Warning over shorter ski season

The ski season is gradually shrinking due to the effects of climate change, according to the Good Skiing and Snowboarding Guide 2002, published this week. Mild winters have delayed the start of the season from mid-December by as much two weeks as resorts have waited for the first snowfalls. Low-lying runs have been marooned in green fields as rising temperatures pushed the snowline higher up the mountains, says the guide. The problem is particularly acute in the Alps, where the scramble for hotel beds in the higher resorts where snow is "guaranteed" becomes more competitive each year, according to the guide's authors. They write: "Regular visitors to the Alps over the past 20 years cannot have failed to notice the effects of climate change. Major glaciers have shrunk by hundreds of metres and the pattern of seasonal precipitation has edged forward by a full fortnight. December snowfall is increasingly uncertain, while the deepest snow is to be found in late spring at a time when most resorts have already closed their lift systems. The authors predict that skiers will increasingly have to venture higher up the mountains for shorter runs. Peter Hardy, joint editor of the guide, said the Alpine ski holiday was not threatened in the near future but tour operators would have to adapt to changing conditions.

Slowdown hits air fares

European air fares have begun to stabilise and some have even decreased, proof that the global economy is declining, according to the latest American Express European Corporate Travel Index. Although fares have increased year on year, the Index shows there are irrefutable signs that the slowing economy is beginning to take its toll. Fares in Britain are not rising at their usual rate because many airlines who cut the commission they pay to travel agents promised a drop in fares. American Express says it will not be long before the airlines try to recoup this money by putting up fares if they can.

Singapore stopovers

Singapore Airlines this week launched a stopover package aimed at boosting their home town. Passengers can have a night at selected superior class hotels in Singapore for £1. The offer also includes discounted entry to a range of Singapore's leading tourist attractions, including the National Orchid Garden, the Zoo and boat cruises, and free transfers to and from Changi airport. singaporeair.co.uk.

Buy it in pounds

First Currency Choice's currency conversion service, launched this week, will enable international shoppers to make Visa and Mastercard credit card transactions in their own currency while travelling. For details, call 0208-222 0100, firstcurrencychoice.com.

Who wants to be a Netjetter?

This weekend is the last chance readers will have to win round-the-world tickets and become one of our next generation of Netjetters. We are looking for two people to win the tickets, one in business class and the other in economy, and share their travel experiences with readers. For details of how to enter, go to theguardian.com/travel.