winter Sport and Resort

Committed winter sports fans will be waxing their skis and snowboards in anticipation of the winter trip to the Alps, Dolomites or Pyrenees. They will either have booked their week of family skiing or long weekend break with friends many months ago in the hope of securing a bargain offer and are now closely checking the weather reports to find out if snow conditions will be suitable, or they will be scanning the newspapers and internet for cut priced last minute offers, in the hope of keeping down the cost of a holiday that can often be a significant financial strain. Even a short skiing trip can prove a costly affair these days with unfavourable exchange rates, some aircraft carriers charging extra for equipment transport and resort lift passes looking decidedly expensive.

For some people though the lure of a winter skiing or snowboarding holiday just doesn't happen and the thought of getting cold and exhausted every day while trying to master a sporting technique for which their body was not designed is of no interest. Of course there are other aspects to a winter sports holiday other than the activity itself, that would be attractive to most people. Spending time in a beautiful part of the world, that looks even more amazing when covered in snow is one point, and having a week being pampered in a luxury chalet while expert chefs lay on sumptious food morning, noon and night is hardly a bad way to spend time. Then there are the health aspects. Fresh mountain air, very little traffic and the effect of the snowy landscape making everywhere seem spookily quiet, are all very relaxing and have beneficial effects on stress levels. So what are the alternatives for someone who wants to experience all those positive effects of a winter holiday abroad, but doesn't have the inclination to hurtle down the side of a mountain.

Here are some more calmer winter holiday options that might just float your boat, so to speak.

If vigorous exercise is not your idea of a holiday activity, perhaps a {{painting or photography holiday is more suitable. There are several companies that host these types of breaks, providing a qualified teacher and the type of scenery to inspire everyone's creative juices. The groups are usually quite small making the holidays very sociable and there's usually a good standard of accommodation and catering to boot. Perfect for brushing up on your technique, meeting new friends and relaxing in weather much warmer than that at home. These breaks are very common in mainland Spain, Mallorca, Lanzarote, Ibiza, Morocco and regions of Italy.

Not quite as exciting as skiing, unless you're a full on mountain biker, but riding a bike in Lanzarote during the early months of the year is something many athletes come to the island to do. Lanzarote has the ideal mix of traffic friendly roads, with an interesting variety of flat and hilly sections, complemented by stunning scenery. The other aspect that brings cyclists here from all over Europe is the mild, dry weather that is almost guaranteed. Everyone from casual tourers to some of the world's best professional teams can be seen on Lanzarote's roads during January, February and March. The drivers are used to seeing them and the cyclists feel safe. Also the island's hotels are geared up to their needs providing safe equipment storage and the right type of food in adequate quantities.

For a hotter winter break with that added element of activity, why not try a spot of scuba diving in the Red Sea. The Egyptian resort of Sharm el Sheikh is a haven of diving schools and many dive companies operate in the area. The warm waters, underwater animal and plant life and a selection of wrecks dives within near vicinity make it an ideal place for beginners and experienced divers alike.

Virtually every large hotel along the Sharm coastline offers some kind of diving service, with many having their own in-house diving schools that offer instruction from the basics for those new to diving right up to instructor level courses. Another Egyptian area growing in popularity is Aqaba in Jordan.

Finally the old English colony of The Gambia is a favourite place for ornithologists. The river delta and areas upriver offer endless miles of water and mangroves that are home to over 500 species of birds, many not seen in northern Europe. Guests can either stay in Banjul and take day trips or opt for a longer river voyage stopping at some of the lodges along the river. Either way the trips make for a very relaxing way to while away the warm Gambian days, while thinking about the cold damp days that are left behind at home.