Laurence Mackinsuggests some offbeat destinations
France
The popular Avoriaz resort, which is seeking to lead Europe with its ecocredentials, has built a challenging natural snow park, called the Stash. The main area is an expanse of ungroomed snow that
narrows to slopes winding in and out of the trees in Lindarets Forest, scattered with hidden wooden obstacles and secret runs. All the Stash elements are made from natural materials, such as logs and trees to freestyle off. Another option is ski joering, which involves being pulled on skis by a horse. It is popular at a number of resorts in France, including Les Arcs.
Go thereHighlife (www.highlife.ie, 01-6771100) offers packages to Morzine and Avoriaz. Directski (www.directski.com, 1890-201205) offers packages in Les Arcs, including ski joering.
Norway
Go to where it all began. Skiing in Norway is a breathtaking experience, thanks to its awesome scenery and fairytale setting. The off-piste activities also make for some excellent diversions. Choose from cross-country skiing, reindeer-, dog- and horse-sledging, ice-fishing, ice-climbing and tobogganing. Many resorts also have excellent child-minding and creche facilities, and the trolls at Hunderfossen activity park will keep even the most demanding child happy. For offbeat accommodation, check out Lillehammer's Hotel Molla, a former grain silo. Its rooftop bar has stunning views of the city. For more, see Leonie Corcoran's article on page 20.
Go thereTopflight (www.topflight.ie, 01-2401784) has packages to Lillehammer, Trysil and Oslo, including deals at Hunderfossen. Directski (www.directski.com, 1890-201205) has packages to Hotel Molla.
North America
When it comes to the other side of the Atlantic, the Canadian resort of Whistler, in British Columbia, tends to be the first word on everyone's lips (in December it will get a new peak-to-peak gondola). Breckenridge, in Colorado, is a favourite for skidooing, with the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail reputed to be one of the world's best trails. New Hampshire is another firm favourite, and has excellent facilities for disabled skiers. Fernie, also in British Columbia, is also proving a strong draw. It has plenty of on- and off-piste terrain to give more advanced skiers plenty to handle. For those with deeper pockets, forget queuing for chairlifts and thronged ski runs: catskiing is the way to go, and for unadulterated luxury in pristine surroundings Island Lake Lodge, near Fernie, seems hard to beat.
Imagine a week of untouched powder with just you and your gang of (rich or bank-robbing) mates being taken via catski - a minibus-cum-snowmobile - to the top of the deserted runs so you can rip it up in almost a metre of the good stuff. Stop drooling: you'll mess up your ski suit.
Go thereIsland Lake Resort (www.islandlakeresorts.com/winter) is a four-hour drive from Calgary. Topflight (www.topflight.ie, 01-2401784) has packages to Breckenridge and New Hampshire.
Japan
Skiers speak about Japan in hushed tones. The country has more than 700 resorts, and Hokkaido is becoming something of a Mecca. The biggest challenge is getting there, but after days of travelling you're rewarded with pristine powder- drenched mountains.
Night skiing is big business, with many of the runs lit up until the early hours. Many locals are also superstitious about venturing between the trees, which means glorious off-piste fun for heathens.
Go thereWe are unaware of any Irish packages. See www.skijapan.com and Deep Powder Tours (www.deeppowdertours.com).
Italy
The Dolomites are the daddy of Italian skiing, and the Dolomiti Superski pass gives you access to the entire range (that's 12 resorts and more than 1,200km of slopes). For intermediate skiers who want a challenging run, check out the Sellaronda circuit, which takes you on about 40km of slopes with a guide via four mountain passes. (See James Helm's article on page 10.)
Go thereTopflight (www.topflight.ie, 01-2401784) has packages that include the Sellaronda. For more, James Helm's article on page 10.
Slovakia
For rock-bottom prices and some rock'n'roll snow time, it's hard to beat Jasna. The little-known resort has modern facilities and well-maintained slopes.
Go thereUK-based Propaganda Snowboards (www.propagandasnowboards.com) offers packages to Jasna.