This particular bonus can make the difference between a fabulous experience and a disaster, as any seasoned skier knows only too well.  But that is just the beginning of the good news, so be sure to check out the Austria scene before making your decision and booking your holiday destination.

Among the most popular ski resorts in Austria are Bad Hofgastein, Kitzbuhel and Soll, to name only a handful of top-rated resorts.  In the Bad Hofgastein area alone there are five ski areas and over 200 well-serviced pistes, with the highest at about 2,700 metres, and all the fresh powder any enthusiast could hope for.

The areas are linked with an efficient transportation system of trains, buses and mini-buses, and you can get an inclusive pass with free guided tours so you can map out your strategy and locate the perfect spot for your level of expertise, or lack of it.

More than 160 km of manicured pistes are accessible by at least 60 lifts from seven nearby resorts in the Kitzbuhel ski area.  If you’re really adventurous, there are a number of off-piste trails including a ‘ski safari’ route that runs for 35 km and requires a whole day.

This one is not for the faint-hearted but it’s an unforgettable experience if you are up to the challenge.  Kitzbuhel is also known for its nightlife, so bring your party clothes and check out some of the four discotheques and more than 40 bars.  You may want to try a cuppa mixed with rum or schnapps, called a Jagertee.

The ski resort at Soll is often advertised as a ‘cheap ski holiday’ destination, and indeed there are some excellent deals to be had, but don’t underestimate the other advantages.

Soll is part of the Ski Welt Wilder – Kaiser Brixental area, which is the largest lift-linked area in the country.

The vast investment in snowmaking equipment almost guarantees that conditions are ideal, both for beginners and for the most advanced and daring of the skiing elite,  in fact the area’s motto is “the right slope for all inclinations.”

Soll is also very big on snowboarding, and you can take classes in that sport at any of the numerous ski-schools.  At night you can continue skiing or tobogganing on some of the slopes, but when you’ve had enough snow, hit the discos or one of the many fine restaurants in the village.

Though the ‘official’ ski season doesn’t begin until November, now is the time to start making your plans for mountain holidays in Austria.  Of course in the winter months, mountain holidays are almost sure to be ski holidays, but even if you only want to watch,
or explore and shop in an alpine village, you will always remember your Austrian adventure

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Over the years many good quality companies have sprung up in order to facilitate skier’s needs when it comes to locating decent ski chalets in the area they want to spend some time in.

One such company is skichalets part of theholidaygroup a well-established provider of high end ski accommodation. There are wide selection of offerings in many destinations available from them, an example would be Pisteside Le Chalet, La Plagne, France, which sleeps eight people. This is a stunning retreat which offers large picture windows with the Isère valley sliding down below and across to the mountains on the opposing side. You can even take advantage of the very large hot tub to relax and sip a hot chocolate while looking out over the majesty that is Mont Blanc.

It could not be more conveniently located for ski enthusiasts as it is possible to ski away from the front door and quickly find yourself up on the ski lift. This luxury accommodation even offers full catering as well as the very best in high quality TV’s, video games high-end furnishings and a romantic log fire.

Another destination offered by this company is Petite Clautre to be found at Montgenevre in France, is fine ski chalet is easily capable of accommodating 12 people. And has the benefit of being located right next to the slopes, this is a very traditional ski chalet, but is fully equipped to the best of modern standards.

Its location is ideal for those who enjoy après ski as well as the many nearby shopping opportunities only a few hundred meters away. Even closer to hand is the Chalmettes Telecabine ski lift located just one minutes walk from the Chalet. This property has six bedrooms all of which are en-suite and the property has ski in – ski out facilities as well as a highly effective wood burning stove.

If you prefer your skiing in Austria then chaletsdirect.com have a wide range of ski chalets available including a British run establishment Bad Gastein at Bockstein, Gasteinertal. This well appointed accommodation is capable of hosting groups or families. It benefits from five bedrooms, all of which are en-suite and offer facilities such as a radio and TV, as well as stunning views from every window; each also has its own balcony.

It is well located for reaching the local village where there are eateries, shops, and bars, as well as live music venues, nightclubs, and even a casino. The main gondola station is less than 10 minutes away, and there are also spas and swimming pools, along with many other facilities within easy reach.

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Best resort for families

Alpe D’Huez, France – Although it’s nigh on impossible to choose a single resort for any particular category, Alpe D’Huez in the French Alps is fantastic for family ski holidays due to its range of slopes suitable for all abilities. Even better, it’s famed for its outstanding ski school, making it an ideal place for children to learn. Add on the free access to the ice skating rink and large outdoor pool when you buy a full area lift pass and Alpe D’Huez comes trumps for children.

