If you're heading to Japan to ski the immense powder fields of Shiga Kogen or Hakuba Happo-One, then Kiroro might make the itinerary.

Several ski seasons ago we stayed at Haus Hislop, Inneralpbach, a ski resort gem, part of Ski Jewel, great value, excellent for beginners.

The base for this Christmas ski trip was Canmore; gateway to the Big Three ski resorts of Banff, Lake Louise and a few more besides.

We went to Finland and booked a week in Yllas ski resort. We weren't there to ski but as we were there, it would have been rude not to.

So back at the beginning of the year four of my mates decided to pack their warm clothing and head off to Canada to check out the ski resorts around […]