Olympic skier Alain Baxter doesn’t look right riding a bike. On the slopes he was poetry in motion. In the saddle he’s awkward — as if it’s his first ride since his paper round. But cycling is the Scot’s new sport after quitting as Britain’s most successful skier earlier this year. He’d better get pedalling if he’s to reach the Commonwealth Games in Delhi next year.

Cheer up snow lovers. The season is far from over. In fact, it’s only just begun. A brand new ski destination officially opened its pristine slopes to the skiing and snowboarding public this month.