A guide to the ski and snowboard season

Skiers and snowboarders looking for the latest information on the world's slopes in one easy-to-use guide would do well to take a look at The Great Skiing and Snowboarding Guide 2007.

The second edition of the reference guide covers the top skiing and snowboarding resorts in ten countries, including three resorts in up-and-coming Andorra, a resort in Spain and four eastern European resorts.

Countries better known for their skiing, such as the USA, Canada, Austria, France and Switzerland, have guides to between 15 and 30 top resorts.

Packed into every section is a brief overview of what the resorts are like, a useful map of the runs and highlighted facts about the resort, including lift prices, altitude, website and information on getting there.

There are also listings of each resort's ski schools, childcare facilities, places to eat and drink and where to stay, almost all of which are accompanied by phone numbers and websites.

Endorsed by the Ski Club of Great Britain the comprehensive and well-researched guide also rates what kind of ski holiday each resort is best suited to.

Categories include value, different levels of experience, party atmosphere, suitability for families, gourmet food, and different types of skiing.

An A to Z index of resorts adds to the ease of use, and an introductory section, though a little too opinionated and overbearing, is still useful for tips on weekend skiing breaks and family ski holidays, as well as providing the latest on global warming, avalanches and more.

Though it is more ski-orientated than snowboard, the authors' presumption that the information works for both groups may mean snowboarders would find a more specific snowboard guide more relevant.

Holidaymakers can also take advantage of other skiers' experiences with a list of award-winning resorts, hotels and restaurants, nominated by readers of the 2006 guide.

Winners of The Great Skiing and Snowboarding 2007 Awards

Best Ski Resort
Europe: Verbier, Switzerland
North America: Telluride, Colorado

Best Small Resort
Europe: Baqueira Beret, Spain
North America: Kicking Horse, BC

Best Family Resort
Europe: Les Gets, France
North America: Beaver Creek, Colorado

Most Chilled Resort
Europe: Kitzbuhel, Austria
North America: Taos, New Mexico

Best Luxury Ski Hotel
Europe: La Pleta, Baqueira Beret, Spain
North America: The Peaks Resort & Golden Door Spa, Telluride, Colorado

Best Small Ski Hotel
Europe: La Bouitte, St-Marcel, near St-Martin-de-Belleville, France
North America: Hotel Lenado, Aspen, Colorado

Best Mountain Restaurant
Europe: Belliou La Fumee, Les Arcs, France
North America: The Lookout Cabib, The Canyons, Utah

Best Resort Restaurant
Europe: La Bouitte, St-Marcel, near St-Martin-de-Belleville, France
North America: Elements Urban Tapas Parlour, Whistler, BC