Travel clinic: skiing for non-skiers
The dilemma My boyfriend is determined to introduce me to the joys of skiing. I am convinced that I will hate it. Can you suggest a base with lots going on for non-skiers just in case my misgivings prove to be justified? Nicola, by email
Joanna replies As a winter-sports refusenik, I'm happy to report that a trip to the frozen Alps can be a magical experience. I've spoken to several ski experts, and the consensus seems to be that Zermatt is where it's at for non-skiers (and skiers as well). The pretty Swiss village scores top marks for Alpine ambience, with a car-free centre and stunning views of the Matterhorn. Daytime activities on offer at the resort include shopping in the glitzy boutiques, ice skating, horse-drawn sleigh rides, a helicopter ride over the Matterhorn or a visit to one of Zermatt's many spas and pools.
A comprehensive network of gondolas, trains and chairlifts ensures that the mountain is accessible to non-skiers, so you can meet your beloved for lunch or an après-ski beer in one of the atmospheric mountain huts. The Hotel Matterhorn Focus (matterhorn-focus.ch) is an ultra-stylish base with pool, sauna and spa. Doubles from £196pn in peak season.
If you have a travel dilemma, email Joanne O'Connor at
magazine@observer.co.uk
Take me there: a Room for London, Southbank
Here's a second chance to spend a night in London's most unusual hotel room (January to June 2012 sold out within 12 minutes of going live, so be quick). Perched on the roof of the Queen Elizabeth Hall, the boat-shaped Room for London welcomes its first guests this month, with panoramic views of the Thames and a nautical ambience (there's even a flag to raise and a logbook to complete). Commissioned by Alain de Botton's Living Architecture foundation, the room will be in situ for one year before popping up at iconic sites elsewhere in the capital. Online bookings for July-December open on 19 January. £300 per night (living-architecture.co.uk).
Three of the best ways … to celebrate Chinese New Year
Celebrations to welcome in the Chinese Year of the Dragon will bring a much-needed splash of colour to cities across the UK this January. Here are three ways to mark the occasion
1. China Town, Liverpool Traditional parade, firecracker display and food market hosted by one of the UK's oldest Chinese communities. 22 January. Free (liverpool.gov.uk)
2. Sweet Mandarin, Manchester Rustle up a feast with a Chinese cookery class at this Northern Quarter restaurant. 21 and 28 January, £100 (sweetmandarin.com)
3. National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London Creative workshops, music and family events celebrating Chinese culture. 18 February. Free (rmg.co.uk)
