Grab some last minute snow once the half term crowds have dispersed. The Tyrolean village of Dobbiaco ticks both the cultural and quality skiing boxes thanks to its overlap of Italian and Austrian influences – from painted houses and onion-domed churches to Baroque castles and chic coffee bars – and the all-important presence of world-class ski trails, the most extensive network in the Dolomites.

Dobbiaco is a great place to enjoy guided cross-country skiing as well as independent skiing, with trails even starting at the hotel door. While ideal for beginners to the sport, the snow mecca has hosted the World Cup Cross Country Ski Championships four times making it equally suited those keen to finesse their skills.

The eight day “Cross Country Skiing in Dobbiaco” holiday starts from £899pp, departing 27 February 2010. The price includes four-star accommodation for seven nights with breakfasts and dinners, five two-hour cross country skiing lessons, weekly trail pass with free transport on the regular ski bus, ski equipment hire (skis, boots and poles) and airport transfers. With flights, prices start from £1,148 per person for travelling Gatwick to Innsbruck with Thomson Airways but can be arranged from most UK airports.
? Call Headwater on 01606 720199 or book online at www.headwater.com

On Sunday, January 31, 2010 the 9th annual New England Women’s XC Ski Day comes to the Waterville Valley Nordic Center. Inspired by similar women’s cross-country ski events in Norway (the Inga Lama) and Alaska (the Alaska Ski for Women), this day-long event is “for women, by women.” Participants will find ski clinics for every level of skier – from first-timers to seasoned masters – led by some of the best women ski coaches in the country. Added to these clinics will be waxing demonstrations, opportunities to demo top of the line ski equipment and clothing and lunch with some words from Olympic athlete Joan Ben oit-Sam uelson. The day wraps up with a short, fun 1 km relay with prizes for the top two teams in five categories – mother/daughter, sister/sister, relative/relative, friend/friend, oldies/oldies.

Event organizers Trina Hosmer, of Stowe , VT , and Anne Donaghy, of Meriden , NH , started these clinics to share their love of the sport with other women. “We want to teach women the joy of gliding that lies just beyond the plodding walk usually taught to new skiers” says Trina Hosmer, a member of the United States’ first women’s Olympic XC Ski Team in 1972. They are both very excited about holding the annual Women’s Ski Day at the Waterville Valley Nordic Ski Center . “We’re encouraging women to come for the weekend,” adds Anne Donaghy. “This is a wonderful location, with groomed terrain for all levels of cross-country skiers, from easy meadows for the beginner to more challenging terrain farther out for experienced skiers. Plus the Town Square Condominiums and Snowy Owl Inn are offering special Women’s Ski Day rates that include breakfast and unlimited use of all the resort amenities.”

At the heart of the New England Women’s XC Ski Day on January 31 are the ski clinics. The instructors provide three clinic periods throughout the day, ranging from beginner classic or skate technique, Intermediate classic or skate and uphill/downhill classic or skate. The all-women team of instructors includes former Olympic, National team, and collegiate skiers who know how to make skiing fun. There are enough instructors so that each group can be further divided up to accommodate all abilities. Every year this event raises money to benefit a local women’s organization. This year the event benefits the Circle Program which provides to socially and economically disadvantaged New Hampshire girls the skills, courage and confidence they need to handle challenges in their lives. This event is made possible by the support of the New England Nordic Ski Association and main event sponsor TD Bank; other sponsors include L.L.Bean, Isis , Toko, VBT Bicycling Vacations, Designer Gold, Rossignol.

For more information and to register online, go to www.nensa.net and click on “Women,” or mail to: Event Directors, P.O. Bo x 104 , Meriden , New Hampshire 03770 . Cost is $25 for NENSA members and $30 for non-NENSA members before Jan. 22, 2010. Registration is limited to 200 participants and fills up early.