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Get fit and have fun in 2008 by booking a holiday on the piste, says Trish Cosgrove of Different Tracks

For those of you who return uninjured from a week skiing this winter, or indeed over next summer for those brave souls heading south of the equator, you will be pleased to know that you will have been taking part in one of the best possible forms of exercise.

If you are looking for a week of healthy living it is the perfect blend of fun, exercise and in some cases adrenalin - as long as you stay away from too much of the après-ski!

Skiing, particularly cross country, is great for the body - it tones almost every muscle while providing a thorough cardiovascular workout. Time spent on the slopes will improve delivery of oxygen to the muscles and strengthen the heart. It also has the advantage of being low impact, unlike running and many other sports, which can be bad for the joints, there is far less stress placed on the body.

And there is also the slightly less scientific argument that time spent outdoors is good for you. We all know how a great days walking tires you out, helps you sleep and leaves you feeling rejuvenated - skiing is much the same, just a little whiter!

Despite the physical benefits, don't forget the dangers to yourself before heading onto the slopes. As with any sport, part of the enjoyment comes from the preparation - you wouldn't go for a five-hour walk without stretching, fuelling your body and making sure you have the right equipment - so don't while skiing. Bear your surroundings in mind, particularly when going off piste and remember that altitude sickness can be a problem for those unaccustomed to mountain air.

Finally, consider that the benefits are not just physical; skiing is also great for the mind and stress levels. For those living in the flatlands of England regularly commuting into the city, a week in the Alps, Pyrenees, Andes or similar can be a transforming experience. The scale and beauty of the mountains is so different to the UK that you spend time looking about you, appreciating the wonderful scenery and relaxing into the atmosphere. The demanding nature of the sport also gives you a chance to forget about work and stress, while you focus on the slopes ahead of you. All in all, one of the few holidays where you are likelier to return fitter than when you left.

Trish Cosgrove is a director of Different Tracks, a tour operator specialising in luxury and ski Travel. www.differenttracks.co.uk

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