Best resort for non-skiers

Vail, USA – Depending on who you go with, a ski holiday isn’t just about skiing. Although an excellent ski resort, Vail also offers an extensive range of activities that non-skiers can enjoy whilst the skiers get their fill of powder. During daylight hours there’s horse riding, dog-sledding, snow tubing, tobogganing, ice skating and even an adventure entertainment centre at the top of the gondola. For the night time, skiers and non-skiers alike can relax in the endless restaurants and bars available. What makes Vail so good for non-skiers is the range of non-skiing activities coupled with excellent skiing, meaning the whole group should be happy.

Best resort for snowboarders

Banff, Canada –Banff boasts three unique areas for snowboarding and skiing: Sunshine, Lake Louise and Norquay which all offer exceptional powder trails. The ‘Tri-Area’ lift pass provides easy access to all three areas so no day of snowboarding need be the same. If that’s not enough, Banff also boasts an incomprehensible number of snowboard gear shops, many of which also providing hire, making it the perfect place if you need to pick up some gear.

Best après ski

Whistler, Canada – As you’d expect from one of the most popular ski resorts on the globe, Whistler has all kind of après ski options to try out. There’s an abundance of slope-side bars, clubs and restaurants to choose from offering fires to relax by, bands to hear, food to eat and drinks to be had. Whistler’s popularity means the après business is positively booming here and it might be difficult to forget about the main event: Whistler is one of the few resorts to offer heli-skiing.

Best all year resort

Les Deux Alpes, France – Les Deux Alpes boasts all year skiing due to its height and glacier. It’s not the only resort to offer round the year skiing due to a glacier, but as one of France’s oldest and prestigious ski resorts it certainly is one of the best. It offers everything you need for a group or family ski holiday – there’s slopes for all abilities, snowboarding activities for non-skiers and a bustling night-life.

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Dozens of European ski resorts have opened early this year and thousands of British ski and snowboard enthusiasts expected to take to the slopes across Europe over the festive period.

Scotland’s resorts have also enjoyed the early snow, with more expected this weekend. Visitor numbers had dropped off alarmingly in recent years as the winters have grown milder and shorter, but the resorts are reporting an increase in ticket sales and hope to beat last year’s total.

Courtesy of easyJet, here is a guide to the top resorts for snow fall so far this season, according to the latest snow reports from the Ski Club of Great Britain.

Zermatt – Switzerland

Current Snow Rating – Excellent
Resort Height – 1620m
No of lifts open: 48 out of 57. Powder to be found off piste and more snow forecast
Best for – advanced, intermediate

Zermatt, according to some reporters, is as near as anywhere to perfection, so long as you are an intermediate or advanced skier. Dominated by the stunning scenery of the Matterhorn, Zermatt’s boasts awesome scenery; amazing mountain restaurants; fantastic and varied skiing (also linked to Cervinia in Italy); a charming and predominantly traffic-free town, bar the electric taxis; great snow high up; all sorts of nightlife for everybody; great shopping; masses of non-skiing activities to enjoy; a glacier for year-round skiing; good accommodation; a cosmopolitan crowd and excellent boarding provision.

Zermatt is a 2hr drive from Zurich Airport. Flights available from Luton.

Courmayer – Italy

Current Snow Rating – Excellent
Resort Height – 1220m
No of lifts open: 14 out of 19. Powder to be found off piste and more snow forecast
Best for – budget

Courmayeur is on the Italian side of Mont Blanc, over the Alps from Chamonix, in the Aosta Valley. It possesses some of the traditional Alpine history of its French neighbour, but at considerably lower prices. Courmayeur has 100km of its own pistes, which cater mainly for intermediates. Courmayeur also offers access to the other resorts in the Aosta Valley and the Chamonix valley (via the Mont Blanc Tunnel), with a combined total of near 800km of runs to keep just about everyone happy.

Courmayer is a 1hr 30min drive from Geneva. Flights from Gatwick, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Belfast, Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, Stansted, Luton, Bournemouth, Birmingham and East Midlands.

Obergurgl – Austria

Current Snow Rating – Excellent
Resort Height – 1930m
No of lifts open:
Best for: families
No of lifts open: 22 out of 22

It snowed almost every day last week across Austria. On piste conditions are good but it is very cold which is helping to maintain the snow and more is forecast this week. Powder can be found on and off piste and there’s 265cm of snow at the upper levels and a further 14cm forecast.
The relaxed atmosphere of Obergurgl paired with its excellent facilities for beginners and comfortable, affordable hotels make it perfect for a family getaway.

