Latest booking statistics released by easyJet show that skiers are breaking the mould of the traditional Saturday  to Saturday ski holidays and are travelling throughout the week, attracted by the lower fares on mid-week flights.

In addition, accommodation sales through the easyJet ski portal show that skiers are looking for convenience and a  short airport-resort transfer time, with figures showing the following top ten destinations for easyJet skiers  this season:

1. Chamonix, France
2. Avoriaz, France
3. Meribel, France
4. Les Arcs 1800, France
5. Pas de la Casa, Andorra
6. Val d’Isere, France
7. Kitzbuhel, Austria
8. Innsbruck, Austria
9. Soll, Austria
10. Arinsal, Andorra

easyJet caught the mood of independent British skiers with the launch of their new ski accommodation booking  portal at the start of the 2010 ski season. The portal offers flexible accommodation and ski pack bookings and has  already allowed thousands of skiers to find accommodation to match the best value easyJet flights.

Charles Martin, easyJet’s Partnership Manager commented:

“France attracts over 50% of all British skiers, so its no surprise to see French resorts taking the top slots.  Chamonix and Avoriaz are real favorites with British skiers, thanks to the ease of access from Geneva with  transfer times of just over and hour, coupled with the wide availability of easyJet flights from across 13 UK  airports.”

Whilst the popular Austrian resorts of Kitzbühel and Söll are within easy reach of Innsbruck, between 30-90mins  transfer time, which is a relatively new route for the airline and is proving to be a success with independent  skiers.

The inclusion of the Andorran resorts of Pas de la Casa and Arinsal in the top ten is somewhat of a surprise.
Although further from the arrival airports, with transfer times from Barcelona of 3 hours, Andorra offers Brits  great value, with its tax-free resorts and lively après ski, while investment in lifts in recent years has brought  them up on a par with some of the top French resorts.”

With excellent snow conditions in European ski resorts this year, easyJet believes bookings will continue  throughout Easter as skiers take advantage of its unbeatable range of ski flights from 13 UK airports to 9  European ski airports, across 6 countries.

A quick search today on http://ski.easyjet.com will find you:

• 3 nights self catering in the 4 star Residence le Crets, Meribel Valley, France for £107pp, based on 4 sharing  (23rd March 3 nights) – Flights from Gatwick to Geneva from £51.98pp

• 3 nights self catering in the 3 star La Riviere, Chamonix, France for £87pp, based on 2 sharing (13th April 3  nights) – Flights from Gatwick to Geneva from £67.98pp

• 3 nights half-board in the 4 star Hotel Alpin Park, Innsbruck, Austria for £149pp, based on 2 sharing (23rd  March 3 nights) – Flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck from £48.98pp

While British and Irish skiers deliberated whether to hit the slopes this winter, the Alps have had the best snow for many seasons and prices have been keener than the sharpest ski blades. Here is Directski.com’s round-up of the top six late season ski bargains, in the resorts with the guaranteed late season snow.

Late skiing in Val d’Isere, France
If 300km of slopes, some of the best skiing in the world with the highest lift at 3,450m, doesn’t do it for you as a skier, nothing will. This `bring your own bling’ ski resort is immensely popular, has great skiing, lively nightlife and is the hub for posers worldwide. Its height and good snow record make it a safe bet for late season skiing, Directski.com make it affordable:-

Val d’Isere late ski offer:
Directski.com, 20th March, 7 nights self catering at the 3* Jardins de la Balme, based on 4 sharing, including return flights and transfers:

GATWICK – NOW: £309 WAS: £529, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
MANCHESTER – NOW: £319 WAS: £549, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
BELFAST – NOW: £309 WAS: £449, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
DUBLIN – NOW: EUR379 WAS: EUR559, Visit www.directski.com or LoCall 1890 201 205

Late skiing in Chamonix, France
One of the easiest mainstream French resorts to get to, just over an hour’s drive from Geneva, Chamonix offers world class skiing and is built for experts, but beginners will find plenty of patient instruction in the ski school too. Less glitz, more of the serious stuff here, but full-on nightlife too. The snow will be sound right into April:-

Chamonix late ski offer:
Directski.com, 20th March, 7 nights self-catering at the 2* Résidence Maeva Chamois Blanc – L’Aiguille, based on 4 sharing, including return flights and transfers:-

