It’s been a confusing season for ski marketing in both Europe and North America. Global warming has added an unwelcome element of unpredictability to ski resorts’ ability to provide snow and that problem has been compounded by the high cost of domestic and international air fares.

Europe entered the winter nervously as the snow was slow in coming but a major storm front in mid-December gave most of alpine resorts enough snow to carry them through the season. In the French Alps, Club Med’s ski resorts Peisey-Vallandry, Chamonix Mont-Blanc, La Plagne 2100, Valmorel and Tignes Val Claret boasted of a combined 20 feet of natural snow this season.

Switzerland also benefitted from the mid-December snow with resorts like Les Diablerets reporting eight feet of snow to date; Leysin, six feet; Villars-Gryon, five feet; and Chateaux d’Oex, nearly four feet.

“We really get very little traffic out of the U.S. in December anyway,” said Alex Hermann, Switzerland Tourism’s director North America.

“In January we did well, but skiing is an important but small part of our U.S. business.”

Even with their associations with winter sport, Europe’s Alpine countries attract many more Americans in summer than winter.

Austria, for example, attracted 70 percent of its American visitors between March and October.

Snowfall in the American and Canadian Rockies has not been as robust as in Europe. According to John Frasca, the president of World on Skis, a division of Central Holidays, “The ski season out West started badly with meager snow and, because of the cost of the air fares, a weak economy and the high cost of lift tickets in the Rockies, many skiers are looking for resorts they can just drive to. There are lots of specials, amazing deals, in both Europe and North America, but the air fares are a huge obstacle in a scary economy.

Europe is cold, has plenty of snow and some great deals, but air fares are throwing things off. A six-night package in Europe with breakfasts, transfers and lift tickets included can be had at prices much lower than Western resorts, especially with lift tickets in the Rockies priced at about $100 a day. But then there’s the air fare obstacle. Who is going to risk putting out the money and take a chance that there will be a poor snow cover?”

The January Trivago Hotel Price Index rated average hotel prices at ski destinations in Europe and North America. Romania had the least-expensive ski resort prices this winter.

The highest prices in Europe were reported in St. Moritz in Switzerland ($545), and in the U.S., in Beaver Creek, Colo. ($498). Swiss destinations such as Gstaad and Zermatt ($368) presented the most-expensive rooms in winter sports regions in January. Colorado’s Beaver Creek and Aspen ($474) reported the highest average prices in North America.

Euro-Bike Tours was sold to Austin-Lehman Adventures in 2008, and Ron Van Dijk, former owner of Euro-Bike Tours, is now ALA’s European cycling director. Van Dijk was in charge of selecting the Sensational Seven Cycling Routes of Europe.

“It was a fun challenge for me to go back through nearly four decades of cycling to pick my all-time favorite pedal routes of Europe,” said Van Dijk.

“I hope to inspire others to slow down, get on a bike and enjoy a Europe adventure on two wheels either on their own or with a small group tour such as those offered by ALA.”

Van Dijk’s “Sensational Seven” are as follows:

France — The Dordogne between Argentat and Beynac (110 miles). According to Van Dijk, it’s “a favorite for its authenticity, the peace, the great food, the old Romanesque churches, the castles and the history (such as the Hundred Years War between France and England). Make sure to divert from the valley every now and then to visit villages like St-Céré, Autoire, Loubressac, Rocamadour, as well as the lively town of Sarlat.”

Italy — South-Tyrol from Reschen Pass to Merano (50 miles).

From the top of the pass, Van Dijk said, “it’s all pretty much all downhill for about 50 miles on specially marked bike paths, and you’re always surrounded by some of the most majestic mountains of the Alps. Pass by villages, lakes, meadows, apple orchards and end your ride in the noble spa town of Merano.”

Spain — Rioja vineyards between Logroño and Haro (35 miles). Van Dijk suggests October when the leaves are turning, roads are peaceful and hospitality including tapas bars in Haro a blessing after tackling a few hills.

Germany — Mosel Valley from Trier to Koblenz (132 miles). This is a four-day stretch through steep vine-clad hills with stops at villages for sips of Rieslings. It’s is a gentle, downhill trip past Roman sites in Trier and castles and ruins around every bend of the Mosel.

Austria — Salzach Valley from Gerlos Pass/Krimml to Salzburg (115 miles). With the snowcapped Grossglockner, this is a highly scenic descent from Gerlos Pass to Salzburg.

Netherlands — Tulip, hyacinth and narcissus fields near Keukenhof (20 miles).

