Chamonix, France: best ski resort for advanced skiers

Chamonix fully deserves its reputation as one of the world's classic ski resorts: set in the heart of a dramatic high-alpine environment at the base of Mont Blanc, it has some of the most extreme off-piste skiing in the world and a boisterous party scene to boot. The bustling town has a long mountaineering history and has always attracted hardy, outdoors types although it's becoming increasingly glamorous, with trendy bars and hotels popping up left, right and centre.

On the flip side, Chamonix's five ski areas (Grands Montets, l'Aiguille du Midi, Le Tour, Brévent and Flégère) are frustratingly dispersed, its cult powder status means fresh tracks are hard to find and even the infamous 12 and a half-mile off-piste Vallée Blanche route can feel like a busy thoroughfare at times. However, despite its foibles, every passionate skier should visit Chamonix at least once in their lifetime.

Jet2 flights to carry skis and snowboards for free

There’s great news for those of us planning a skiing holiday in Chamonix or somewhere who are flying with Jet2. The budget airline has announced that it will carry skis and snowboards for free.

If you use the Jet2 promotional code FREESKI, you will be able to get one pair of skis or one snowboard carried free of charge. This offer applies to flights from all airports and you can use the code right up until the end of March.

Jet2 fly to a number of Alpine airports which serve a huge number of ski resorts, so why not book you own flights and accommodation, rather than relying on a package.

Holidaymakers pile onto the pistes

Ski weekend breaks are snowballing in popularity thanks to excellent conditions on European slopes, it was revealed today.

Flights for weekend trips from the UK to airports close to French, Swiss and Italian ski areas increased by more than 16% last month compared with January 2008, figures from low-fare airline easyJet showed.

Snowfalls at European ski resorts this season are thought to have been the best for many years.

EasyJet's UK general manager Paul Simmons said: "Early last year, as the credit crunch began, we noticed that ski weekends became popular even though the snowfall wasn't as good.

"This year we've really seen a jump in weekend flights with people wanting to hit the slopes quickly and cheaply."

He went on: "Airports like Innsbruck, Grenoble and Geneva are proving particularly popular for ski weekends. They have a short flight time from most UK airports and some of Europe's best ski resorts within an hour's drive, so people don't have to waste time on airport transfers.

"You can set off from the UK and be on the piste in one of Europe's top ski resorts like Chamonix and Flaine (in France) in under four hours, making them perfect for those who want to get a quick 'ski-fix' for a weekend."