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.

The Cambrian, the only Mr&Mrs Smith hotel in Switzerland and a member of Design Hotels, is celebrating Easter in style this year with gourmet meals and spa treatments for parents, and lots of fun activities for the kids. Located in Adelboden, a mountain resort filled to the rafters with old wooden chalets and a nostalgic air, it’s the perfect family break destination.

The Cambrian’s Easter weekend package includes four nights’ B&B accommodation, plus a four-course dinner on Good Friday, Chateaubriand on Saturday and traditional Easter Sunday lamb, not forgetting the complimentary tea and cakes that are served every afternoon in the Winter Garden. When not out making the most of Adelboden’s 210kms of ski slope, parents can relax in The Cambrian Spa, with its heated outdoor pool – complete with massage spouts – that has stunning Alpine vistas, while the children enjoy Easter egg painting, an Easter egg hunt and much more (see below for ideas). An orange blossom foot and leg treatment, with nourishing wrap, is part of the Easter package and is sure to put a spring back into parents’ steps.

The cost of the Easter package per adult is from CHF1,121 (approx £665); there is no charge for kids up to the age of three years, while those between the ages of three and 15 years pay CHF112.50 (approx £66.75) per night B&B, sharing their parents’ Junior Suite, and qualify for a 50% discount on all other F&B.

For those planning their annual week-long ski holiday, The Cambrian is offering the following package for the remainder of the winter season:
-seven nights’ B&B accommodation for two parents and two children (between the ages of six and 15 years*) in a family suite
-dinner in-house at Nova restaurant on four nights
-fondue one evening at a mountain hut up on the Engstligenalp
-a five-day ski pass for the whole family
-complimentary use of The Cambrian Spa throughout the week.

The cost of this family package is from CHF8,484 (approx £5,033). * A price reduction would apply if the kids were under the age of six years, as there is no ski pass charge for children this young.

Here are a few additional activities for kids at The Cambrian
-Kids DVDs can be borrowed for free from the Front Desk
-Kids have their own “splash time” in the Spa from 10am to 5pm
-Plenty of games and colouring books are available free for kids from the Front Desk
-Once a week, the hotel organises a kids’ activity day, with fun and games for everybody (some free, some may incur a small charge up to CHF39 (approx £23)
-Sledges can be borrowed from the hotel for free, subject to availability
-The hotel organises mocktail mixing and cooking classes for the kids on a regular basis (some fees apply, as above)
-Babysitting is available at a charge of CHF 25 (approx £15 per hour)

And here are a few things that kids can do in Adelboden
-Ski – either with the ski school or with their family
-Make use of the many sledging trails in and around the resort
-Ice skating on the resort’s rink
-Mountain hiking in the snow
-Join the tourist office’s Kids Club
-Listen to bedtime stories with Snowli
-Learn how to build an igloo
-Learn how to make pizza at restaurant Alfredo
-Learn how to bake bread and cakes at the family-run Haueter Bakery
-Take part in kids’ ski races and snow events
-Horse sledge riding
-Take part in wood carving workshops
-Night skiing
-Everybody visiting Adelboden receives a visitor’s pass on check in that enables guests to claim discounts on visits to the museum, cable car rides etc, as well as enabling guests to download a hiking trail on to their cell phone (it is also possible to get a cell phone from the Adelboden Tourism office that already has different maps loaded on to it)
-Each visitor’s pass is automatically entered into a grand draw, with lots of fabulous prizes.
-And if it’s your birthday while you’re visiting Adelboden, you can ride the lifts free of charge in the Silleren/Hahnenmoos area.

For more information and/or to make a reservation at The Cambrian, please visit www.thecambrianadelboden.com or call +41 (0)33 673 83 83.

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

Mountain Paradise is offering a week’s ski package at the five star Grand Hotel Kempinski for just £995 per person, saving £550 and a three night weekend stay for £550 per person, saving £225. The offer is valid for departures on Thursdays (for weekend breaks)and Sundays (for week stays) for travel throughout February and March.

Both packages include return flights from London Luton to Poprad (two hours), return airport transfers, seven or three nights accommodation in a double room with breakfast and a six or two day ski pass for the resort of Strbske Pleso in Slovakia’s High Tatras.

The stunning Grand Hotel Kempinski overlooks a beautiful alpine lake in the mountain resort of Strbske Pleso. Facilities include a superb all day dining restaurant featuring mouthwatering international cuisine and local specialities, two bars and a 1,300 sqm Wellness Centre & Spa offering indoor pools, steam bath, various saunas, beauty and facial treatments and fully equipped fitness centre.

Glorious empty slopes, fantastic snow conditions and great prices make Slovakia’s Tatras Mountains an excellent choice for the 2009/10 season. The High Tatras have the highest peaks in the Carpathian mountain range and remain one of Europe’s best kept skiing secrets offering perfect terrain for families, novices and intermediates alike. Mountain Paradise was established in 2003 and is the only ATOL bonded operator specialising solely in the Tatra mountains.

