Last resort for a non-skier
My new girlfriend wants to come on a skiing holiday with me, but she's not interested in skiing. She isn't very keen on outdoor activities at all, although she says she'll be happy looking at the view while sipping hot chocolate.
However I am worried that after a day or so she might get bored. Can you recommend a resort with facilities for an unsporty, non-skiing partner? I don't want to miss time I could be skiing to keep her company and I am not bothered about the cost.
Tarquin Smyth, by email
A grand Swiss hotel with spa where your girlfriend could spend her days tottering from one beauty treatment to the next, punctuated by enjoying gorgeous views from the terrace, would seem ideal, especially as money is no object.
The Palace Hotel in Gstaad, with its Wellness-Centre, offers a selection of beauty treatments and massage as well as alternative therapies, Turkish baths, a sauna and an indoor pool.
Hotel Vereina in Klosters has an Aquareina Spa where she can wallow in a thermal bath followed by a health-giving icy shower, or have an underwater massage.
In France, Les Fermes De Marie in Megève has its own Beauty Farm, with treatments created from mountain plants. It also has excellent food.
They can all can be booked through Elegant Resorts (01244 897333). Seven nights B&B at the Palace Hotel costs from £1,070 per person, at Hotel Vereina £715, and at Les Fermes de Marie, £1,170, based on two sharing.
How to be a chalet girl
I'm taking a gap year before starting at Manchester University. I'm interested in working at a ski resort but don't really know how to go about it. As I'm studying French I would prefer to go somewhere in France so I can practise my language skills.
Christine Thompson, via email
France is one of the most popular destinations with British snow-seekers because most of its resorts are high up, and have good skiing conditions all season. Competition for jobs is high, but your competence at French will help a lot.
Most of the work lasts from December to April. Apply well in advance as agencies are already making placements for Christmas.
Try UK Overseas Handling (UKOH), which arranges placements for EU passport holders. Contact UKOH at PO Box 2791, London W1A 5JU (020 7629 3064)
Another good agency is Jobs in the Alps of 17 High Street, Gretton, Northants NN17 3DE (01536 771150). You must be over 18 and speak a second language. Ring for an information pack or fill in an application online.
If you want to conduct your own job search in your preferred region, about 30 British tour companies are located in Méribel, so this is a really good place to base yourself. In addition to checking out the possibilities in person,ask at the local tourist office for vacancies and watch the local press.
Aim too for a live-in arrangement. You don't want to spend all your hard-earned cash on expensive tourist accommodation.
Rare budget rooms in Whistler
I'm visiting my cousin in Canada in the new year. I've taken a few days' extra holiday, as I'd like to spend some time skiing in Whistler. So far, all the hotels I've seen on the internet are way out of my price range. Can you suggest budget options?
Margaret Wallace, Cumbria
The resort's reservations line, on 00 1 604 932 3141, will be able to find you something at around £43 a night.
The HI Whistler Hostel (00 1 604 932 5492) is much cheaper. In a beautiful setting two-and-a-half miles from the village, it has dormitory accommodation starting at £8 for members and £10 for non-members - but it gets filled up pretty quickly so it's vital to book in advance.
Nearer the village is the Shoestring Lodge (00 1 604 932 3338). Dormitory places are from£15 per person per night.
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