GATWICK – NOW: £284 WAS: £504, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
MANCHESTER – NOW: £294 WAS: £524, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
BELFAST – NOW: £284 WAS: £424, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
DUBLIN – NOW: EUR332 WAS: EUR512, Visit www.directski.com or LoCall 1890 201 205

Late skiing in Mayrhofen, Austria
This pretty Austrian town in the heart of the vast Zillertal ski area also has one of Europe’s largest snowboarding parks, the Vans Penken Park, and over 150kms of pistes, for sheer skiing and boarding enjoyment. Nightlife is loud and lively when the skiers come back down the mountains at the end of the day. For year-round, yes, 365 days skiing, the free ski bus takes skiers up to the Hintertux Glacier further up the valley.

Mayrhofen late ski offer:
Directski.com, 20th March, 7 nights self catering at the 3* Moigg Apartments, based on 4 sharing, including return flights and transfers:-

GATWICK – NOW: £319 WAS: £619, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
MANCHESTER – NOW: £319 WAS: £599, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
BELFAST – NOW: £419 WAS: £719, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
DUBLIN – NOW: EUR509 WAS:EUR689, Visit www.directski.com or LoCall 1890 201 205

Late skiing in Kaprun, Austria
Kaprun is a pretty, Austrian snow-sure resort around an hour or so from Salzburg airport. Situated at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, its location ensures skiers can get plenty of the white stuff not only at the end of the main season, but year-round too. The resort is full of Austrian charm, less lively than some, but plenty of après ski action to be found.

Kaprun, late ski offer
Directski.com, 20th March, 7 nights self-catering at the 3* Schonpflug Apartments, based on 5 sharing, including return flights and transfers.

GATWICK – NOW: £299 WAS: £529, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
MANCHESTER – NOW: £299 WAS: £509, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
BELFAST – NOW: £299 WAS: £529, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
DUBLIN – NOW: EUR419 WAS:EUR599, Visit www.directski.com or LoCall 1890 201 205

Late skiing in Livigno, Italy (Belfast and Dublin departures only)
Located at 1815m with mountains banked on either side, Livigno has reliable snow, 57 slopes, over 150 kms of pistes, and, strangely, a duty free status. It’s a large and sprawling resort, cheaper prices attract plenty of younger skiers and it’s both great value and a good choice for late season skiing and boarding.

Livigno, late ski offer
DUBLIN
Directski.com 13th March, 7 nights self catering accommodation at the 3* Livigno Ski Apartments, based on 4 sharing including return flights from Dublin and transfers, was 539 euros, now 409 euros, saving 130 euros.

BELFAST
Directski.com 20th March, 7 nights self catering at the 3* Livigno Ski Apartments, based on 4 sharing, including return Belfast flights and transfers, was £499, now £339, saving £160.

Late skiing in Pas de la Casa, Andorra
This lively Andorran resort has the country’s biggest ski area and highest lift-served terrain and now links to the resort of Soldeu too, resulting in 186 kms of pistes, rivalling some of Europe’s big names in skiing. Big investment in snow-making has ensured skiing right into April, the resort isn’t pretty, but its boxy concrete accommodation is so close to the lifts, who cares?

Pas de la Casa, late ski offer
Directski.com, 21st March, 7 nights self catering at the 2* Sandi IV Apartments, based on 4 sharing, including return flights and transfers.
GATWICK – NOW: £279 WAS: £399, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
MANCHESTER – NOW: £249 WAS: £429, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
DUBLIN – NOW: EUR 339 WAS:EUR 539, Visit www.directski.com or LoCall 1890 201 205
BELFAST: (No departures on 21st March) : Directski.com has 7 nights self-catering accommodation in the Sandi IV apartments in Pas de la Casa for £469, £329, departing 14th March.

East is a festival that celebrates the best of East London. It focuses on drawing together cultural and creative organisations across East London.

East 2010 runs from the 4th – 9th of March and explores the themes of Architecture, the Asian Subcontinent, Minimalism and Travel with over 100 specially curated events, world class artists, workshops and walks across the six day.

The Museum of London Docklands is hosting several events for the 2010 East festival, inculding a Docklands art and architecture walk, the photo loot and a stroll around the old Jewish East end.