The alpine resort of La Plagne, situated in the heart of the French Alps, presents an exciting and mouth watering menu this winter. Experience authentic traditional cuisine and delicious culinary delights served up at a selection of the resort’s top restaurants.

The Little Red Riding Hood
Located in a truly authentic renovated farm house, La Plagne 1800’s charming restaurant has a traditional rustic decor that takes its guests on a wonderful journey through time. Complete with a wood burning stove, nooks and crannies and low ceilings, The Little Red Riding Hood creates the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day on the slopes.

The Matafan provides a perfect fusion of traditional Savoyard specialities and gastronomic dishes
The Matafan is the perfect place to beat any hunger after a day on the slopes! Established in 1980, the Matafan was the first bar-restaurant in Belle-Plagne. Its name comes from the Patois word for a potato pancake, a meal traditionally eaten by farmers in the morning before going to work in the fields and is now famously a dish designed to “keeps hunger away”. The Matafan’s menu offers a perfect fusion of traditional Savoyard specialities and semi-gastronomic dishes. The traditional décor and delightful antiques creates a refined dining experience.

Experience an inventive and refined cuisine at the C.
This restaurant is one of its kind in the resort of La Plagne. The restaurant “C” is found at the Carlina Hotel in Belle Plagne and brings a modern twist to all food lovers. The chef, Frédéric Grillet, offers inventive dishes with a blend of refined flavours set to tantalise your taste buds!
www.carlina-belleplagne.com

And for those looking for something further afield, La Plagne offers a number of mountainside refuges hidden away on the slopes…

The Forperet – the perfect refuge for any cheese fanatic
This mountain side restaurant can be found on the slopes of Plagne-Montalbert, in a converted sheep farm. The Forperet Farm offers an exclusive menu composed of dishes made from local cheeses (Tomme and Beaufort).
The refuge proudly offers an undiscovered recipe, “Fondue de Mandrin”, which is a delicious dish made with “Tomme de Savoie” cider and apples.

The most popular dish by far is the traditional oven baked Tartiflette – a dish so popular guests are advised to reserve in advance!
The Forperet provides a truly unique dining experience. They can watch Roland, the restaurants owner working hard in the kitchen, and guests are even invited to visit the Forperet’s Farm animals including goats, sheep and rabbits.
www.forperet.com
Le Sauget mountain refuge

For those looking for a change of surroundings, guests can spend the night on the slopes in an authentic mountain refuge, Le Sauget.
Tucked away on the slopes in Montchavin, Les Coches, Le Sauget offers the perfect hideaway from the hustle and bustle – it’s a great way to recharge your batteries after a hard day on the mountain!

For the last 36 years Patricia and Gérard have invited skiers and food lovers alike to their isolated mountain refuge, which provides guests with an idyllic relaxation area complete with an outdoor wood heated hot tub and sauna. Inside you can find a library by the fire place and pool table. The restaurant is a member of the Tarentaise Tastes and Culinary Traditions Academy and all 6 charming bedrooms are decorated in a traditional mountain décor.
Le Sauget can be accessed by ski or by chairlift and prices start at 84€ a night per person.
Tel. + 33 (0)6 88 45 28 19 www.le-sauget.com

Journey through time to The Laisonnay
The Laisonnay refuge is situated in the heart of the Champagny le Haut valley, on the edge of the Vanoise National Park. From the middle of February onwards, guests can access the Laisonnay by skiing off-piste, snowshoeing, or by cross country skiing, as well as on foot, where they can enjoy a traditional Savoyard lunch cooked on an open fire. The traditional dishes are all family recipes passed down from generation to generation, including Grandma Catherine’s “Farçon” or Grandpa Jean’s Savoyard Hotpot.
This mountain restaurant has been open for 45 years and it’s a real gem in the resort. With no electricity or mobile phone access this rural refuge promises to take you on a historical journey.
Tel. + 33 (0)6 08 54 34 61 / www.laisonnay.com

Experience the magic at the Chalet des Verdons

The Chalet des Verdons Sud is a high altitude restaurant built from wood and local slate, which perches on the slopes of Champagny en Vanoise. The restaurant offers exclusive, private dining experiences which are available for reservations every Thursday evening. Accessible via a 30 minute snowmobile ride, the evening comes to life on the soft and cosy sofas around the central log fire, where slippers and furs await your arrival.
Accompanied by the accordionist’s live music, this is set to be a truly unique experience for diners!

