THE first and last time I went ski-ing I was 12 and nearly broke my neck - only saved from flying straight off the edge of a mountain by a kind passer-by who flung me to the ground.
I wasn't entirely sure that snowboarding would be any safer, but as it seemed to be the fashionable way to surf the white stuff in style I was game to give it a go.
Do not be deceived by this sexy looking sport, though. After experiencing it first-hand (or rather face down) I can vouch for the fact that you can end up in some very unflattering positions.
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I am not going to lie, I spent three days being flung backwards, forwards and eventually ended up with a mild form of whiplash.
Luckily Seefeld, in Austria, more than made up for it. It is great for ski-ing and snowboarding beginners with its gentle slopes, and there is plenty for the more accomplished on the exhilarating runs the Gschwandtkopf, Seefelderjoch and the Harmelekopf.
There was no room for dignity as I made my first hesitant runs down the nursery slopes with my ski instructor Benedict.
There's nothing more demoralising than not being able to move more than a few metres on your board without a four-year-old whizzing past you every five minutes sniggering at you while they do.
Snowboarders fall differently than skiers, too . . . and harder.
Perseverance
Perseverance is key, and, with the right guidance, boarding can be quicker to learn than skiing. I did make my way off the nursery slope and made a few small shapes down the slope without falling over.
Fortunately for me there are superb attractions for non-skiers here, too, from the nightclubs, bars and stylish shops to the cross country trails.
Yet for me curling was the highlight, after a few glasses of mulled wine nothing quite beats swinging that curling stone like Rhona Martin.
I stayed at the four star Hotel Residenz Alpenpark with elegant décor, traditional furnishings, comfortable lounge with open fire place, top class food and great spa facilities for after a hard day on the slopes.
A torch-lit horse sleigh ride through snow covered winter countryside, wrapped up in warm blankets to the restaurant Triendslage also added to the whole experience.
All in all a fabulous trip, however I think next time I'll leave the boarding to the more able and I'll work my way through the excellent mountains of food rather than the snow covered versions.
STEPH Elmore stayed courtesy of Inghams at the four star Hotel Residenz Alpenpark in Seefeld for 7 nights on half board, prices start from £605 per person, including return flights from Manchester to Innsbruck and resort transfers.
Ski pack items can be pre-booked; 6 day adult whole area lift pass starts from £131; 6 days ski & boot hire costs £80 and 3 days ski school (4hrs a day) costs £95.
For information about the Tyrol region of Austria see tyrol.com
Holiday Extras (0870 844 4186 /holidayextras.co.uk) provides an extensive range of services. The offer a double room at The Sofitel from £105 per room, per night.