Approximately 1hr 30 mins from Innsbruck airport, with flights from Liverpool, Bristol and Gatwick.

Val D’Isere – France

Current Snow Rating – Excellent
Resort Height – 1850m
Best for: celebrity spotting and events – Val d’Isere will be hosting the World Ski Championships, from February 2-15, 2009.

No of lifts open: 42 of 46 and more heavy snow forecast this week. Powder to be found off piste. 24cm of snow also forecast this week.
Val D’Isere has some fantastic terrain for expert skiers and snowboarders, and lives up to it’s reputation as one of the best resorts in the world for advanced skiers and adrenaline junkies.
There is a huge range of accommodation and despite being the resort of choice for some of the wealthiest skiers in the world, there is lots of self-catering budget accommodation to be had.

The resort is 3hrs from Grenoble airport, flights available from Birmingham, Gatwick, Bristol, Bournemouth or Luton.

Alpe d’Huez – France

Current Snow Rating – Fresh/Powder
Resort Height – 1860m
No of Lifts open: 20 out of 75 and approx 130cm of snow at the upper slopes – more snow is forecast

Alpe d’Huez has a British Ski School based in the resort, making it ideal for beginners. Due to weather, it is best chosen as a midwinter destination, i.e. January or February. It’s also a great budget destination with reasonably cheap accommodation, making it popular with young adults.

Transfer from Grenoble airport approximately 2 hours. Flights available from Birmingham, Gatwick, Bristol, Bournemouth or Luton.

Courchevel – France

Current Snow Rating – Fresh – 10 cm of fresh snow so lots of powder
Resort Height – 1850m/1300m
No of Lifts open: 21 out of 57 – 13cm of snow forecast this week
Best for: Beginners

Courchevel resort is composed of several villages, which vary in price and difficulty. Courchevel 1650 is a good base – and it’s also the best place for beginners. Ice-rink, bowling and snow-shoeing are also on offer.

Transfer from Geneva is approximately 3 hours. Flights available from Gatwick, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Belfast, Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, Stansted, Luton, Bournemouth, Birmingham and East Midlands Airports.

Pila – Italy

Current Snow Rating – Fresh
Resort Height – 1800m
Best for: Budget conscious
No of Lifts open: 10 out of 12 and 220cm snow at the upper slopes and snow continues to fall.

Whilst this resort lacks in the scenery stakes, the skiing and snowboarding is certainly not second rate, with slopes for all ages and abilities. The ski tuition here is about half the price of more flashy resorts in France and Switzerland.

Approximately 1hr 30mins from Turin airport with routes from Luton.

Meribel – France

Current Snow Rating – Fresh
Resort Height – 1450m
No of lifts open 7 of 46 and 135cm of snow at the upper slopes – but more snow is falling
Best for: events!

Altitude Festival 2009 – Europe’s biggest Alpine Festival, including live stand-up comedy, live music, international DJ’s, slopestyle competitions and more.

Meribel can be easily reached from Lyon, Grenoble and Geneva airports. www.altitudefestival.com

Kaprun – Austria

Current Snow Rating – Excellent
Resort Height – 800m
No of Lifts open: Half open (12 of 24) more fresh snowfalls forecast this week

Kaprun makes up part of the Europa Sport region, with 130km of pistes, 50 of which are local. Unlike the bigger Zell, Kaprun is a traditional Austrian village with a decent selection of restaurants and accommodation. It has quieter nightlife, but its still pretty fun and varied. Its skiing is mainly for beginners, intermediates and cross-country.

Kaprun is a 2hr drive from Innsbruck and Salzburg Airports. Flights to Innsbruck from Liverpool, Bristol and Gatwick and flights to Salzburg from Gatwick.

Lech-Zurs – Austria

Current Snow Rating – Excellent
Resort Height – 1450m
No of lifts open: 34 of 75. 140cm of snow at the upper levels and excellent on piste conditions
Best for: Christmas festivities

This family friendly resorts hosts lots of seasonal events, including Christmas markets, a nativity play and even a visit from Santa on Christmas day.
Picturesque resort with a village atmosphere, and home to the Mooserwirt, possibly the world’s most famous après-ski bar.

Transfer from Innsbruck airport is approximately 2 hours. Easyjet offers flights from Liverpool, Bristol and Gatwick.

