The late winter escapes

Daytrips to the slopes are perfect when you're pushed for time. A day's skiing (six hours) in Chamonix is £89 per person, including return flights, departing Gatwick this Thursday. Lift pass, ski and boot hire are not included, but can be arranged for £35. Call Airtours on 0800 028 8844.

Chill out with Arctic Experience (01737 214 214): three nights in Reykjavik at the Radisson SAS Island costs £367 per person, including breakfast, plus a snowmobile trip to local hot springs at the Hellisheidi plateau and return flights from Heathrow. Cross country skiing is available 45 minutes away at the Blafjoll mountains. Depart this Friday or Friday 26 January.

Crystal Ski (0870 848 7000) has a three-night ski break to Engelberg in Switzerland at the three-star Hotel Terrace for £289 per person half-board, including return flights from Heathrow. Departs 29 January.

Kirker Holidays (020 7231 3333) has three nights in Barcelona at the three-star Hotel Barcelona for £326 per person, including breakfast, a Barcelona Pass providing discount vouchers for selected museums and shops and return flights from Gatwick or Heathrow. Daily departures until 12 March, but bookings must be made by 28 January.

Inghams Ski (020 8780 4444) has three nights' half-board in Verbier at the three-star Le Chamois hotel for £327 per person, including return flights from Heathrow. Depart Fridays until 9 February.

Take a weekend in Lisbon with Magic of Portugal (08700 270 450). Two nights at the four-star Hotel Tivoli Jardin is £285 per person, including breakfast and return flights from Heathrow. Four departures weekly until 15 February.