Where should I go for guaranteed snow?

When you’re planning a ski holiday, there’s one vital ingredient - snow - without which you’re not going to enjoy the holiday of your dreams. Unfortunately, changing weather patterns in recent years mean that choosing a winter sports resort is not as straightforward as it used to be.

Looking over historical snow reports can give a good indication of which resorts have a good track record but more and more people are choosing high altitude resorts, glacier skiing or making their way over the Atlantic to the snow-sure resorts in the USA and Canada.

And whilst there are never any sure-fire guarantees, here are some of the best bets when it comes to enjoying those perfect skiing conditions.

Whistler-Blackcomb, Canada

Height: 675m (snow range 675m-2285m)
Airport: Vancouver (approx 76 miles, 1.5 hours away)
Season: 27 November - 26 April (Blackcomb season dates 27 November -14 June)
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Whistler enjoys one of the world’s best reputations when it comes to skiing conditions, boasting a wide variety of pistes for all abilities. Located in British Columbia, it is fair to say that snow here is guaranteed and the season is long. Snow conditions at the top of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are usually excellent, with an average of 900cm of snow a year - but the resort has also invested in plenty of snow cannons to ensure that the slopes remain in tip top condition.

car hire Canada There are plenty of easy runs for beginners which meander down the mountain through stunning scenery – many finish in the village itself so there isn’t far to go when you finish for the day. And whilst the majority of runs are classed as intermediate, there is also plenty here to challenge experienced skiers too, including glacier skiing – ideal for mixed ability groups.

The two mountains boast enough runs, glaciers and bowls to keep most skiers happy, all reached via an impressive network of high speed lifts and gondolas to ensure you don’t waste any precious ski time standing in a queue.

The resort is set to host the 2010 Winter Olympics and there are tours and activities now available at the new facilities, including the Olympic Park and the Whistler Sliding Centre.

And the adventure doesn’t stop there! For those in search of more activity there are helicopter sightseeing tours, heli-skiing, eagle viewing, dog sledding, sleigh rides, snow shoe trails, snowmobiles and cross country skiing.

New for December 2008 is a brand new gondola linking the summits of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains - it will boast the longest unsupported lift span in the world (1.88 miles) and will take just 11 minutes to cross.

Cervinia, Italy

Height: 2050m (snow range 2050 - 3883m)
Airport: Turin (approx 75 miles, 2 hours)
Season: Year round (glacier skiing)
Winter season: Late November to early May
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One of Italy’s highest resorts, Cervinia lies below the majestic Matterhorn close to the popular Swiss resort of Zermatt. Enjoying excellent snow conditions and access to theMatterhorn Glacier Paradise with year round skiing, this is becoming an increasingly popular resort.

Cervinia is a particularly good choice for intermediate skiers with plenty of interesting long runs along sunny slopes. For a change of scenery, link up with Zermatt and the Matterhorn Ski Paradise. Beginners will find wide nursery runs, ideal for building confidence whilst advanced skiers have a choice of black runs as well as some fantastic off-piste skiing opportunities and mogul fields.

The resort itself is fairly compact and lively in nature with excellent après-ski opportunities. There is a good choice of bars and cafes which are open till late as well as a nearby casino (St Vincent). Away from the slopes, you’ll find a swimming pool, bowling alley and ice rink.