Skis, Slopes and Salopettes

This month, CHRISTINE TOWNSEND gives us a few winter holiday ideas about hot destinations in cool climates.

It’s a country that is at its best in winter - a time of cold, crisp days, white landscapes and blue skies. Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), big log fires, hot chocolate, snowshoes and husky dogs. Frozen lakes, waist-deep snow, wildlife tracks, and the howl of a wolf in the crisp clear air. These are just a few winter delights. Many people go to Canada to ski, but there are so many more elements to discover. Before you even get to the country to relax, there are some fantastic cities to explore. There’s Toronto- a dynamic mix of modern and cosmopolitan, where you can take advantage of the fantastic shopping or take a trip to icy Niagara Falls. Ottawa is small yet friendly city where you can skate down the Rideau Canal – the longest skating rink in the world or if you are a culture vulture, you can spend time at the wonderful Canadian Museum of Civilisation.

Then there’s Montreal, a unique combination of Old World culture and North American modernity which you can visit for fantastic theatre and festivals. Last but not least is the wonderfully eclectic Québec City. It’s the only fortified city in North America with French charm, where you can enjoy fantastic cuisine, tobogganing and dog sledding.

However, if you really want to get away from it all – whether it be on snow or at sea, there’s something for everyone. From whale watching to snowboarding, it’s an outdoor winter wonderland. What’s more, the Canadian dollar is always good value and the Canadians can be pretty lovely to boot. Not only that, but if you’re looking for a country that’s inclusive – Canada was one of the first countries to bring in same-sex marriages.

Hotels

There are more than enough hotels for everyone, but here are three to get you started.

W Hotel, Montreal

On entering the hotel, guests will be welcomed under a sexy lit canopy setting the mood for the W’s renowned Living Room experience, a 3,000 square-foot space for social gatherings.  A glowing red welcome desk located next to the concierge offers W’s signature “Whatever/Whenever” service, whether it’s cookies and milk at 2 am or finding a perfect outfit for that must-see cocktail bar. You simply can’t knock the urban chic of W Hotels and the downright friendliness of the place – or more importantly, the famous W cocktail.

Rooms start at £140. Visit www.whotels.com/montreal for info.

The Sentry, British Columbia

Accessible only by helicopter, this new and remote backcountry lodge is perched at an elevation of 6,920 feet, deep in the Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia. This cozy, comfortable home-like lodge has only four guest rooms making every visit an exclusive and intimate backcountry experience. Perfect for romantic couples who want to hide away from the world, or a group of friends in need of an outdoors adventure – only for those who like heights!

Rooms start at £75. Visit www.unusualhotelsoftheworld.com for info.

Eco Lodge, Ontario

If you’re really hot on your eco-friendly lifestyle, then the Eco Lodge is perfect. They use alternative energy supplies to do pretty much everything and there’s no mobile reception or phone lines. You can use the hot tub, row free canoes and you get your meals too. The Algonquin Wilderness Eco-Lodge, located on the southern border of Algonquin Park (only three hours from Toronto or Ottawa), is a wilderness enthusiasts' dream. You’re in the middle of nowhere, so expect lots of hiking and wildlife. Anyone for beaver spotting?!

Rooms start at £50. Visit www.unusualhotelsoftheworld.com for info.

Airline

You may think that flights at the moment are extortionate, but Zoom Airlines have the budget for snow sports enthusiasts in mind. With Zoom’s low-cost flights from Gatwick and Manchester, starting at £89 one-way plus tax, it is now much more affordable for those seeking the thrill of the Rockies, Whistler or Tremblant ski region. www.zoomairlines.co.uk for info.

Cool gear

You’ve booked your flight, hotel and hire car so now you need some hot gear to be seen in while you are out and about in the cold weather. Salomon without a doubt has the best range for women and you can guarantee you’ll be turning heads with this kit. Grab yourself a Jacket Sequence GTX, Ellipse Pants and a funky Siam AF Helmet and there’ll be no stopping you! For more information go to www.salomonwomenwill.com

Women-only ski resorts

If you’re fed up with the lads hogging the slopes and showing off the sizes of their ski poles, then this is just what you could be looking for. The Ski Club of Great Britain and wintersports company Salomon, have come up with two packages aimed solely at women. 

Confident on the slopes? Then try Argentiere from 28 January to 4 February 2006 if you want to explore the very best of the Chamonix Valley and the Vallee Blanche. However, if you are more of an intermediate skier, try Zell Am See from 18 – 21 March 2006.

These packages and the gear really are aimed at girls  - the skis are up to 22% lighter, their boots are polar fleece or faux-fur lined for extra warmth and comfort and their clothing is designed to flatter the female form.

For more information on the trips, go to: www.skiclub.co.uk

Powder Girl holidays also offer tailor-made ski packages in British Colombia. Check out www.powder-girl.com for further info.

Pulling potential: If you look good in a ski mask, you’re in luck!

Tanning power: (one sun)

Exchange rate: 1GBP- 2.06 CAD