pay a premium and noted that this could reduce the chances of a budget break to the slopes.

Spokesperson Betony Garner highlighted Ryanair's offer to carry any passenger's skis for free - as long as they booked before today (October 1st).

She said it was a good deal for action sports enthusiasts and showed the carrier's ingenuity in attracting customers.

"Italian resorts will see more visitors this year due to the value for money that you get," the expert predicted.

She added that high altitude resorts - such as Tignes and Arlberg - are also likely to be popular.

Meanwhile, stag parties wishing to ski in the UK can do so at one of the country's outdoor resorts or try an indoor snow slope, such as Xscape, which has sites in Glasgow, Milton Keynes and Castleford.