TRAVEL NOTES
Run away for Christmas
If you experience a sudden urge to run away to the mountains this Christmas, the fabulous five star Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains in glitzy St Moritz still has space. As well as the world-class skiing, the hotel also offers complimentary access to its high alpine spa and a gala dinner for guests on Christmas Eve. St Moritz is reporting over a metre of snow already, so the skiing ought to be excellent too. £3,725 per person half board, including flights and six day ski pass. www.seasons.co.uk
Film yourself at Vail
A new Four Seasons hotel at Vail, high in the Colorado Rockies, is to open on 15 December. As part of their full service concierge service, the hotel will even offer guests the chance to hire helmet cameras to film their more daredevil exploits directly. At the end of the day, guests will be presented with a DVD of their footage. £1,295 per person, including flights, transfers and accommodation in a garden king room. Helmet cam rental is $45 a day. www.seasons.co.uk
New summer heli-skiing
If a northern hemisphere season isn’t enough, Chile’s first heli-ski lodge is due to open in summer 2011. Located in the remote central Andes, the Puma Lodge is only 90 minutes drive from Santiago – the shortest transfer time of any major heli ski operation. As well as the incredible southern powder, the lodge features a wine cave and a library, as well as a fully equipped spa including a gym and an outdoor pool. £8,189 per person for six days heli-skiing, including flights and transfers (price based on four guests), www.exsus.com