Denmark — Danish Riviera between Copenhagen and Helsingør (30 miles). Bike paths along Denmark’s “Gold Coast” reveal villas, fishing villages and museums such as the Karen Blixen Museum (author of “Out of Africa”), the Nivagaard art museum and the supreme Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in an incredible setting overlooking the Sound.

ALA’s cycling tour bookings were up 26 percent in 2011 over 2010. So far in 2012, they are up 10 percent. To accommodate the projected up trend, ALA added three new trips and additional departures representing a 15 percent increase in capacity from 2011 to 2012. The trips new for 2012 are France-Burgundy, Spain-Rioja and Denmark Family Adventure.

Austin-Lehman Adventures provides adventure vacations on five continents. The company specializes in adult and family multi-sport, hiking, biking vacations that emphasize history, culture and nature’s charms. Trips are limited to 12 guests (18 on family departures). For more information, call 800-575-1540.

The Greek island of Santorini performed extraordinarily well in the romance stakes, laying claim to Europe’s two most romantic hotels — the winner, Andronis Luxury Suites, and runner-up, Aspaki & Oia Castle. Santorini also claimed the seventh place hotel, Anastasis Apartments, which was named the world’s second-best hotel in the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Hotel awards in January.

Europe’s most romantic hotels include the Andronis Luxury Suites in Santorini; the Aspaki & Oia Castle, also in Santorini; the Seven Hotel Paris; the Tiara Yaktsa Cannes; the Boutique Hotel Villa Sostaga Lake Garda, Italy; the Castello Bevilacqua, Italy: the Anastasis Apartments in Santorini; the Villa Contessa in Bad Saarow, Germany; the Sogno di Giulietta inVerona, Italy; and the Chateau de Marcay in Chinon, France.

Coastal sun-kissed Greek villa for two
Pelagia Cottage, Messinia, Greece

What could be more romantic than sitting in a hot tub overlooking the Greek coastline as the sun sets across the Gulf ofMessinia. CV Travel’s Pelagia Cottageisa beautifully restored villain a superb setting on the edge of a low headland on the Peloponnese.

The property has two outdoor dining terraces, one dappled by shade and the other with a private jacuzzi on the headland with rock bathing just below and within walking distance of beautiful sandy beaches, local shops and tavernas in the Greek village of Stoupa.

A 7 night stay in Pelagia Cottage costs from £1680 – £1925 per week including car hire, maid service and food hamper, based on 2 guests sharing. Contact CV Travel on 020 7401 1026,www.cvtravel.co.uk

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/greece/peloponnese/stoupa/accommodation/pages/pelagia-cottage.aspx

Just a diamond’s call away
The Draycott Hotel, Kensington, Great Britain

Romantics and lovers of tradition will enjoy the afternoon tea and biscuits, champagne at six and bed-time hot chocolate at the 5* Draycott Hotel, a red-brick house in the heart of Kensington and Chelsea, close to Sloane Square and temptingly close to London’s high end shops.

The Draycott recalls an era of Edwardian grandeur in style, with high ceilings, period antiques and theatrical memorabilia and is set around a peaceful private garden square. 24-hour concierge service ensures that a call for a large diamond at 2am will at least be answered.

Those falling for the hotel’s charms, and each other, can also book a wedding reception there at a future date.

A two night stay at the Draycott Hotel costs from £318 per person in 2012 (based on a standard double bedroom), including breakfast, available through CV Travel, 020 7401 1086, www.cvtravel.co.uk

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/great-britain/england/london/accommodation/pages/the-draycott-hotel.aspx

`Wedding cake’ villa above the sea
La Ventana, Siesta, Ibiza

For those with nuptials on the mind La Ventana in Ibiza is a real `wedding cake’ of a whitewashed Spanish villa, tucked up in a private location on the cliffs above the small town of Siesta. Its immensely intimate setting, with wide-open sea views from its raised private terrace and its own hexagonal swimming pool make it a very special romantic retreat. The villa is private, but within a romantic stroll of a spa, lovely beaches and the bars and restaurants in the town.

La Ventanacan be rented through CV Travel from £2,170 per week between April and October 2012. Sleeps up to 4.

Contact CV Travel on 020 7401 1035 or visit www.cvtravel.co.uk

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/spain/ibiza/siesta/accommodation/pages/la-ventana.aspx#/

Centuries of love
The Cockloft, Cotswolds, Great Britain
Stroll in the grounds of Wiltshire’s oldest inhabited manor house, with its 13th century porch and 15th century chapel, and amid the ancient yews, stumble across a love folly and pluck a bloom from the profusion of old fashioned rose species that fill the gardens in May and June. This historic manor house has witnessed centuries of romance and modern-day romantics can enjoy a week’s stay at `The Cockloft’ in the grounds of the manor house, a heavily-beamed, ancient, stone-built house with traditional polished wood floors, furnished with antiques.

