Birmingham Mail

Relax, On the Piste and Off ; Westendorf: Beautiful and Friendly for Winter Sports Lovers

IF you are an adrenalin junkie with a passion for the slopes, the Austrian resort of Westendorf will not disappoint. Despite being a seasoned skier, I still learned a thing or two in this beautiful, friendly village - including the fun art of snow biking.

Hundred Acre Fc - (Back From Left) Frank Sedgley [ ... ]

Suits Me, Serre ; the Extensive Ski Areas of Les Hautes Alpes in France Are Easily Accessible and Blessed with Sun: Plenty of Options to Suit All Standards and Tastes

'IT'S a poor life," mused our guide Francois, as we swayed gently on a chairlift above acres of empty ski slopes bathed in winter sunshine. Our obviously well-contented mentor was being ironic of course. Life was indeed very sweet; so much so that Francois would spontaneously burst into snatches of song, or hum a tune, before offering Zen-like advice, like: "If you look where you are going you will see where you want to be"... or something along those lines. It seemed to make some sense anywa...

Meet Flybe Challenge

Pyrenees Trekking

PUT your best foot forward this autumn and enjoy a trekking holiday in the Pyrenean Foothills - taking in the magical, medieval Cathar Castles between Tuchan and Quillan. This six-night holiday, available until the end of October, is for the independent walker.

We're On Top of the World ; Record Snowfalls Tempt Skiers On to the Piste

AS the pound nosedives and holidaymakers hold on tight with white knuckles through the bumpy ride of the economic downturn, many ski resorts have enjoyed record snowfalls. Doesn't seem fair, does it? The choice for most avid skiers and boarders is staying put at home or giving in to temptation and taking the plunge to see what's out there representing good all- round value.

Break Is a Dram Come True

COSY-UP for a special weekend break at the stunning Four Seasons Hotel in scenic Perthshire this winter and learn about the heartwarming properties of whisky first hand. From October to December, guests can enjoy a relaxing two-night break on the breathtaking shores of Loch Earn for just pounds 175 per person, including breakfast, a four-course dinner one evening and Malt Tasting Tour at the nearby Famous Grouse Whisky Experience at Glenturret.

Pet Travel Guide On Internet

AFTER a 13 per cent year-on-year increase in transportation of pets on its North Sea route, Stena Line is looking to woo further pet owners with a new step-by-step video guide to taking pets on holiday to Holland by ferry. The short guide, which appears on Stena Line's website at www.stenaline.co.uk/pet-travel, explains the legal and practical requirements of taking pets to Holland and back into the UK.

Hotel of the Year Award

Ryanair Needs Your Passport

This Great Winter Playground Is a Bit of All White! ; Ice, Snow and Apres Ski ... Val d'Isere has It All

T was my very own Ski Sunday. In front of me, the slopes of Val d'Isere, where Canadian John Kucera sped to a heart-stopping World Championship downhill title.

A Feast for Walkers of All Abilities

THE third South Devon Walking Festival aims to offer something for every age group and walking ability, from toddlers to seasoned hikers. There are almost 50 opportunities to explore the landscape from October 2-11.

Blue Chip Beach Holidays

STAY in one of Queen Victoria's favourite holiday locations and get a second week at a luxury beach-side property for half the price. A week for eight at Beach House in Babbacombe Bay can be booked with Blue Chip Vacations for pounds 314 per person, enabling guests to book a second week between November and the end of March for just pounds 160 per person.

Kids Can See Santa for Free

ESPRIT Holidays is offering free child places on its Santa's Lapland holidays for children aged 2-5 years, and reductions for older kids of up to 75 per cent. There is also the offer of pounds 25 off each grandparent travelling as part of an extended family group.

A Show for the Outdoor Enthusiasts

OUTDOOR lovers who have been inspired to consider a caravan, motorhome or camping holiday this year can now snap up tickets for International Caravan & Motorhome 2009 at Birmingham's NEC (www.caravanshows.com). Taking place between October 13-18, it is the biggest indoor caravan and motorhome show in the UK and the starting place for outdoor adventures. The halls will be packed with more inspiration from 300 exhibitors offering newcomers and enthusiasts the best choice of motorhomes, caravans...

Helping Trees to Grow

EVERY time you recycle aluminium drinks cans, empty aerosols and clean foil, you are helping to grow fruit trees in Malawi, tackling deforestation where it is really needed and providing good food for the local people. As the trees grow and cropping improves, it is planned to launch small community businesses to dry and juice the fruits. The more aluminium you recycle, the more trees will be grown.Alupro has already planted 250,000 trees in five years.

Snap Up a Prize in Our Photo Contest ; Environment: Portray in a Picture How Much You Care About Our Region

HERE at the Mail we know how proud you are of our great region. That is why we are inviting readers to take a photo that shows how much you Love Where You Live, and giving you the chance to win cash... plus a prize that money can't buy.

We're Out On Patrol to Protect Our Pupils

BULLIES beware because St John's CE Primary School safety patrollers are watching. The Walsall Wood school has enlisted the help of a handful of youngsters to ensure any arguments are stopped before they become more serious.

Peacekeepers at Play

WITH their bright green caps on, peer mentors are easy to spot at Wychall Primary School in Northfield. And every lunch break and playtime they are on hand to help children solve arguments before they can escalate into something more.

Brian in Hairspray Show

ACTOR and comedian Brian Conley is to lead the cast when the West End musical Hairspray arrives in the West Midlands next year. Brian will be taking the role of mum Edna Turnblad when the musical comes to the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.