THE BIG TRIP

After the privations of recent months, we’ve scouted around for some unique and spectacular ways to spend winter in the mountains. From Iran to Iceland, the Rockies to Russia, why wait to book that ski trip of a lifetime?

- ALF ALDERSON

BAFFIN ISLAND

Canada

Not many skiers can claim to have visited Baffin Island. The remote landscapes of this northern Canadian territory are accessed by helicopter, allowing you to ski beneath the midnight sun on nameless mountains that may never have seen ski tracks before. You’ll be based in a luxury Arctic camp, surrounded by gigantic granite walls and glaciers seemingly stretching to infinity; and it’s not just about the unique skiing experience. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy dog sledding, Inuit throat singing performances, snowmobiling and guided polar bear safaris — definitely not your average ski trip. C$ 175,000 (£101,000) total, excluding flights, group booking only (eight people). mabeyski.com

KAMCHATKA

Russia

Kamchatka might be on the other side of the world (it’s 12 time zones away), but skiing here is like navigating a different planet. In the course of a single descent of up to 6,000 vertical feet, you may encounter smoking volcanoes, steaming hot pools, vast powder fields and unforgettable views across the most active volcanic landscape in the world. And all this before finishing up on a black sand beach from where — if you’re brave enough — you can skinny dip in the cobalt blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.