A week’s stay at The Cockloft can be booked with CV Travel (020 7401 1086, www.cvtravel.co.uk) costs from £600 for two.

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/great-britain/england/cotswolds/accommodation/pages/the-cockloft.aspx

Villa for two on the island of Corfu
Villa Akrothalassia, St Spiridon, Corfu

Akrothalassia on the North east coast of Corfu is a very romantic, secluded property situated deep within a private olive grove, just a few steps away from the sea. The property’s romantic charm includes a Jacuzzi bath which has superb views of the sea with an eye-catching silhouette of an offshore island.

A week’s stay starts from £1415 based on 2 people sharing and includes car hire maid service and food hamper. Contact CV Travel on 020 7401 1026 or visit www.cvtravel.co.uk

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/greece/corfu/kalamaki-st-spiridon–perithia/accommodation/pages/akrothalassia.aspx

A tower for two in rural Umbria
`Renato’s Tower’, Borgo San Biagio, Umbria

This quirky, restored medieval tower in a hilltop Umbrian hamlet with a hot-tub on the roof terrace, is absolutely perfect for a romantic weekend or honeymoon retreat. From the rooftop terrace couples enjoy beautiful views of the undulating countryside while the tower offers rustic and comfortable accommodation on 4 floors and is in close proximity to historic towns and places of interest for plenty of romantic excursions.

Renato’s Tower can be booked for two from £995 per week. Call CV Travel on 020 7401 1039 or visit www.cvtravel.co.uk

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/EN/Destinations/Europe/Italy/Umbria/Umbria–Tuscany-Borders/Accomodations/Pages/Renatos-Tower.aspx

Wake up to the waves
`La Trasita’, Positano

Wake up to the sound of the waves and the scent of the sea in a 14th century Saracen tower, perched on the headland on a coastal path leading away fromPositano, making it a unique venue, with its own roof terrace, galleried double bedroom and sitting room with balcony. Sea views are, naturally, unrivalled.

La Trasita is available to book through CV Travel from £1445for two to share per week. Tel 020 7401 1039 or visit www.cvtravel.co.uk

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/italy/campania/amalfi-coast-sorrento–ischia/accommodation/pages/la-trasita.aspx

Town house on Sicily’s coastline
Casa Cefalu, Sicily Coast

Wander through the streets and squares of Cefalu with its palazzi, churches, old fashioned bars and a sandy beach, before returning a short stroll to Casa Cefalu, a pretty town house in the medieval centre of Cefalù, on the north coast of Sicily.From the house’s two terraces magnificent views over the roofs of the medieval town, the twelfth-century Norman cathedral and out to sea can be seen.

Casa Cefalu can be booked through from CV Travel from £895 for two to share per week. Call CV on 020 7401 1039 or visit www.cvtravel.co.uk   

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/italy/sicily/sicily-coast–countryside/accommodation/pages/casa-cefalu.aspx

Charming rural retreat, inland Mallorca

Son Siona, Mallorca, Spain

Son Siona is a traditional cottage with plenty of rural atmosphere and secluded countryside for a very peaceful and romantic stay. The local village of Buger is a short walk away and is one of the smallest municipalities on the island of Mallorca and one of the most attractive. Bursting with character and cosiness, the house has its own private pool and large private gardens, making it perfect for seclusion and romance.

Son Siona is available to rent through CV Travel (020 7401 1035, www.cvtravel.co.uk ) from £805 to £1565 per week.

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/spain/mallorca/bay-of-pollensa–surrounds/accommodation/pages/son-siona.aspx

Town house a deux in one of France’s most beautiful villages

La Petit Gordes, Gordes, France

Take a leisurely stroll together through the stone paved streets of one of France’s most beautiful villages, Gordes, a picturesque hillside town with spectacular views overlooking the hills of Luberon, and a place where film stars and local artists have made their home. Visitthe Saint-Firmain Palace cellars, the Sénanque Abbey and the Village des Bories. CV Travel’s La Petite Gordesis a charming two bedroom stone town house with a large private pool, just 5 minutes walk from the centre ofGordes, and driving distance fromthe beautiful town of Bonnieux and the city of Avignon.

La Petit Gordes can be booked through CV Travel (020 7401 1044,www.cvtravel.co.uk) A 7 night stay in La Petite Gordes costs from £2,360 to £3,655 per week including villa hire and maid service, for up to 4 guests sharing. Return flights, transfers and car hire can be arranged on request.

