Kitwatch:Many a parent has found herding a couple of pre-schoolers, while lugging their skis and poles plus their own equipment around icy footpaths in heavy ski boots, a task too far.
A clever pocket-sized invention aims to assist.
Fixing the Portaski on the end of the skis enables the skis to be rolled or sleighed on the surface with no risk of damage.
It takes seconds to attach and will absorb over 70 per cent of the weight of the ski, making it usable for youngsters as well.
To order, see www.portaski.com.
5 for a long weekend in January
• St Johann, Tyrol, Austria
• Lillehammer, Norway
• Cervinia, Italy
• Zakopane, Poland
• Chamonix, France
What's on
• Les Deux Alpes in France runs a week-long poker tournament and school from January 10th to 16th. www.les2alpes.com
• The weird yet wonderful Schlitteda Engiadinaisa in St Moritz takes place on 18th January. An old mountain tradition sees the young unattached bucks of the valley donning traditional clothes, dusting off the horse-drawn sleigh and mock-eloping with a prospective bride.
Twin Tips
• The important boot clasps to keep tight are those around the ankle and on the calf muscles. Over-tightening the foot clasps will restrict the flow of blood and ensure only that your toes get cold.
• January is the coldest month to ski but the sun will still burn. No matter what the temperature, always use sunblock in clear weather.
And finally
Santa not bring you all you wanted? Great Outdoors, Chapters, and Eason's stock the 2009 edition of Where to Ski and Snowboard by Chris Gill (€23.45 in Eason's). With more than 700 pages, this full-colour illustrated compendium provides the where, how and what of more than 1,000 resorts in 20 countries.
Snow report
With so much early season snow, the biggest concern now for resort managers is the increased risk of avalanche incidents.
For up-to-date conditions, check your destination on www.skiclub.co.uk. Free, detailed six-day forecasts are
at www.snow-forecast.com.
Over 4,000 webcams are on www.snoweye.com
Resort of the week:Whistler, Canada
A couple of hours' drive outside Vancouver lies the evolving legend of Whistler. A later starter, it was still unknown in the 1980s but, for the past decade, it has routinely won tourist and snowsport industry gongs as one of the favourite resorts in North America.
Its excellence is now recognised globally and it will host the Alpine events in next year's Winter Olympics, to be held in Vancouver.
This is a good year to visit Whistler, as the Olympic- standard infrastructure is complete and this season is their dress rehearsal for the event next February. So, while you can expect a few hitches this year, at least you won't get the Olympic crowds, prices and fussing.
Each year, an increasing number of European visitors make the 10-hour flight to Whistler, attracted by its incredible snow record, extensive terrain, vibrant nightlife and superb skiing.
It held the title for the longest vertical in North America, and though it was pipped this year by nearby Revelstoke, it's still an impressive1,631 metres.
Whistler's biggest drawback is its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, which leaves the valley vulnerable to rain and fogs.
Resort Height675m. Range 653m-2284m.
Lifts38.
Total runs216km.
Longest run11km.
Best runThe appropriately named Rock 'n' Roll piste on Blackcomb mountain offers a lengthy, pine-lined, undulating journey from peak to creek.
SnowparksFour.
Season lengthLate November to early May.
Snow reliabilityWho goes North American west coast surfers/skaters to board or freestyle ski. European off-piste powderhounds. Self-drive vacationing families from Vancouver, Seattle and San Francisco.
ValueAs its reputation grew so did the charges. Whistler is Canada's most expensive resort. Lift tickets (€350 for a week) and ski schools seem excessively priced.
Insider tipsAvail of the complimentary mountain tours for intermediates and advanced skiers/boarders. These mid-morning tours are guided by local experts. For a unique snowholiday experience, take a half-day tour ziplining through Whistler's treetops. www.ziptrek.com
AirportsVancouver.
Tour operatorsCrystal, Sunway, Directski.com.
Special EventsWhistler's Arts Council runs the month-long winter festival throughout February, featuring live music, theatre, dance, snow sculpting and films with a Canadian focus. www.whistlerartscouncil.com