As the nights draw in and the temperatures plummet I’m getting increasingly excited about heading out to North America’s slopes. Fortunately the wait won’t be too long as I’ll be going to Canada in mid January to help host a holiday for readers of Britain’s best selling winter sports magazine Daily Mail Ski & Snowboard.

We’ve been running these holidays in conjunction with Ski Independence for more than 10 years to resorts such as Winter Park, Steamboat, Aspen and Breckenridge. People love the friendly atmosphere, superb organisation as well as the fistful of free extras such as guiding with locals, welcome receptions and great prizes to be won. They attract all ages and are particularly suitable to people who want to come on their own and be with like-minded people.

This year our first trip is to Vail on 8 December. Our executive editor Dave Watts will be leading that trip with Ski Independence owner John Bennett and joined by ex-Olympic skier and the magazine’s equipment editor Martin Bell. (More info) It’s a shame I can’t join them but someone’s got to draw the short straw and stay in the office to work on the March/April issue of the magazine. My turn comes on January 13, the beginning of our 10 day holiday to some cult powder resorts in British Columbia. We’re going to be based in Fernie and Kicking Horse and also get the opportunity to check out some other hidden gems such as Panorama, Kimberly and Revelstoke – Canada’s newest  resort. Martin Bell will be on this trip too giving everyone the chance to ski with an Olympian -it’s a humbling experience. (More info) Both trips are going to be awesome and it would be fantastic if you could join us on one of them, even better come on both. For further info or to make a booking call Annika on 0131 243 8096 or email [email protected]. See you on the slopes. Cheers, Henry Editor, Daily Mail Ski & Snowboard magazine