Snow of the week

There really is no business like snow business. This time last year Europe's skiers were considering attaching wheels to their skis to negotiate the rock strewn slopes and now we've got 'too much snow'. OK, only too much in some areas, but this stuff is falling as if global warming didn't exist. Most of the ski area has been closed in Bareges and La Mongie (180/300cms) in the Pyrenees due to 'white out'. Val D'Isère and Tignes in France, Verbier, Crans Montana and Mürren in Switzerland have had limited lifts open due to avalanche risk, although the weather should clear and as more lifts open, the skiing should be superb.

Elsewhere there is rare good skiing, for example in Borovets (40/70cms) and Pamporovo (30/110cms), Bulgaria, where tremendous conditions are basking in sunshine. Most resorts across Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland boast superb powder conditions.

Take Robert Burns's advice and 'seize the flower' of good skiing in Glenshee (25/30cm), Scotland. Be quick or probably 'like the snow-fall in the river, A moment white, then melts forever.'

Dry snow in Colorado means great skiing on and off piste in Breckenridge (115/147cm), Aspen (99/149cm) and Beaver Creek (97/135cm), with the sun now shining. So strap on your skis and 'let's go on with the show.'

Deal of the week

Six days' expert snowboarding tuition and equipment hire cost just £116 with Inghams (020 8780 4433) in the resort of Livigno, Italy. A week's half board at the three star Hotel Alpina, Gatwick flights and transfers costs £424 per person, departing 15 March.