Details of all these events and more can be found at www.museumindocklands.co.uk.
The Best Deals For The Best Of The Late Season Snow

While British and Irish skiers deliberated whether to hit the slopes this winter, the Alps have had the best snow for many seasons and prices have been keener than the sharpest ski blades. Here is Directski.com’s round-up of the top six late season ski bargains, in the resorts with the guaranteed late season snow.

Late skiing in Val d’Isere, France
If 300km of slopes, some of the best skiing in the world with the highest lift at 3,450m, doesn’t do it for you as a skier, nothing will. This `bring your own bling’ ski resort is immensely popular, has great skiing, lively nightlife and is the hub for posers worldwide. Its height and good snow record make it a safe bet for late season skiing, Directski.com make it affordable:-

Val d’Isere late ski offer:
Directski.com, 20th March, 7 nights self catering at the 3* Jardins de la Balme, based on 4 sharing, including return flights and transfers:

GATWICK – NOW: £309 WAS: £529, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
MANCHESTER – NOW: £319 WAS: £549, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
BELFAST – NOW: £309 WAS: £449, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
DUBLIN – NOW: EUR379 WAS: EUR559, Visit www.directski.com or LoCall 1890 201 205

Late skiing in Chamonix, France
One of the easiest mainstream French resorts to get to, just over an hour’s drive from Geneva, Chamonix offers world class skiing and is built for experts, but beginners will find plenty of patient instruction in the ski school too. Less glitz, more of the serious stuff here, but full-on nightlife too. The snow will be sound right into April:-

Chamonix late ski offer:
Directski.com, 20th March, 7 nights self-catering at the 2* Résidence Maeva Chamois Blanc – L’Aiguille, based on 4 sharing, including return flights and transfers:-

GATWICK – NOW: £284 WAS: £504, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
MANCHESTER – NOW: £294 WAS: £524, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
BELFAST – NOW: £284 WAS: £424, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
DUBLIN – NOW: EUR332 WAS: EUR512, Visit www.directski.com or LoCall 1890 201 205

Late skiing in Mayrhofen, Austria
This pretty Austrian town in the heart of the vast Zillertal ski area also has one of Europe’s largest snowboarding parks, the Vans Penken Park, and over 150kms of pistes, for sheer skiing and boarding enjoyment. Nightlife is loud and lively when the skiers come back down the mountains at the end of the day. For year-round, yes, 365 days skiing, the free ski bus takes skiers up to the Hintertux Glacier further up the valley.

Mayrhofen late ski offer:
Directski.com, 20th March, 7 nights self catering at the 3* Moigg Apartments, based on 4 sharing, including return flights and transfers:-

GATWICK – NOW: £319 WAS: £619, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
MANCHESTER – NOW: £319 WAS: £599, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
BELFAST – NOW: £419 WAS: £719, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
DUBLIN – NOW: EUR509 WAS:EUR689, Visit www.directski.com or LoCall 1890 201 205

Late skiing in Kaprun, Austria
Kaprun is a pretty, Austrian snow-sure resort around an hour or so from Salzburg airport. Situated at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, its location ensures skiers can get plenty of the white stuff not only at the end of the main season, but year-round too. The resort is full of Austrian charm, less lively than some, but plenty of après ski action to be found.

Kaprun, late ski offer
Directski.com, 20th March, 7 nights self-catering at the 3* Schonpflug Apartments, based on 5 sharing, including return flights and transfers.

GATWICK – NOW: £299 WAS: £529, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
MANCHESTER – NOW: £299 WAS: £509, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
BELFAST – NOW: £299 WAS: £529, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
DUBLIN – NOW: EUR419 WAS:EUR599, Visit www.directski.com or LoCall 1890 201 205

Late skiing in Livigno, Italy (Belfast and Dublin departures only)
Located at 1815m with mountains banked on either side, Livigno has reliable snow, 57 slopes, over 150 kms of pistes, and, strangely, a duty free status. It’s a large and sprawling resort, cheaper prices attract plenty of younger skiers and it’s both great value and a good choice for late season skiing and boarding.

Livigno, late ski offer
DUBLIN
Directski.com 13th March, 7 nights self catering accommodation at the 3* Livigno Ski Apartments, based on 4 sharing including return flights from Dublin and transfers, was 539 euros, now 409 euros, saving 130 euros.

