News & blogs

I was away on business again last week, scheduled to return to Munich airport at 4pm, early enough to miss the worst of the rush hour. But my plane was delayed, and the minibus transfer was caught first in the Munich rush hour, then in the heavy traffic heading towards Austrian ski resorts for the weekend. There’s a lesson there. If you plan to spend a long weekend skiing in Austria and flying into Munich, arriving on Thursday makes for a much more relaxed transfer.

Val d'Isere have some great fine dining experiences on and off the slopes. The snow is so amazing this year, add to that the tempting Michelin star cuisine on offer and you could be in seventh heaven! So even if you don't ski you could spend your time choosing the best places to eat or attending a cooking class at one of the best restaurants in town, or sample the delights at a wine tasting evening.

During my first two seasons in Austria my skiing improved beyond recognition. When the snow was perfect and the pitch of the slope just right, I almost felt as if I was in control and actually knew what I was doing. However, the next day I’d ski a steeper black run in icy conditions and all my poise and balance would be out of the window. It was back to survival mode. There is a vicious circle that affects many skiers. When conditions are more difficult we tend to lean back, which gives us less control, and it all goes to pot. I’m sure you’ve been there as well.

Having missed the mountains last weekend due to a business trip to New York, I was looking forward to skiing with friends in Fieberbrunn on Saturday. My car, however, had other ideas.

Those lovely people at Ski Collection have sent through some cracking offers, with nearly £200 saving per person on deals in March. They all include Flexiplus Eurotunnel crossing for car and passengers so you can do your bit for the environment as well as enjoying a good week skiing.

Here are some offers for last minute ski holidays, with arrivals on 3rd March, offering discounts of up to 45% off. If you are flexible where you go then there are bargains to be had, and with the fabulous snow conditions in Europe you are sure to get some good piste action...

Crystal Ski have teamed up with indoor snow centres across the UK to run a competition for some free slope time and lessons. You simply fill in a form online and then if you win you can choose from Milton Keynes, Castleford near Leeds, Scotland or Chill Factore in Manchester.

The aim is to get you to nominate your mates who would like to learn to ski, and then you get ski time as well. There are 30 places at each centre so the odds aren't bad either!

Have you tried the Eurostar overnight travel? If you fancy giving it a go then TUI have sent through some good deals including the travel by Eurostar. You may be worried about the time it takes but there are several benefits, including reducing your carbon footprint and a lovely relaxing journey, rather than being squashed into seats that belong in a reception school class!