The recent cold snap in the UK has lead to a surge in bookings for European ski accommodation specialist Pierre & Vacances, particularly in the lesser-known ski resorts across the Alps and Pyrenees, where sales have increased on average by 17%. Pierre & Vacances also believes that the recent snowfall across the country has encouraged families to book a trip to the slopes, with self-catering accommodation over February half term week in particular demand. Skiiers, and particularly families, are advised to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Pierre & Vacances, which offers accommodation in over 40 ski resorts in the Alps and Pyrenees, as well as all over France, has this month seen an increase in bookings for properties in the lesser-known resorts, which offer large ski areas and more affordable ski packs and après ski activity. Pierre & Vacances properties in resorts such as Les Coches. Valloire and Valmeinier, Avoriaz and Les Carroz have reported increases in bookings at an average of +17% on previous years, indicating that customers may be willing to try slightly less well-known resorts in order to get the best value from their annual trip to the slopes.

Trading over the past two weeks has been particularly strong for Pierre & Vacances with January trading now on a par with last winter. Recent sales have also recorded an increase in holidays booked for later in the season, when rates are lower. British skiers may be hoping for an excellent season, like last year’s, when the snow lasted well into the later months.

Sales for the end of March are already strong, with ski trips booked for the week before Easter (commencing 27th March 2010) being particularly popular. This week is classed as ‘off peak’ in France, but is a school holiday for much of the UK – thus British customers are taking advantage of being able to get a low season price for a holiday in a high season week.

Pierre & Vacances is also putting the recent increase in sales down to its current ‘Beat the Euro’ campaign, which aims to alleviate the poor Euro/Sterling exchange rate by offering at least 15 per cent off all ski accommodation across the Alps and Pyrenees. This deal is valid on all dates until the end of the season – including school holiday and Easter dates. Prices for a one-week break in Alpe d’Huez for example start from only £343 (previously £404) for a studio apartment sleeping two people at Pierre & Vacances Résidence Les Bergers in April 2010.

Snow conditions are currently excellent across the Alps with lots of fresh snow and cold temperatures reported, particularly in the Southern Alps in resorts such as Alpe d’Huez and Vars, where snowfall of up to 14cm per day is expected this week.

With snow conditions at their best across the Alps, and temperatures remaining low, snow conditions for half term skiing will be excellent.

There is still time to book a half term holiday with Ski Freshtracks – skifreshtracks.co.uk.

For adults travelling with children*, Ski Freshtracks Families Half Term Action holiday in Davos gives parents the chance to discover this famous ski resort at their leisure whilst the kids have a half term to remember discovering Davos’ ski areas with Ski Club leaders. Families stay in the 4* Sunstar Parkhotel. £1295 half board incl. scheduled flights, transfers and Ski Club leaders.

For older children** who want a taste of adventure, Families Off Piste week in Andermatt offers quiet slopes, away from the crowded pistes of many resorts with accommodation in the relaxed atmosphere of the 3* Hotel Sonne. Mountain guides are provided all week to take adults and children to find the best of Andermatt’s powder. £1295 half board incl. scheduled flights, transfers and mountain guides.

For adults who are restricted to travelling during this period without children, Ski Freshtracks have availability in Grindelwald, a picturesque corner of the Jungfrau region. Staying in the 4* Sunstar Hotel, single rooms are at no extra supplement. Instruction is included in the price: £1050 half board incl. rail transfers and Ski Club leaders. (Flights available from ~£250).

Several of Slovenia’s ski resorts have undergone developments for the 2009/2010 season, offering skiers and snowboarders new facilities and greater access to the country’s slopes.

The new ski piste linking Slovenia’s Kanin ski resort with the Italian resort of Sella Nevea will have its official opening on December 23rd 2009. This will create the first international ski area in the region, with a new aerial lift and ski run providing a wider choice of slopes for winter sports enthusiasts. A single lift pass will give skiers and snowboarders access to the pistes on both the Slovenian and Italian sides of the border. Daily lift passes for Kanin-Sella Nevea area start from €24 per adult and €15 per child.

December 23rd 2009 will also see the opening of a new gondola lift at Maribor Pohorje, Slovenia’s largest ski area, situated in the northeast of the country. The new lift will run from the foot to the summit of the Pohorje Mountain in six minutes, with a capacity of 1,000 people per hour. This is double the capacity of the previous lift.

One of Slovenia’s most famous resorts, Kranjska Gora, has recently opened a children’s outdoor play area. A new magic carpet lift has been installed to transport young skiers safely. The area is open to all children and is free of charge.

For skiers and snowboarders looking for an adrenalin thrill a new snow park has been created at the Cerkno Resort in northwest Slovenia. The Cerkno Snow Park is aimed at snowboarders and acrobatic skiers and snowboarding and freestyle skiing instructors will available to teach beginners.

Slovenia has over 280 kilometres of ski runs offering downhill skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and cross-country skiing. Also available in selected ski resorts are snowmobile excursions, dogsled rides and horse-drawn sleigh rides.

At present the Slovenian mountains are enjoying regular snowfall with more predicted throughout the season.