Whistler, Canada
If you’ve only got a weekend to spend on skies, Canada is a great choice. Snow conditions are more reliable than in Europe because resorts are higher, and they’re run with typical North American efficiency and warmth – plenty of lift attendants telling you to ‘Have a good run now.’ The Whistler Blackcomb area (two mountains, masses of skiing) is particularly friendly, and it’s only a 90-minute drive from Vancouver. There’s plenty for intermediates, plus the famous double-black runs and heli-ski options for experts. The longest run on each mountain is a staggering seven miles. The nine-hour flight on Friday leaves Heathrow late afternoon, and given the time difference, you’ll arrive in time for dinner. Check into the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, which is close to one of the main cable-car systems. Wake up with an enormous Canadian breakfast (eggs, waffles and as much streaky bacon as you can handle). As you’re only there for the weekend, make it a luxurious one. Before you hit the slopes, indulge in a jet-lag busting 90-minute Immunity Massage in the Vida Wellness Spa (but book in advance), followed by a lap in the indoor or outdoor heated pools. If you want a change of pace from skiing, snowshoe trekking is the perfect way to spot the region’s abundant wildlife – bears, cougars and deer. The nightlife is also good here: there are more than 120 restaurants and bars. A new cable car opens in 2008, and will join the two mountains and set world records for length and height. Its highest vertical point will be over Fitzsimmons Creek at 415m – the world’s greatest distance above a valley floor. Whistler is shaping up to host an Olympics to remember.
Hours from London: Ten and a half
Travel modes: Flight, taxi or bus transfer
Number of nights away: Three
American Sky offers nights at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler from the UK for $84 (£40) per person per night, room only. Call 0870 9040 920 or visit americansky.co.uk. BA flies to Vancouver from London Heathrow, visit ba.com
