Resort of the week:CAIRNGORM, SCOTLANDA few years ago most writing about Scotland's ski resorts was on the property- for-sale pages. Successive warm winters and cheap flights had halved the number of visitors since their 1970s peak, and two of the country's five resorts were up for sale.
The past two winters have seen superb snow conditions and the area revitalised. Resorts opened as early as October in 2008, and this season the snow is at levels not seen in 40 years, with a base deep enough to carry the resorts into a snow-sure Easter.
Cairngorm Mountain, a three-hour drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow, is the best of the Scottish resorts. Although the mountain has a couple of bars and restaurants, accommodation and apres-ski are mainly down the valley in Aviemore, 15 minutes away.
With return flights for less than €100 from Dublin, and easy connections to the mountain, a trip to the Cairngorms would make a fantastic weekend or short break. If your trip coincides with a clear sunny day, the skiing in the Highlands can be as good as anywhere in the world.
Resort height635m.
Range537-1,097m.
Lifts12.
Total runs39km.
Longest runThree kilometres.
Best runThe White Lady, a treeless red run going under and beside the funicular railway, Britain's highest, from the Ptarmigan summit to the base station.
Snow parksOne.
SeasonDecember to April.
Snow reliability **
Who goesVariable conditions mean visitors are mostly British, and mainly Scottish. A smattering of loyal English will take the overnight train to Aviemore at weekends.
Value€€€€ Although offering relatively small ski areas, lift and equipment hire are well priced. Food, drink and lodgings in nearby Aviemore are also good value.
Insider tipsLift tickets and rental equipment can run out on busy weekends. Buy both early or in Aviemore.
AirportsInverness, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Onlinecairngormmountain. co.uk.
Snow report
It has been another tremendous week for the European mountains. Fresh snow topped up already excellent coverage from the Pyrenees to the Carpathians. Skiing conditions are now perfect.
February should see warmer conditions and longer, sunnier days. Austria is typically at its best this month. Mayrhofen, the lowest of the main Austrian ski resorts, at 633m, recorded a big dump during the week; all 53 of its lifts are now open.
The US, Japan, Lebanon and the sole Cypriot resort all report good snow conditions and peak-to-valley runs open.
Snow-forecast.com provides free forecasts for more than 2,200 resorts. Check the snow at 250 resorts on skiclub.co.uk or peek at your mountain of choice on snoweye.com.
Kitwatch
Never underestimate the small things: one of the most important pieces of kit is the sock. Many a snowhead has scrimped on them and so suffered bruised shins and foot rashes. Snow-sport socks have extra padding for pressure spots. One of the best is Teko’s, made with merino wool; €22.95 from Great Outdoors in Dublin (greatoutdoors.ie).
Get your skates on
Directski has cut the price of a holiday in snow-sure and duty-free Livigno, in Italy. For €539, departing on February 27th, the package includes flights, accommodation at the three-star Hotel Garni Moon, which sits right on the slopes, and transfers. directski.com.
AOB
Irish Snow Champs is a week-long competition (and party) hosted in the French resort of Les Deux Alpes from March 13th to 20th. Organised by Paul Harte and friends originally from UCD Snowsports
Club, the festival involves competitions in boarder and ski cross, freestyle and giant slalom. Evening entertainment includes themed nights, fancy dress and an awards gala.
Competition entry requirements are that you hold or are entitled to an Irish passport. Whether you’re an expert or beginner, you’ll be welcome. irishsnowchamps.net.