I want to take a four-night trip in February with my husband and 10-year-old daughter. We want a 'cold and snowy' break, but don't want to ski. We do want such activities as snowmobiling, husky riding and the like. Europe is preferred, due to the shortness of the break. Any suggestions?

Judith Fabin, South Wales

Even if you don't want to ski, you'll find the greatest concentration of activities and accommodation at established resorts. Northern European destinations such as Finland offer a good balance of guaranteed snow and high standards of facilities that should fulfil your criteria. It will certainly be cold and snowy in February.

Travelling independently, Finland and Sweden are both accessible by budget airline. If you're keen to use them, choose some of the closer winter sports areas to airports. You'll have to make your own way to the activity areas, which will drive up the cost and may be tricky if you are laden with gear. Normally you'll stay in a ski resort but have access to a wide range of pastimes such as dog sledding, snowmobile safaris and saunas. www. finland-winter.com is an excellent source of resort listings and further information. If a package is easier, Arctic Discovery (01229 467000; www. arcticdiscovery.com) offers a wide variety of weekend or four-day tailor-made packages in Lapland.