BELFAST
Directski.com 20th March, 7 nights self catering at the 3* Livigno Ski Apartments, based on 4 sharing, including return Belfast flights and transfers, was £499, now £339, saving £160.

Late skiing in Pas de la Casa, Andorra
This lively Andorran resort has the country’s biggest ski area and highest lift-served terrain and now links to the resort of Soldeu too, resulting in 186 kms of pistes, rivalling some of Europe’s big names in skiing. Big investment in snow-making has ensured skiing right into April, the resort isn’t pretty, but its boxy concrete accommodation is so close to the lifts, who cares?

Pas de la Casa, late ski offer
Directski.com, 21st March, 7 nights self catering at the 2* Sandi IV Apartments, based on 4 sharing, including return flights and transfers.
GATWICK – NOW: £279 WAS: £399, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
MANCHESTER – NOW: £249 WAS: £429, Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448
DUBLIN – NOW: EUR 339 WAS:EUR 539, Visit www.directski.com or LoCall 1890 201 205
BELFAST: (No departures on 21st March) : Directski.com has 7 nights self-catering accommodation in the Sandi IV apartments in Pas de la Casa for £469, £329, departing 14th March.

Directski.com continues what is one of its most successful ski seasons to date with more keen offers from hotels and apartments in France, Austria and Andorra. Prices for a week’s ski holiday start from only £179 for 7 nights skiing with return flights, self catering accommodation for 4 and transfers, while this week’s top savings include £400 half board hotel in Les Menuires for £559 (was £959).

GATWICK & MANCHESTER
20th February, 7 nights Méribel Valley, £179, saving £250
A week’s ski holiday with self-catering accommodation at the 3* Résidence Cybèle apartments in France’s Méribel Valley can be booked with Directski.com for £179 per person (was £429), saving £250, departing on 20th February, including return fights from Gatwick or Manchester and transfers, based on 4 sharing. Must be booked by 18th February. Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448

GATWICK DEPARTURES

6th March, 7 nights Chamonix, £289, saving £200

A week’s self catering ski holiday in 2* La Riviere Apartments in the French resort of Chamonix can be booked with Directski.com for £289 per person (was £489), saving £200, departing on 6th March, including return fights from Gatwick and transfers, based on 4 sharing. Must be booked by 18th February. Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448

6th March, 7 nights Söll, Austria £329, saving £220

Departing from Gatwick on 6th March Directski.com has a week’s self-catering ski holiday in the Austrian resort of Söll for £329 (was £549), saving £220, with accommodation at the 3* Schindlhaus Apartments and transfers. Based on 4 sharing. Must be booked by 18th February. Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448

20th February, 7 nights Les Ménuires, £559, saving £370

Departing from Gatwick on 20th February Directski.com has a £370 per person saving off a week’s half board ski holiday in the French ski resort of Les Ménuires now £559 (was £929) with accommodation at the 3* Niege et Ciel and transfers. Based on 2 sharing. These offers must be booked by 18th February. Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448

21st March, 7 nights, Pas de la Casa, Andorra, £249, saving £180

A week’s ski holiday with self catering at the 2* Sandi IV apartments, Pas de la Casa, Andorra, can be booked with Directski.com for £249 per person (was £429), saving £180, departing on 21st March, including return fights from Gatwick and transfers, based on 4 sharing. Must be booked by 18th February. Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448

6th March, 7 nights 4* hotel St. Johann, Austria £599, saving £250

Directski.com has a £250 per person saving off a week’s skiing, with half board accommodation at the 4* Sporthotel Austria in the Austrian resort of St. Johann, now £599 (was £849), based on 2 sharing. Departs from Gatwick on 6th March. Must be booked by 18th February. Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448

21st March, 7 nights 4* hotel, Andorra, £389, saving £180

A week’s ski holiday with half board at the 4* St. Gothard Hotel in Arinsal, Andorra, can be booked with Directski.com for £389 per person (was £569), saving £180, departing on 21st March, including return fights from Gatwick and transfers, based on 2 sharing. Must be booked by 18th February. Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448

MANCHESTER DEPARTURES

HALF PRICE SKIING : 20th February, 7 nights France, £179, saving £250

Departing on 20th February, Directski.com has a £250 per person saving off a week’s self catering ski holiday at the 3* Résidence Cybèle in Méribel Valley, now £179 per person (was £429) including return Manchester flights and transfers, based on 4 sharing. Must be booked by 18th February. Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448

