l If the thought of a cramped chalet filled with eight pairs of steaming ski-suits slung over the radiator is simply too much for nostrils cleared daily by the crisp Alpine air, the Chalet Hotel Alpage offers a fresh alternative. Set amidst stunning scenery above the medieval village of La Clusaz - an hour's drive from Geneva Airport - the traditionally-restored Savoyard farmhouse offers skiing straight from the front door, with a lift giving access to all the pistes. Week-long ski packages cost #461 per person (excluding flights) and include bed and breakfast, airport transfers, a six-day ski pass for the 220 kilometres of all-ability pistes, plus hire of ski equipment.
There is a #100 reduction for under-12s sharing their parents' room. Flights to Geneva begin at #95. Alternatively, the hotel can be reached by car in an eight-hour drive from Calais, reducing the package price by #25 per person. For more information telephone
0171 583 5566.
l Lovers of ballet, and festive dinner party guests stumped for their conversational pirouette, might like to consider Page & Moy's five-night holiday to St Petersburg and Moscow, which includes tickets for the New Year's performance by the world-famous Bolshoi, followed by a gala dinner. Departing on December 30, the trip costs #799 per person. For more information, or to order
a copy of Page & Moy's new Christmas Collection brochure, telephone 0116 2507979.
l Well goodbye, grey doos, and G'day, possums! The Far East Travel Centre is offering three nights' free hotel accommodation in Sydney or Brisbane for anyone choosing its return flights on Japan Airlines - prices start at #617.
For a #30 supplement, passengers can opt instead for a free hire car for six days - just watch out for those jaywalking roos! Prices are based on two sharing, and departures must be before December 16 or between January 13 and March 24, April 5 and April 21, and May 11 and June 23, next year. Telephone 0171 414 8844 for bookings.
l Travel City Direct is offering an incredibly low-cost package of family holidays in the Sunshine State: a 14-night fly-drive to Florida costs from #139 per person, including charter flights from Gatwick, between January 1 and March 18. Also on offer is a 14-night holiday with room-only accommodation at the three-star Ramada Fountain Park Hotel, from #219 per person, or the four-star Wyndham Safari Resort, from #289 per person. All prices are based on two adults and two children sharing a room. For more information or a brochure, contact 01792 464646.
travel is edited by Allan Laing
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