Welcome to 2009! Whether you're back at work or still on holiday we've got loads of goodies to help keep you feeling the summer love! Click here for a taste of what we've got...
It’s cold, your nose is running, your favourite suede boots aren’t waterproof and the heating in your flat is non-existent. One could be forgiven for becoming slightly depressed.
But rather than dwell on the dismal weather, it is time to rejoice! Winter is here! Think thermals, cute outfits, hot snowboarders… and the chance to hit the piste. With our comprehensive guide to these top ski resorts you will be speeding your way down the slopes in no time.
Val-Thorens, France Situated high in the French Alps, Val Thorens is a world renowned ski resort that offers a base from which to discover the Three Valleys Ski Area. Over 600 kilometres of piste means there’s plenty of room to bust out your 180 turns, or just to practice staying upright for a whole run. Val-Thorens is a haven for snowboarders, with snow parks and half-pipes galore. Nightlife is plentiful, and although 8 euros ($16) for a Coke up the top of the chairlift is steep, there are numerous bakeries in the village below where Nutella and baguettes can be procured for comfortably cheap prices.
Go because: It’s France. Watch out for: Fluorescent, one piece ski suits, of the kind that are apparently still fashionable amongst the middle aged in Europe.
Cervinia, Italy Often overlooked in favour of Zermatt, this Italian field actually gets better snow than its more famous Swiss neighbour. It shares a large area with nearby resorts and is perfect for intermediate skiers or boarders. If you really feel like giving your legs a workout, this ski resort has some of the longest runs you will find, anywhere. Try 22 kilometres all the way from the Swiss-Italian border to the village at the bottom, where quaint Italian restaurants await your patronage. Hot chocolate has never tasted so good.
Go because: It’s right next to the Matterhorn, so if you live in Wellington you will be able to slip your holiday into conversation every time you walk past the pub of the same name. Watch out for: Accidentally skiing into another country – possible, and difficult to explain in a foreign language.
Banff, Alberta, Western Canada The nightlife in Banff is worth a holiday in itself, but if you do manage to rise before midday and make it out onto the piste then it’s the stuff dreams are made of. Located in a national park in the depth of the Canadian Rockies, Banff is set to a backdrop of mountainous peaks and native forest, and is made up of the three ski areas of Norquay, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village. The snow is reliable, the vibe is second to none, and at the end of the day you can relax your weary bones in the natural hot springs nearby.
Go because: You will regret it if you don’t. Watch out for: The inevitable love tryst with your Canadian ski-instructor.
Vail Mountain, Colorado, United States Vail Mountain slips in ahead of the ubiquitous Aspen, because although your chance of mixing with the rich and famous is slightly less, so are the prices. The State's largest ski resort, Vail Mountain has three distinct ski areas each with their own features, and boasts over 5,300 acres of skiable terrain. If you get bored boosting fresh powder every day, you can always try your hand at the variety of other winter sports on offer - dog sledding, snowmobiling and ice hockey to name a few.
Go because: You won’t bump into Posh and Becks. Watch out for: Crazy little kids who have been learning to ski since they could walk zipping past you with no poles.
Remarkables, Queenstown, New Zealand This local skifield is deserving of inclusion partly so you don’t feel bad for not being able to afford an overseas jaunt, but mostly because it’s so good. Not only do The Remarkables boast some of the best ski runs in the Southern hemisphere, but they are close enough to the nearby resorts of Coronet Peak and Cardrona to make a trip down to the South Island well worth your while. A relatively new ski area, The Remarkables’ abundance of terrain parks and a superpipe mean that this is where all the cool cats hang out (read; young, possibly single snowboarders). If you time it right you might even get there in time for Winter Fest, the highlight of the social year in Queenstown.
Go because: Good times are guaranteed Watch out for: The cocktails at The World bar.
.jpg)
aren’t waterproof and the heating in your flat is non-existent. One could be forgiven for becoming slightly depressed. 
Often overlooked in favour of Zermatt, this Italian field actually gets better snow than its more famous Swiss neighbour. It shares a large area with nearby resorts and is perfect for intermediate skiers or boarders. If you really feel like giving your legs a workout, this ski resort has some of the longest runs you will find, anywhere. Try 22 kilometres all the way from the Swiss-Italian border to the village at the bottom, where quaint Italian restaurants await your patronage. Hot chocolate has never tasted so good.
The nightlife in Banff is worth a holiday in itself, but if you do manage to rise before midday and make it out onto the piste then it’s the stuff dreams are made of. Located in a national park in the depth of the Canadian Rockies, Banff is set to a backdrop of mountainous peaks and native forest, and is made up of the three ski areas of Norquay, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village. The snow is reliable, the vibe is second to none, and at the end of the day you can relax your weary bones in the natural hot springs nearby. 
Vail Mountain slips in ahead of the ubiquitous Aspen, because although your chance of mixing with the rich and famous is slightly less, so are the prices. The State's largest ski resort, Vail Mountain has three distinct ski areas each with their own features, and boasts over 5,300 acres of skiable terrain. If you get bored boosting fresh powder every day, you can always try your hand at the variety of other winter sports on offer - dog sledding, snowmobiling and ice hockey to name a few.
you don’t feel bad for not being able to afford an overseas jaunt, but mostly because it’s so good. Not only do The Remarkables boast some of the best ski runs in the Southern hemisphere, but they are close enough to the nearby resorts of Coronet Peak and Cardrona to make a trip down to the South Island well worth your while. A relatively new ski area, The Remarkables’ abundance of terrain parks and a superpipe mean that this is where all the cool cats hang out (read; young, possibly single snowboarders). If you time it right you might even