Snow bunnies delight – here is a guide to some of the best ski and snowboard destinations.
Snow newbies: Soldeu, Andorra. If you’re just learning, avoid the busy French Alps and try Soledu where the lessons are cheaper, the slopes are quieter and most teachers are native English speakers. You’ll also find easy ski lifts and good snow because the beginner slopes are high up the mountain.
Fly in to Girona.
Snow party: Niseko, Japan. Take the crazy Japanese nightlife add larger than life theme parks and throw in some snow and you’ve got a fun holiday on and off piste. The season runs from late November to early May.
Fly into Sapporo from Tokyo.
Snow kids: Flaine, France. The short transfer from Geneva minimises the chance of grumbling kids and once there the whole family will have a ball. Cars aren’t allowed into the village so kids are free to run about. There plenty of kids’ clubs and a separate terrain park with gentle slopes for younger children.
Fly into Geneva.
Snow adventure: Gulmarg, Kashmir, India. This unusual ski resort boasts the highest gondola in the world, guaranteed Himalayan snow, stunning views and ski slopes that are almost empty.
Fly into Srinagar.
Snow addicts: Escape the summer sun and ski all year round at one of the UK’s indoor ski slopes. You’ll find them in Castleford, Milton Keynes, Tamworth and Manchester. Or jet off to the world’s largest indoor ski slope, which is of course in Dubai.
There are often last-minute bargains in Real Deals so check it out before you book.