ASK someone where it is possible to spend the morning mountain biking on some of the world's best trails followed by an afternoon on a ski slope with breathtaking views, and they may suggest the USA or perhaps New Zealand.
Tell them the destination must be an easy drive away from the North-west and they will probably struggle.
Unless, of course, they know about North Wales - a few hours' drive away and a haven for outdoor sports such as the Marin Cycle trail in Snowdonia's Gwydyr Forest.
This is 17 miles of track created specifically for mountain bikers, boasting stretches of climbs and descents to suit all abilities. It is graded "A" by the International Mountain Biking Association and is clearly something of a Mecca for bikers, attracting dozens of them even on a wet winter morning.
Like the majority of mountain bike-owners, I had only ever used mine in an urban setting. Fortunately, I was to be guided around the trail by an expert, Jonathan Collins, of Llandudno-based Snowdonia Cycle Hire. We met in the village of Llanwryst and opted to make the steep ascent to the trail by car. No point in being exhausted before the fun part.
Once there, Jonathan provided me with bike, helmet and water bottle and ran through a few safety drills before setting off.
My needs were fairly specific - I wanted terrain technically challenging but not impossible, ascents that were steep rather than lung-busting, and downhills that injected a rush of adrenalin rather than pure fear.
Thanks to the variety of trail on offer, I was not disappointed.
The ascents I experienced were not too steep and tended to be on wide, forgiving forest roads. Descents were thrilling, narrow single-track affairs through the forest itself. Humps, greasy roots and jutting rocks meant a degree of skill was necessary but did not detract from the fun of the downhill.
Sensitive to the needs of the less-than-fit, Jonathan makes regular stops and insists on going at the pace of the slowest rider. His routes also incorporate stops at scenic points along the way.
On our trip his role was more guide than instructor but he is an experienced rider who is happy to pass on his wisdom. It is also comforting to know he has supplied a cycle in top working order and is carrying the tools to fix any problems.
The ride was scheduled to last four hours, which was an ideal taster and I needed to save my energy for the slopes.
The Llandudno Ski Centre is a 30-minute drive from Llanwryst. Its slope runs down the Great Orme, a coastal headland popular with walkers and tourists for its spectacular views over Liverpool Bay.
The centre offers group lessons or individual coaching to suit all abilities, although skiers and boarders with basic skills are free to turn up, pay, and use it at their leisure.
Of course, nobody pretends that a 200m stretch of coconut matting will rival the snowy runs of a genuine mountain resort. But, for an adrenalin rush, an afternoon's fun or a bit of practice before a trip to the Alps, this is money well spent.
As for the spectacular views, standing at the top of the slope on a clear day is worth the entrance fee in itself. The centre also boasts a toboggan run which allows riders to speed along on a wheeled sleigh. Great for a refreshing change from skiing, or for those who simply cannot stay on their feet.
Half-day guided tour with Snowdonia Cycle Hire (01492 878 771) costs £40, plus £11.50 cycle hire. Full day £80 plus cycle hire.
Individual tuition at Llandudno Ski Centre (01492 874 707) costs £38.50 per hour. Group deals include tuition for family-of-four for £60. Adults can turn up and ski for £10 per 90 minutes, children £7.50. All prices include ski/boot hire. £3.50 buys two toboggan rides.
Will Batchelor was a guest of North Wales Tourism Partnership, which can provide details of two night B&B stays in North Wales from £55 per person.
Information from brochure available on 01492 539 062.
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