6th March, 7 nights Chamonix, £269, saving £160

A week’s self catering ski holiday in 2* La Riviere Apartments can be booked with Directski.com for £269 per person (was £429), saving £160, departing on 6th March, including return fights from Manchester and transfers, based on 4 sharing. Must be booked by 18th February. Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448

6th March, 7 nights 4* hotel, St. Johann, Austria £629, saving £250

Save £250 off a week’s sking, now £629 (was £879) including half board accommodation at the 4* Sporthotel Austria in the Austrian resort of St. Johann, available through Directski.com based on 2 sharing. Departs from Manchester on 6th March. Must be booked by 18th February. Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448

6th March, 7 nights Söll, Austria £359, saving £230

Just £359 (was £589) for a week’s self-catering ski holiday, saving £230, with accommodation at the 3* Schindlhaus Apartments in the Austrian resort of Söll, available through Directski.com, based on 4 sharing. Departs from Manchester on 6th March. Must be booked by 18th February. Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448

21st March, 7 nights Andorra, £249, saving £180
£249 (was £429) for a 7 nights self-catering ski holiday at the 2* Sandi IV Apartments in Pas de la Casa, based on 4 sharing, saving £180 per person. Departs Manchester on 21st March. Must be booked by 18th February. Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448

21st March, 7 nights Andorra, £389, saving £180
£389 (was £569) for 7 nights’ half board at the 4* Hotel St. Gothard in Arinsal, saving £180 per person, based on 2 sharing. Departs Manchester on 21st March. Must be booked by 18th February. Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448

20th February, 7 nights Les Ménuires, £559, saving £400

Departing from Manchester on 20th February Directski.com has a week’s half board ski holiday in the ski resort of Les Ménuires for £559 (was £959) with half board accommodation at the 3* Niege et Ciel, transfers and a massive £400 saving. Based on 2 sharing. Must be booked by 18th February. Visit www.directski.com or call 0800 358 0448

What could be worse than realising that your well earned ski break to the Alps has been disrupted by the closure of roads and airports, due to adverse weather conditions? It’s arriving in your chosen resort finding that there is no or little snow. No snow I hear you cry, we’ve got bucket-loads here? This time last year saw one of the biggest dumps of snow in history and yet this year, some resorts have yet to see a significant sprinkle. To prevent disappointment on both counts, newly re-launched travel search engine www.nowfly.co.uk has access to a huge number of flights and airlines to airports all over the Alps and has also put together it’s top five high altitude ski resorts on the website. The below are edited versions, but for full details click here:

www.nowfly.co.uk/ZipIt/51-High-altitude-ski-resorts.aspx

Val Thorens, France
Okay, so the town lacks the charm of traditional Swiss or Austrian ski resorts, but charm counts for nothing when the key reason for being in Val Thorens is to ski on almost guaranteed snow from December onwards. So leave your lederhosen or curling gear behind and instead, wax down your board or carvers and head for one of the 268 runs.

For flights to Chambery, follow this link; www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Chambery.aspx

Ischgl, Austria
Want good skiing, a mix of Austrian hospitality and some fantastic entertainment? Ischgl’s the place to head for. The skiing is high, with its highest lift sitting at 2872m, giving you a fairly safe bet snow-wise. Come to an Austrian resort and you’ll always receive that fantastic welcome, so again, a fairly safe bet on that front. Entertainment? Where else can you find a calendar of events that puts many major cities to shame?

For flights to Innsbruck, follow this link; www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Innsbruck.aspx

Chamonix, France
Chamonix boasts eleven separate ski areas that are all included within it’s lift pass, so even for the most demanding skier – you know, the one that goes to bed early and is annoyingly jolly at breakfast time, is also there to ski every minute of natural daylight – there’s so much skiing to be had here that you’re thankful for the maximum quota of kendal mint cake you brought to keep you going.

For flights to Geneva, follow this link; www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Geneva.aspx

Zermatt, Switzerland
Okay, some vistors to Zermatt don’t look the youngest nor the poorest, but it doesn’t mean you have to don those very dark wrap around sunglasses that sit on top of your specs, or indeed wear that coat made from 100’s of fluffy somethings. Zermatt is simply a resort you have to ski and one that you’ll want to revisit time and time again. It’s not that the skiing is necessarily easy to ski from area to area, or that it takes an age to get there by train or car, it’s just the magic of the town.

