WINTER SPORT: Not all ski trips have to be action packed, says Peter Thompson

LYING on my back with my legs in the air is a predicament I’ve became accustomed to on ski trips. And just a few hours after arriving in the Swiss Alps, I find myself in that all-too familiar position once again.

As I open my eyes in a startled state, I hear a stern voice instructing me to inhale and then exhale. I get back on my feet, and fortunately, there’s no need to salvage my skis after another almighty pile-up.

I’m enjoying my first ever yoga session high up in the mountains in one of the converted barns that makes up the impressive Montagne Alternative boutique hotel, billed as a place to escape for peace and tranquillity.

Blessed with spectacular views of mountains and valleys, the location easily induces relaxation.

I arrived at the quaint village of Commeire by train from Geneva Airport to the nearby town of Martigny, coasting past the sun-dappled Lake Geneva.

Spread over five barns (with one sleeping up to ten people), Montagne Alternative combines classic Alpinestyle design with modern and chic decor.

There are only 13 residents in the village of Commeire, but every effort has been made to ensure their lives haven’t been disrupted by the hotel.

But a stay here isn’t just about sitting back and soaking up the atmosphere; with resorts Verbier and La Fouly on the doorstep, it’s an excellent spot for skiers.

The slopes at La Fouly are much quieter and are perfect for a novice skier like myself.

A tasty lunch with a couple of beers at traditional Swiss restaurant Auberge des Glaciers is a perfect way to end my short break in the mountains. Although I could happily stay in front of the roaring fire at our luxuriously converted barn long after the cows come home.

  • Doubles at Montagne Alternative cost from 200 euros, including breakfast; a week’s stay costs from 650 euros per person (based on two sharing a room). Visit www.montagnealternative.com.

Swiss Air flies from London Gatwick to Geneva from £67 return. For information on train travel within Switzerland, visit www.swiss travelsystem.co.uk.

FESTIVE SHOPPING: Turn browsing into a weekend break for the family, says Ben Mitchell

FOR shoppers suffering brand fatigue by trawling through the same old stores which hog the average high street, then Brighton offers an exciting antidote.

The south coast city is a breeding ground for independent and creative labels, and retailers offering a refreshing range of everything from children’s clothes and toys to retro and cuttingedge fashions.

And with so many familyfriendly attractions in the area, it’s the perfect choice for a weekend Christmas shopping break with our young child in tow.

The first place to head is the North Laine – this growing network of streets is less famous than the original Brighton Lanes, but is brimming with life and colour.

Make sure you take time to look around you as the street performance and art is as much a part of the experience as the shops.

We stay in the midst of this at Vine Street Studios – stylish self-catering loft apartments kitted out with the latest in interior design, all of which can be purchased.

Heading towards the sea, we encounter the winding maze of The Lanes with stylish boutiques from world-famous brands, intermingled with independent stores and restaurants offering worldwide cuisine.

A typically-colourful option is the Scoop and Crumb ice cream parlour which boasts the largest ice cream sundae and waffle menu in the UK.

Set up by Jonathan Dickson and his Swedish wife Helena, the decor is as candycoloured as its desserts and it all brims with a Scandinavian feel.For a break from all that shopping, the Tremendous Tipi pop-up restaurant, on the beach by the Brighton Music Hall, offers hearty winter meals.

But if you decide to stay at home for the evening, enlist the help of chef Minesh Agnihotri from the Indian Summer restaurant. He can teach you how to cook authentic Indian cuisine.

Until end of January, Vine Street Studios offer family apartments for £1,000 (or £50pppn) for up to ten guests staying Friday and Saturday nights. Visit www.vinestreetstudios.co.uk.

FAMILY FUN: Join Mickey and Minnie for a magical time, says Claire Spreadbury

After a few hours on the Eurostar, my four-year-old daughter Rosie and I are walking down Main Street at Disneyland Europe, taking in the sites and sounds of the festive season, as an incredible 8,200 litres of soap is magically transformed into snowflakes falling.

A 24m-high Christmas tree is adorned in a mass of decorations, each one inspired by end-of-the-year European traditions.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse lead the parade of floats dressed in their festive finery, while Rosie bops to Christmas tunes. I even allow her to stay up late to take in the spectacular Disney Dreams Christmas show.

  • Disney’s Enchanted Christmas two-night, threeday package, including return travel with Eurostar, starts from £1,205.20 for a family of two adults and two children (aged 4-6yrs). Price includes accommodation with breakfast at Disney’s Hotel New York and three day tickets for the Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, based on two adults sharing. Visit www.disneylandparis.com.