What's new for this ski season? Find wild half-pipes, watch the best skiers in the world, and fly above the mountains.

Top 5 on the piste

1 - Peak 2 Peak Gondola

With the opening of Whistler's new record breaking gondola you can easily hop between the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The first lift of its kind in North America , the new Peak2Peak gondola will provide an eleven-minute alpine level link between the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Revolutionising the year-round guest experience at Whistler-Blackcomb the new lift will help visitors make the most of their day on the slopes and offer phenomenal views of Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Ski holidays in Whistler/ Blackcomb, Canada

2 - The ultimate kids' ski school

Beaver Creek in Colorado has a new state-of-the-art children's ski and snowboard school - The Ranch. Located on top of Buckaroo Express Gondola, parents can watch from the centre's huge windows as their kids learn on the customised slopes, designed to train correct body movement.

Ski holidays in Beaver Creek, USA

3 - Chamonix revamp

The Planpraz gondola lift has had an ambitious revamp in the south-facing Brevent and Flegere ski area. Each gondola will have wide panoramic windows and the lift will now be able to take twice as many passengers as the old system - around 3000 an hour - meaning less waiting time for you and your skis.

Ski holidays in Chamonix, France

4 - Matterhorn makeover

The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise - the highest sightseeing point in Europe - is getting a makeover. A restaurant with accommodation for mountaineers will be built, and Zermatt Mountain Cableways have already constructed a weatherproof access with lifts to the amazing Glacier Palace . This will make a trip to see the breathtaking scenery even more of a pleasure.

Ski holidays in Zermatt, Switzerland

5 - Canada 's wild half-pipe

One of the world's largest permanent half-pipes has been built in Stoneham Mountain Resort, 20 minutes from Quebec City. Freestylers will be in heaven on this epic structure, which is open seven days a week. The 22-foot high half-pipe has a slope of 18.5 degrees and will have new snowguns and permanent lighting. Don't miss one of the half-pipe parties or competitions.

Snow holidays in Quebec, Canada

Top 5 off the piste

1 - World Alpine Ski Championships

Watch the best skiers in the world compete in Val d'Isere from 2-15 February 2009. The highlight of the event will be the 'face to face' racecourses for the downhill races. The blue-ribbon men's downhill event will take place on the notoriously dangerous "Face de Bellevarde", which hosted the 1992 Olympic Men's downhill. Meanwhile, a new "Rhône-Alpes" slope has been built to host the ladies event on Solais mountain.

The World Alpine Ski Championships were last held in France back in 1962, so make sure you catch all the incredible races this time around.

Ski holidays in Val d'Isere, France

2 - Villars extravaganza

Peaceful Villars will come alive with singing, dancing and displays during the Villars Night Show. On each Wednesday of February, the tranquil slopes will play host to a fireworks and laser show, live music and stage performances. This is a winter extravaganza not to be missed.

Ski holidays in Villars, Switzerland

3 -  European Gay Ski Week

Tignes in France is flying the rainbow flag from 21-28 March 2009. The European Gay Ski Week will see gay friends from all over Europe come together for a week of skiing and partying, in association with ManMountain and Happy Gay Ski Week.

Ski holidays in Tignes, France

4 - Love wine?

The Sorrento Spa has opened in Vail Plaza hotel in the centre of Vail village. The spa specialises in Vinotherapy - using the antioxidants found in grapes. Experience a Red Wine Vine Bath , a Crushed Cabernet Scrub or the Honey and Wine Wrap. Perfect to soothe tired muscles after a day on the slopes.

Ski holidays in Vail, USA

5 - Flying high

Soar above the mountains on the First Flyer ziplines in Grindelwald. You can glide through the air next to three friends, each whizzing down your own zipline at over 50mph. The 800m experience will give you a huge adrenaline kick.

Ski holidays in Grindelwald, Switzerland

Read more about other ski holidays with Kuoni.