For flights to Zermatt, follow this link; www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Zurich.aspx

Tignes, France
Lying 300m higher than Val d’Isère, Tignes is undoubtedly a safer bet. It doesn’t have the nightlife appeal that Val has, but frankly speaking, how many demi biere does it take to have a good time and what alpine ski resort have you come across that doesn’t indulge in slightly dodgy euro-pop ditties? Val or Tignes, you bound to find that bar that spins the wheels of the legendary stuff. It also not particularly pretty, but hey, you’re there to ski not gaze at the architecture.

For flights to Tignes, follow this link; www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Lyon.aspx

December 2009 – What could be worse than realising that your well earned ski break to the Alps has been disrupted by the closure of roads and airports, due to adverse weather conditions? It’s arriving in your chosen resort finding that there is no or little snow. No snow I hear you cry, we’ve got bucket-loads here? This time last year saw one of the biggest dumps of snow in history and yet this year, some resorts have yet to see a significant sprinkle. To prevent disappointment on both counts, newly re-launched travel search engine www.nowfly.co.uk has access to a huge number of flights and airlines to airports all over the Alps and has also put together it’s top five high altitude ski resorts on the website. The below are edited versions, but for full details click here:

www.nowfly.co.uk/ZipIt/51-High-altitude-ski-resorts.aspx

Val Thorens, France

Okay, so the town lacks the charm of traditional Swiss or Austrian ski resorts, but charm counts for nothing when the key reason for being in Val Thorens is to ski on almost guaranteed snow from December onwards. So leave your lederhosen or curling gear behind and instead, wax down your board or carvers and head for one of the 268 runs.

For flights to Chambery, follow this link; www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Chambery.aspx

Ischgl, Austria

Want good skiing, a mix of Austrian hospitality and some fantastic entertainment? Ischgl’s the place to head for. The skiing is high, with its highest lift sitting at 2872m, giving you a fairly safe bet snow-wise. Come to an Austrian resort and you’ll always receive that fantastic welcome, so again, a fairly safe bet on that front. Entertainment? Where else can you find a calendar of events that puts many major cities to shame?

For flights to Innsbruck, follow this link; www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Innsbruck.aspx

Chamonix, France

Chamonix boasts eleven separate ski areas that are all included within it’s lift pass, so even for the most demanding skier – you know, the one that goes to bed early and is annoyingly jolly at breakfast time, is also there to ski every minute of natural daylight – there’s so much skiing to be had here that you’re thankful for the maximum quota of kendal mint cake you brought to keep you going.

For flights to Geneva, follow this link; www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Geneva.aspx

Zermatt, Switzerland

Okay, some vistors to Zermatt don’t look the youngest nor the poorest, but it doesn’t mean you have to don those very dark wrap around sunglasses that sit on top of your specs, or indeed wear that coat made from 100’s of fluffy somethings. Zermatt is simply a resort you have to ski and one that you’ll want to revisit time and time again. It’s not that the skiing is necessarily easy to ski from area to area, or that it takes an age to get there by train or car, it’s just the magic of the town.

For flights to Zermatt, follow this link; www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Zurich.aspx

Tignes, France

Lying 300m higher than Val d’Isère, Tignes is undoubtedly a safer bet. It doesn’t have the nightlife appeal that Val has, but frankly speaking, how many demi biere does it take to have a good time and what alpine ski resort have you come across that doesn’t indulge in slightly dodgy euro-pop ditties? Val or Tignes, you bound to find that bar that spins the wheels of the legendary stuff. It also not particularly pretty, but hey, you’re there to ski not gaze at the architecture.

For flights to Tignes, follow this link; www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Lyon.aspx

What could be worse than realising that your well earned ski break to the Alps has been disrupted by the closure of roads and airports, due to adverse weather conditions?  It’s arriving in your chosen resort finding that there is no or little snow.  No snow I hear you cry, we’ve got bucket-loads here?  This time last year saw one of the biggest dumps of snow in history and yet this year, some resorts have yet to see a significant sprinkle.  To prevent disappointment on both counts, newly re-launched travel search engine www.nowfly.co.uk has access to a huge number of flights and airlines to airports all over the Alps and has also put together it’s top five high altitude ski resorts on the website. The below are edited versions, but for full details click here:

www.nowfly.co.uk/ZipIt/51-High-altitude-ski-resorts.aspx

Val Thorens, France
Okay, so the town lacks the charm of traditional Swiss or Austrian ski resorts, but charm counts for nothing when the key reason for being in Val Thorens is to ski on almost guaranteed snow from December onwards. So leave your lederhosen or curling gear behind and instead, wax down your board or carvers and head for one of the 268 runs.

