Cruise the pistes and go where eagles dare

CHRISTMAS has come early for ski fans – in the form of free ski lessons on the snowy flanks of Mont Blanc. Other great experiences on offer now include a chance to ski with an eagle, or you can get back to nature on a ski tour through Slovenia’s Julian Alps.

TAKE advantage of the best initiative in the Alps – free group ski lessons in Chamonix.

The aim of the French resort is to encourage loyal guests, and newcomers, to try something new. Just provide proof of packaged or independently booked accommodation, and beginners can benefit from up to six days of novice downhill lessons.

Alternatively, experienced thrillseekers can learn ski touring, off-piste skills or cross-country skiing.

The offer is open to holidays booked between January 7 and February 4, and March 7 and April 1, 2022. Seven nights’ B&B departing January 8 or 15, 2022, at the threestar Hotel Richmond including flights and transfers, costs from £769pp (inghams.co.uk). Visit chamonix.com to choose your preferred ski school and book your free lessons.

Go where eagles dare – and cruise the pistes while a magnificent whitetailed eagle with a 6ft wingspan and razor-sharp talons glides overhead as if checking out your technique. It’s safe – they’re trained to do it!

During a two-hour session (£102pp) high on the slopes of the Portes du Soleil in France, expert falconers will teach you the subtle sounds and movements to make to encourage a bird of prey to land on your gauntlet. Then you will ski while it flies overhead (lesaiglesduleman.com).

Seven nights arriving January 9, 2022, at The Manoir in Morzine costs from £1,419pp, based on two sharing. This includes breakfast, afternoon tea, three-course meal on six nights, champagne reception and airport transfers. Flights to Geneva are extra (vip-chalets.com).

A five-day guided ski touring adventure in Slovenia’s beautiful Julian Alps is within Triglav National Park. Tours range from novice or introductory days, with two hours’ climbing per day, to expert tours that can involve eight hours of climbing daily. Ski down to a different village each day while your luggage is transferred from hotel to hotel. Tours start from £841pp, including transfers, hotels, meals, skis, boots and guides (julian-alps.com). Return flights to Ljubljana from £37 (easyjet.com).