Despite its reputation as a popular summer and winter sun destination, the island of Cyprus also offers an alternative skiing holiday location. Somehow this southernmost Mediterranean hot spot effortlessly manages to combine the good weather and Mediterranean lifestyle of the coastal resorts with a ski season in the Troodos mountains that runs between January to early March.

The magnificent Troodos mountain range dominates the central region of Cyprus and offers four ski runs, operated and maintained by the Cyprus Ski Club. Two runs criss-cross the north face of Mount Olympus named Hera and Zeus. Hera at 350m long caters well for beginners, whilst Zeus stretching a never-ending 500m offers perfect terrain for more advanced skiers. On the south side of Olympus the �Sun Valley� also has two further runs reaching 150m each. Aphrodite is suitable for those with little skiing experience, whilst visitors at an intermediate level will enjoy Hermes. Piste maps can be found on www.skicyprus.com. The Cyprus Ski Club also offers pre-bookable lessons and equipment hire on a daily basis, so even if you have never been skiing before, there is no excuse for not sampling the pistes of the Troodos.

Uniquely, from the pistes, the beautiful golden sandy beaches of Larnaka, the island�s premier resort as far as the locals are concerned, is a short 40 minute dive away. Here visitors can enjoy all the benefits of a sun, sea and sand winter holiday as well as the abundance of culture and historic sites, museums, churches, art galleries plus an amazing collection of bars, restaurants and tavernas. Some line the famous Palm Tree Promenade on the seafront and others run up the myriad of streets from the marina through the old quarter, the heart of the town. All within easy walking or cycling distances.

Planet Holidays are offering seven-night stays at the four-star Palm Beach Hotel & Bungalows, close to the skiing region and with its own magnificent sandy beach throughout January, February and March starting from as little as �545per person for January departures based on two people sharing on a bed and breakfast basis. The price includes return flights, taxes and private taxi transfers plus free car hire but ski lessons and equipment hire is not included. For reservations contact Planet Holidays on 0870 066 0909 or for further information on the Cyprus Ski Club and skiing in Cyprus contact the Cyprus Tourism Organisation on 020 7569 8800.

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