Then there’s Cyprus (on Mount Olympos in the Troodos Mountains), 13 resorts in Turkey, including Uladag and Mount Paland? (10,253ft), the highest and biggest, in eastern Anatolia, not far from the borders with Georgia and Iran, which themselves have some fine skiing: there’s exciting heli-skiing in Gudauri, Georgia, and excellent slopes near Tehran, at the foot of the Elburz mountains. One of the most exciting heli-ski operations in the world, Himachal Helicopter Skiing, operates out of the trekking town of Manali in Himachal Pradesh. The new lift will be 5km long and the first of a major ski area to reach 4,000m. An $8m gondola is being assembled at Gulmarg, an old hill station in the idyllic but war-torn province of Kashmir, where it’s claimed “you can ski for a whole day for the cost of two cups of coffee in the Swiss Alps”.

Mention India and people look startled – until you remind them that it just happens to be the location for a large chunk of the Himalayas. 10 The hottest destinations In case you fancy a change of scene, remember you can ski in some unlikely places. The catering staff were not, it was said, geared up for the idea of swift breakfasts.The Four Seasons Resort Whistler (001 604 935 3400; /whistler), Blackcomb Way, Blackcomb Mountain Doubles from C$245 (£107). It may have learned something from the problems at its counterpart in Jackson Hole, the first Four Seasons hotel to be built in a ski area, which opened last winter. The “retreat”, comprising 273 guest rooms, suites and townhouses, is just minutes from the slopes.

It promises “the scenic splendour of one of North America’s top mountain resorts, wrapped in Four Seasons comfort and intuitive personal care”. 9 First resort for Four Seasons The Four Seasons group has opened its first resort hotel in a Canadian ski area: at the base of Blackcomb Mountain in Whistler, British Columbia. Although Whitepod “applies strict ecological principles to help the beautiful environment” – and despite the blissful arrangements and silent scenic nights – guests can go heli-skiing by paying an extra Sfr200 (£90). The minimum stay is two nights, at a cost of 550 Swiss francs (£230) per person per night, including all meals and drinks.

There are five white pods, which all serve as high-tech bedrooms for up to 10 guests, and a huge vinyl window and skylight allow them to gaze out at some of the finest mountain scenery in Switzerland Meals are served in a nearby chalet. It’s your home in nature, far from the crowds.” There’s no reception desk and no check-in or check-out Everything is paid for in advance Access is on skis or snowshoes. Ski packages including passes, equipment hire and tuition start at £276 for six days. 8 A tent for the night in Switzerland Nestling in the snow at 5,577ft above the Swiss resort of Villars is something new in the way of accommodation for back-country skiers: The Whitepod (07787 515406; ) – a glorified tent shaped a little like a large igloo, heated all night by wood-burning stoves “This is not just another hotel,” say the owners “In fact it’s not a hotel at all.