Here are a selection of resorts to watch in 2009:

Bansko – Bulgaria

Current Snow Rating – Needs more snow to see more lifts open – one to save for 2009
Resort Height – 930m
Best for : Budget conscious

One of Europe’s most up and coming ski resorts is the rapidly expanding town of Bansko, 160km south of Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia. Set at an altitude of 935m, it is dominated by Vihren, the highest mountain (2,915m) in the spectacular Pirin range, close to the Macedonian border. The region’s pisted area is small, but there is an estimated 750km of skiable terrain if you venture off-piste which can be reached by lift, snowmobile or M18 Russian helicopter.

Bansko is a 2hr 45min drive from Sofia Airport. Flights from Gatwick and Manchester Airports.

Glenshee – Scotland

Current Snow Rating – Good for Scotland snow showers forecast this weekend
Resort Height – 610m
Best for – Beginners and those avoiding the Euro

Glenshee is the most extensive skiing area in Scotland with 25 miles of downhill runs over four mountains and three valleys. The lifts, main facilities and nursery areas are situated right at the car park level and beginners have an added bonus of not normally having to purchase a lift ticket on their first day! For skiers and snowboarders alike, Glenshee offers a variety in terrain – huge snowbowls, steep mogulled slopes, sheltered descents and relaxed runs. Glenshee builds confidence whatever your standard. Something for everyone – from beginner to expert.

Glenshee is a 2hr drive from Glasgow or a 1hr 30min drive from Edinburgh. Flights to Glasgow and Edinburgh from Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Bristol and Belfast.

The easyJet website also now offers an interactive ski map, showing the best airports to fly to for all the major resorts, with transfer times and prices.  easyJet flights to ski destinations start from just £39.99 per person (one way) at www.easyJet.com. Accommodation available from www.easyJethotels.net

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The risk of sun damage is much greater in the snow, even though it may be cold, UV exposure is 8 to 10 percent greater for every 1,000 feet of elevation. With the snow reflecting between 50 – 90 percent of UV rays, the suns rays will be coming at you from above and below. As a result there is a significantly increased chance of getting sunburned.

Green People’s range of  water resistant organic sun lotions offer broad spectrum UVA & UVB protection with antioxidants and skin vitamins to help support the skin’s immune system and protect against cell damage. Echinacea, Myrrh and Aloe Vera are added for their soothing, healing and moisture binding properties.

Green People have natural sun lotions to suit everyone. The SPF15 contains a natural tan accelerator and is recommended in The Green Beauty Bible 2008. For fair and sensitive skin that needs a fragrance free sun lotion with a higher protection factor No Scent SPF22 is perfect.

More information at www.greenpeople.co.uk.

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Neilson Active Holidays is dedicated to providing the highest quality, affordable ski holidays and with the ski season about to begin, they have undercut other competitors yet again! The snow has already begun to fall in Austria, France, Sweden and Italy, and it is not the only thing falling – Neilson’s prices have also fallen to under £199 per person for ski holidays!

From Friday the 14th of November until midnight Monday the 17th of December, Neilson have slashed the prices of their ski holidays to ensure that the current economical crisis doesn’t have to prevent you from enjoying your ski season.

Neilson provide group skiing holidays as well as child friendly skiing holidays too. They take time to listen to what the customers’ need and understand that package ski holidays need to include everything from flights and transfers to resorts to full accommodation. Neilson also recognise the importance of choice which is reflected in their various self catering, bed and breakfast, and half board apartments, pensions or hotels. With holidays under £199 you’ll not find a better deal this season.

For more information of exclusive offers, visit: http://www.neilson.co.uk/Ski-Holiday-Deals.aspx or contact Neilson Active Holidays on: 0845 070 3460 or sales@neilson.com

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Try one of its holidays for yourself – experience the ultimate way to travel in Scotland’s mountains in winter and learn essential off-piste ski travel. Departing 5 March 2009, the ‘Ski Touring Introductory Course’ costs £445 pp and includes three nights’ hotel accommodation, all meals, transport throughout the trip (starting and finishing Edinburgh), services of a guide and group safety equipment. Graded: moderate. Call Wilderness Scotland on 0131 625 6635 (www.wildernessscotland.com).

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There are 15 New Ski Resorts featured, with new countries such as  USA, Slovenia and Spain, plus an enhanced ski holiday programme in Austria, Bulgaria, Norway and Italy.  The following have been added for 2008/9 skiing holidays:

• Formigal, Spain: Considerable investment in Formigal’s 130km ski area and resort infrastructure place Spain’s premier ski holiday destination firmly back on the map where wintersports are concerned. Decent skiing, a relaxing atmosphere, sunshine and tapas – a winning combination!

