Latvia

Like its neighbour Estonia, Latvia suffers from a lack of altitude. So for those of you that like to ride the hill hard and fast, you're probably going to want to look elsewhere.

If you're a cross-country skier however, stick with us, because Latvia has plenty of snowfall (especially during January and February) and plenty of space too.

There are actually 19 ski resorts in Latvia. None are going to leave you gasping for breath, but for beginners looking to get a bit of practice before heading somewhere more challenging, the gentle slopes are actually pretty ideal.

There is some terrain to suit more advanced riders too. The ski resort of Baili is just over 100 kms north of Riga - the capital of Latvia. The place has only four runs, the longest of which is just 180 metres. However, for jibbers, there's a snowboard park here that's definitely worth a look.

If you're looking for cross country skiing in Latvia, most of the resorts - like Baili above - have their own trails. There are also plenty of forest paths and open countryside to take advantage of, when the weather's right.

Despite their diminutive size, many of the ski resorts in Latvia do offer accommodation, as well as ski hire and tuition.

The ski season runs from mid December to April.

Cost

Accommodation and food in Latvia is still cheap by European standards. But a one-day adult lift pass can set you back as much as US$40.

Getting here

Air Baltic and Ryanair are the main carriers, connecting Riga with a number of major European cities. KLM and Lufthansa also fly direct from Holland and Germany.