"CHRISTMAS DAY ON THE SLOPES". The week between Christmas and New year is one of the busiest on the Alpine ski calendar, says Clare Mann in the Sunday Telegraph. But Christmas Day itself is less
popular, making it a good time for a short break. Courmayeur, in Italy's Valle d'Aosta, is a perfect destination, not least since the shopping's so good you won't have to bring presents. Along the Via Roma you can gather stocking fillers - salamis, olive oil, Burberry boxers and cashmere gloves - then
on Christmas morning, hit the gloriously empty slopes with their sumptuous views of Mont Blanc. In the evening, it's dinner, brandy and a roaring fire, gazing out of over the twinkling lights of the town".
The Week, 16/12/06