For flights to Chambery, follow this link; www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Chambery.aspx

Ischgl, Austria
Want good skiing, a mix of Austrian hospitality and some fantastic entertainment?  Ischgl’s the place to head for.  The skiing is high, with its highest lift sitting at 2872m, giving you a fairly safe bet snow-wise.  Come to an Austrian resort and you’ll always receive that fantastic welcome, so again, a fairly safe bet on that front.  Entertainment?  Where else can you find a calendar of events that puts many major cities to shame?

For flights to Innsbruck, follow this link; www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Innsbruck.aspx

Chamonix, France
Chamonix boasts eleven separate ski areas that are all included within it’s lift pass, so even for the most demanding skier – you know, the one that goes to bed early and is annoyingly jolly at breakfast time, is also there to ski every minute of natural daylight – there’s so much skiing to be had here that you’re thankful for the maximum quota of kendal mint cake you brought to keep you going.

For flights to Geneva, follow this link; www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Geneva.aspx

Zermatt, Switzerland
Okay, some vistors to Zermatt don’t look the youngest nor the poorest, but it doesn’t mean you have to don those very dark wrap around sunglasses that sit on top of your specs, or indeed wear that coat made from 100’s of fluffy somethings.  Zermatt is simply a resort you have to ski and one that you’ll want to revisit time and time again.  It’s not that the skiing is necessarily easy to ski from area to area, or that it takes an age to get there by train or car, it’s just the magic of the town.

For flights to Zermatt, follow this link; www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Zurich.aspx

Tignes, France
Lying 300m higher than Val d’Isère, Tignes is undoubtedly a safer bet.  It doesn’t have the nightlife appeal that Val has, but frankly speaking, how many demi biere does it take to have a good time and what alpine ski resort have you come across that doesn’t indulge in slightly dodgy euro-pop ditties?  Val or Tignes, you bound to find that bar that spins the wheels of the legendary stuff.  It also not particularly pretty, but hey, you’re there to ski not gaze at the architecture.

For flights to Tignes, follow this link; www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Lyon.aspx

As skiers become more adventurous, the demand for courses offering the chance to improve off-piste skills rises. Every week of this winter season, adventure holiday specialist Ski Freshtracks (www.skifreshtracks.co.uk) offers off piste ski courses in the French resort of Chamonix.

Skiers with little experience of skiing off piste can join an ‘Aspirers Powder Practice’ week, while those with more off piste experience under their feet can opt for one of the ‘Expert Powder Experience’ weeks.

All courses are graded by standard to ensure skiers are always in small groups of the same ability and groups are lead by fully qualified mountain guides (UIAGM) to find the best of the off piste in the area.

“The mountains guides we work with have been involved with Ski Freshtracks holidays for many years”, says Caroline Boileau, General Manager of Ski Freshtracks. “They know what our holiday makers want from their off piste week and we choose guides for their knowledge and expertise. Many of our skiers return year after year to ski with their favourite guide knowing that they will be in a small group of like-minded skiers.”

Course only price £390 including a mountain guide, use of a mini bus for private transfers around the Mont Blanc valley, and a Ski Club leader on every holiday. Courses with accommodation also included, from £995.

For those looking for a Christmas get away there are still places on the ‘Christmas Cracker’ in Chamonix. For intermediate to advanced off piste skiers the course runs from 19-26 December. Course only cost – £390.

Visit www.skifreshtracks.co.uk for full details and for bookings call 0845 45 807 84

Outgoingski.co.uk has teamed up with French partners UCPA to bring you an amazing opportunity to take your skiing or boarding to the next level. From £459 you can enjoy some of the best off-piste skiing and boarding the Alps have to offer. Included in the price is 6 nights accommodation, your breakfast, lunch and evening meal every day, equipment hire including a transceiver to prepare you for the extreme conditions of such terrain and a qualified local guide and instructor who will give you the confidence and knowledge to enjoy the virgin powder, exciting tree runs and bone shaking rock drops.

