Snow report:The mid-January chill has kicked in, and even midday temperatures are well below zero across the European resorts. This may not be the most comfortable environment for skiing, but it ensures the fantastic snow conditions remain.
For up-to-date snow conditions check your destination on
www.skiclub.co.uk. Free six-day forecasts are at
www.snow-forecast.com. More than 4,000 webcams are on
www.snoweye.com.
Kitwatch
A well-fitted pair of boots is a must. Salomon's 2009 range includes the quirky looking Pro Model (right). Big chunky clasps and straps coupled with leather-patterned materials deflect from a seriousness that the Pro Model includes. These are ideal for freestyle enthusiasts, all round intermediates and up. For a perfect fit ask Neil at Great Outdoors to do a full bootfitting for you.
Available in Great Outdoors on Dublin's Chatham Street.
Resort of the week:Bjelasnica, Bosnia
In the crosshairs of east and west, the capital of Bosnia is soaked in history. Over the centuries it has been conquered, occupied, settled, sieged and liberated by everyone from the Goths to the Foreign Legion. Recently its famed mix of peoples has been somewhat eroded, but it remains a proudly multiethnic European city.
Sarajevo’s attraction is much more than reliable and solid intermediate skiing. The city offers unique attractions that other resorts can’t compete with. The Tunnel Museum, beside the airport, retains a preserved part of the tunnel that served as Sarajevo’s only land exit during the 1992-96 siege, and a visit to Tito’s Bunker, now a museum, captures the atmosphere of the cold war.
On a plateau overlooking the city sits Bjelasnica, the best of three ski centres in the area. The resort itself was destroyed during the last conflict but has been stylishly rebuilt with a mixture of international aid, government grants and private enterprise.
It’s a small area but very modern and friendly, and it is expanding each year. Skiers and boarders can also visit the older resort of Jahorina, a half-hour drive away.
Resort height1,200m.
Range1,266-2,067m.
LiftsSeven.
Total runs19km.
Longest runFive kilometres.
Best runMuski Olympic. The 1984 men's downhill run has a vertical drop of more than 800m and by Olympic standards is a fast course. Bill Johnson won it in 105 seconds – don't try to beat it.
SnowparksOne.
Season lengthLate December to end of March.
Snow reliability***
Who goesBosnians flock to the mountains at the weekends. Most midweek tourists are from fellow Balkan countries. Numerous expat aid workers, diplomats and peacekeepers add to the colour.
Value €€Lift passes and hire equipment comes in half the price of the cheapest alpine resorts. On-mountain hotels are pricey by local standards, but a growing range in the city keeps prices attractive.
Insider tipsGet private lessons: the lower cost of living in Bosnia makes private instruction more than affordable. Visit the battle-scarred Mount Igman centre, 10 minutes away and the location for the ski jumping at the 1984 Olympics.
AirportSarajevo.
Tour operatorsSunshine World, London.
Special eventsSki Legends Hit. Each December former skiing champs open the resort to race, exhibit and generally show off. Guests last year included the Italian maestro Alberto Tomba.
5 for foodies
Bormio, Italy.
Saalbach, Austria.
Lake Bled, Slovenia.
Chatel, France.
Banff, Canada.
What's on
Tickets for the annual Snowbombing festival in Mayrhofen, Austria, are on sale. It runs from March 19th until April 4th. This year's line-up includes Fat Boy Slim, Dizzee Rascal and Grandmaster Flash. www.snowbombing.com.
Twin tips
Buy a couple of pairs of ski socks. Other sports socks, or wearing multiple layers, will only causing excessive sweat and chafe your feet and shins.
A great time to visit resorts is immediately after they host a global event. Try Val d'Isère, in France, from February 15th, when the biennial World Championships have packed up.
And finally
A growing interest in off-piste skiing and boarding has led to an increasing number of avalanche deaths. A study by the University of Calgary suggests that avalanche management-training courses don't decrease the chances of getting caught in one.