I have been on a number of similar holidays, but none where the hosts are also the owners of the actual business, and it is this that takes customer service and a desire to ensure the best possible experience to new levels. After all, when running a small business of just two chalets, as was the case here, return custom year-on-year must be absolutely crucial.

My four kids have three different Spring-Easter Breaks so I planned to take the two youngest boys. The forecast was not bright: rain, no snow and rocks galore, but the place we'd booked would only allowed cancellation with two weeks notice.

I am going away to Mayrhofen in the Ziller Valley in Austria next week with a group of around 10 friends. I lived and ski guided there for a winter (and then summer) season. If this were a French resort, would I not be allowed to show my friends around? Would I have to shell out for a guide to show me around an area I already know and want to show my friends?

It's not all downhill in Switzerland's Engadin St. Moritz - also on offer is tobogganing, snow kiting, cross country skiing and even ice cricket. Even though there is great downhill skiing here, I'm here to get a taste of other winter activities.

I'm in a rumbling SUV on an icy highway somewhere in the French Alps. Margot, a pig-tailed PR rep, is behind the wheel. She navigates a series of high-elevation twists and turns like a veteran fighter pilot.

I dare you to forget about Switzerland and France and join me skiing in Poland this winter. Coming from the UK, you are sure to notice how much cheaper everything is. Prepare to switch off your recession-brain and get in the big spender state of mind.

It doesn't matter how fit you are, but if you do exercises that your body is not used to, you will really feel them in muscles that you never thought you even had.

As we dragged our weary bodies, goggle tan lines, and assorted minor injuries back to Grenoble airport we were tired but happy - a great skiing holiday with a great group of friends.

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Oregon is all about the great outdoors and, as you'd expect, this North West corner of the USA is home to some of the best skiing on the continent. ...

What gets us most excited about the twilight of the year is the dawn of the ski season. Stuck on where to go gliding on glaciers? Here are some reasons to give Méribel in the French Alps a try.

Across Europe snow has already fallen and Ski conditions are ideal. The Mountains are becoming playgrounds for skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing. Now is the perfect time to book your winter trip and join in the fun.