f you have been following my latets blog about skiing in Colorado for the first time you will know that I may be turning into a bit of convert. It's amazing what a bit of powder can do. I'm now moving from Breckenridge to Beaver Creek.

I have rather reluctantly crossed the Atlantic to ski in North America. Breckenridge to be precise. So what is it like?

The only trouble is I'm not young and would prefer to go south. I'm off to Vail, Breckenridge and Beaver Creek in Colorado but I prefer The Alps. How do I know if I've never been there?

Now I am not at my best first thing in the morning so sharing breakfast with complete strangers and having to make polite conversation over the cornflakes is not quite my idea of fun.

I am about to spend a few nights in a top of the market chalet with a bunch of complete strangers. The only trouble is that I am not actually looking forward to it.

It is amazing what a coupe of beers, a decent pizza and a good night's sleep can do. It also helps throwing open the curtains in Chamonix and seeing a powder day awaiting.