Gareth Cooper, MD of Outgoing Group explains the concept: “OutgoingSki all inclusive breaks are by far the best priced ski holidays available. The off-piste deals offer incredible value for money. Enjoying such high level skiing and boarding with local guides who have been mapping the terrain for years at this price is incredible. To then receive all of your food and specialist equipment hire on top is unbeatable”!

RusHayat, Outgoing.co.uk staff member and keen snowboarder went on the Off Piste course to Chamonix earlier this year. “This was a truly amazing week, fantastic value for money with first class instruction. The whole group bonded together and progressed in both skiing ability and mountain awareness – which is what it was all about. It gave us the confidence to ski and ride challenging areas of the mountain we would not have been able to access safely without the expert knowledge and advice on hand. The runs we took were awesome and so much fun. What we learned about snowpack, avalanche risk and rescue protocol was interesting and may ultimately help to save someone’s life”

Read Rus’ off-piste adventures on the Outgoing Blog here: Off-Piste Chamonix http://blog.outgoing.co.uk/?p=211

Outgoing.co.uk have been organising and executing professionally run ski and board holidays since all-in-ones and Fluro ski clothing were cool first time around! Outgoing is also responsible for Europe’s biggest music, ski and snowboard festival Snowbombing which is held in Mayrhofen Austria each year and the student event Winter Break which is held in Les Arcs. The most banging parties you will find in the Alps, meaning you are sure to have as much fun off the slopes as you will off-piste.

Outgoing provide the systems and expertise to take the pressure of booking and organising your trip. For more information or to book a trip visit Outgoing.co.uk or Outgoingski.co.uk

Mad Dog Ski, provider of independent, in-depth information to many of the world’s finest ski resorts is celebrating its fifth season with the launch of its first guide book dedicated to the Chamonix Valley, the eleventh in the Mad Dog Ski series.

Available to purchase on maddogski.com and through stockists including Amazon, Snow+Rock and Stanfords for just £8 from the 16th November, Mad Dog Ski’s Chamonix Valley resort guide book provides skiers and snowboarders with insider knowledge on one of the world’s most famous ski destinations. Host of the first ever Winter Olympics in 1924, 85 years on, Chamonix is still at the heart of the international ski scene and offers amazing off-piste including the legendary Vallée Blanche. The resort also boasts more than 150km of runs in a stunning winterscape of frozen waterfalls and glaciers beneath mountain peaks clad in a thick blanket of snow.

The new book gives readers an in-depth look at everything that skiers and boarders need to know before they travel as well as the in resort low down. As with all Mad Dog Ski destination guides, the book provides first-hand knowledge on all aspects of a snow-sports holiday, both on and off the mountain. Unique features include:
· Piste ranking – awarding trails one to three stars (easy to difficult) – which allows skiers and boarders to plan their routes more confidently
· Detailed Mad Dog day trips – each trip is designed to help skiers and boarders explore in and around Chamonix, and also provides recommended lunch and après-ski stops
· Independent reviews of mountain restaurants
· Full reviews of of the best resort restaurants, après-ski and nightlife
· Other things to do – very popular, this gives non-skiing visitors the full low-down on how to have just as much fun off the mountain as on it!
· A separate children’s section – including childcare options, recommended children’s ski schools and off the mountain activities.

With the publication of the new Chamonix guide, this season Mad Dog Ski offers 11 resort guide books:
· Courchevel & the Three Valleys
· Courmayeur
· Méribel & the Three Valleys
· Ski Weekends – featuring nine European resorts ideal for weekend breaks
· St Anton
· Tignes & the Espace Killy
· Val d’Isère and the Espace Killy
· Verbier
· Whistler
· Zermatt

All books cost £8 to purchase, except the smaller Courmayeur guide , which is just £6. Visit the new-look www.maddogski.com for all this season’s latest information as well as advice on the best places to ski and booking holidays. New features include a ‘trip planner’ section, a flight planner which pinpoints all the ski destinations flown to from your local airport, a Snowpedia where users can read articles, kit reviews, understand ski jargon and add their own comments. Visitors to the site can sign up for the Mad Dog Club to receive a regular newsletter with benefits including special offers, great deals and all the news from the slopes.