• Livigno, Italy: A high altitude, snowsure destination offer a cosmopolitan, yet traditional and friendly atmosphere with excellent skiing for beginners, intermediates and families. It’s duty free shopping status make it great value for money too.

• Lillehammer/Hafjell: The former-Olympic host destination of Lillehammer/Hafjell offers an impressive ski area for beginners and intermediates, challenging Olympic runs for the more advanced skier and a wealth of activities off the slopes.

• Kranjska Gora, Slovenia: Excellent value for money, uncrowded slopes and professional English speaking ski schools are just some of the reasons Slovenia is growing as a wintersports destination.

• Pamporovo, Bulgaria: Bulgaria is renowned for offering outstanding value for money and Pamporovo is no exception. Its small & charming village centre is traditional but certainly livens up in the evening with buzzing and inexpensive après-ski.

• La Rosière, France: A quiet & friendly resort, which is particularly well-suited to family skiing holidays but also offering 150km of slopes stretching across both France and Italy and an excellent snow record.

• Gerlitzen, Austria: The latest addition to Neilson’s list of ‘Family Resorts’ with an excellent skiing kindergarten, English-speaking ski instruction and dedicated children’s ski area at the mid-station.

• Maria Alm, Austria: Set in the extensive Hochkoning ski region, its impressive 150km of slopes and varied terrain mean this area caters for every ability.

• Nassfeld, Austria: The largest ski area in the Carinthia region with 110km of well-groomed slopes, with terrain to appeal to all abilities. Nassfeld is also great for boarders with terrain parks and half-pipes, and having played host to several snowboarding events.

• Vail, USA: Frequently voted one of the top ski resorts in the world, Vail is a widely recognised resort. It’s a huge mountain with an incredible ski area complete with infamous back-bowls for those seeking the champagne powder.

• Aspen/Snowmass, USA: Aspen’s glamour & chic coupled with the impressive modern satellite resort of Snowmass produces a world-class destination with outstanding skiing spread across 4 mountains.

• Beaver Creek, USA: A modern, luxurious resort where all the resort facilities are conveniently located and the skiing is on quiet, well-groomed slopes.

• Winter Park, USA: With the best snow records in Colorado and an immense ski area – there’s every reason to discover this favourite amongst locals.

• Breckenridge, USA: An authentic old-west town with all the charm of the 1870’s goldmining era combined with all the amenities, services and efficiency of a first class ski resort. Add to this the fact that it’s peaks reach up to 13,000 and you’re also presented with acres of incredible ski terrain.

• Steamboat, USA: Champagne powder and lots of it – that’s Steamboat’s claim to fame!

Lead in Prices with departure from London Gatwick or Heathrow, fuel, APD and taxes included are:

• Italy – La Thuile from £269 per person at the Planibel Apartments on a self catering basis
• Austria – Rauris from £309 per person at the Rauris Apartments on a self catering basis
• Andorra – Pas de la Casa from £395 per person at the Aparthotel Alaska on a self catering basis
• Finland – Yllas from £365 per person at the Saaga Apartments on a self-catering basis
• Bulgaria – Bansko from £359 per person at the Hotel Ellonore on a B&B basis
• Sweden – Klosvjo from £309 per person at the Secret Mountain Terraces on a self catering basis
• France – Risoul from £229 per person at the Constellation Foret Blanche Apartments on a self-catering basis
• Romania – Poiana Brasov from £479 per person at the Poiana Hotel on an all-inclusive basis
• Canada – Mont Tremblant from £649 per person at the Country Inn and Suites on a B&B basis
• USA – Winter Park from £865 per person at the Winter Park Mountain Lodge on a room only basis
• Slovenia – Kranjska Gora from £399 per person at the Hotel Lek on a half-board basis
• Spain – Formigal from £435 per person at the Hotel Nievesol on a half-board basis
• Norway – Beitostolen from £319 per person at the Bergo Cabins on a self-catering basis

For more details contact Neilson on 0845 070 3460 or visit their website at www.neilson.co.uk.

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Set amongst the stunning scenery and world-famous snow conditions of Fernie, Red Mountain, Whistler and Banff, select from sociable improvement camps and instructor courses that take powder skills to new heights whilst giving your CV a welcome (ski) lift that’s sure to appeal to prospective employers.

Two weeks in Western Canada cost from £2,300 pp including flights, accommodation and professional coaching whilst 11 weeks in this wintry wonderland start from just £5,850 pp (under £525 a week). Departures from November 2008. Call NONSTOP Ski & Snowboard on 0845 365 1525 (www.nonstopski.com).

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