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/france/provence/goult–surrounding-areas/accommodation/pages/la-petite-gordes.aspx

The massage uses oils from a chocolate candle, which fills the air with chocolate aromas and perfumes. The couple are massaged together in one of the resort’s spa suites and afterwards they can enjoy hot chocolate and pastries prepared by Lefay’s chef.

The resort is offering the special two night Valentine’s package between 9 and 19 February 2012. The break costs from £324 (€ 390) per person in a Prestige Junior Suite, based on two sharing with breakfast, a la carte dinner, sparkling wine and chocolates on arrival, a chocolate candle massage and entrance to the spa and use of its saunas and pools.

Flights are available with easyjet.com and ryanair.com  to Verona.

For reservations and more information visit www.lefayresorts.com .

Lefay Resort & Spa is set in 27 acres of woodland and olive groves in the Alto Garda National Park overlooking Lake Garda.

There are five different types of sauna; a salt water lake for flotation therapies; a state-of-the-art gym and outdoor and indoor swimming pools.

It offers a new type of holiday that combines environmental sustainability, luxury accommodation and innovative wellness experiences with all the style of Italy.

This year the resort became the first wellness resort in southern Europe to obtain the Green Globe environmental certification.

The resort has also won Best Destination Spa in the European Health and Spa Awards and Best Spa in Italy in the Spafinder Readers’ Choice Awards and the best spa in Europe and the Mediterranean in the Conde Nast Johansens Awards.

The hike includes Lake Bled with its castle and three nights beside Lake Bohinj encircled by the Julian Alps. Following the course of the Soca river leads to historic Kobarid, today the culinary capital of Slovenia with many fine restaurants. Crossing into Italy on foot brings clients to Friuli with an opportunity to visit the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Cividale and Aquileia, and sample the wines of the Collio region.

The package runs twice in the year from June 3 to 11 and Oct. 2 to 10. The walking groups are small (maximum 16 people) and the support vehicle enables clients to walk as much or as little as they please each day. The price for the Slovenia and Friuli Tour is 2,625 euros per person and is fully inclusive. For more information, call 011-61-(0)3-5755-2307.

The company also cites a strong selling point in its tour directors, which it calls trip leaders, and who are highly educated professionals based in the tour cities. They’re chosen for their qualifications of being well-versed in Italy’s history, architecture and art as well as having the insider’s perspective that can enhance clients’ appreciation of Italy’s cultural traditions. “Their knowledge and insight don’t come from a text book or a semester abroad,” said Bob Drumm, General Tours president. “As lifelong residents, they turn even ‘ordinary’ sightseeing like a gondola cruise or museum visit into meaningful cultural experiences that are more rewarding and enjoyable.” For more information, call 800-221-2216.

The Bauer properties are also offering a Valentine’s Day Tango Carnival Soiree on Feb. 14 featuring silent film icon Rudolph Valentino in three separate rooms decorated in the style of 1920s and 1930s, with performances throughout the dinner. Guests will become actors and actresses in a Hollywood-style love affair.

Tango couples will alternate Charleston steps with oriental dances during a seated buffet dinner made especially for two. Guests and actors will trade places on the dance floor at the De Pisis Restaurant by Chef Ciresa. The package is 400 euros per person, wines included. For more information, email booking@bauervenezia.com

Guests checking into the Artist’s Room, for instance, will find a Marchigana Era bookcase in the bedroom and two 18th century marble basins in the bathroom. The Venetian Room is dominated by an 18th century bookcase that frames the entrance to the boudoir, while the Louis XV1 Room comes with boiserie panels and a terrace overlooking cetrella garden.

All the rooms come with air conditioning, personal safes, mini bars, plasma-screen television sets, surround sound and high-speed wireless Internet access. Most of the rooms have expansive views of the Bay of Naples and they all look out on or open on to private gardens almost three times the size of the villa itself — including a Secret Garden down a flight of flower-draped weathered stone steps.

Villa Le Scale offers its guests private dining (indoors and outdoors, never more than 14 guests at each meal), room service, turndown service, 24/7 concierge service, an eight-station gym with the latest gear, and a fully stocked wine cellar. The heated swimming pool is ringed with fountains, stone grottoes, a spacious sun terrace and masses of foliage and flowers to create an air of seclusion and privacy.

Rates range from 350 to 650 euros and include a la carte breakfast and taxes for individual bookings. Rates for exclusive rentals are on request. The season runs from May 1 to Sept. 30. When it’s time to reserve a room (and with only seven rooms to choose from, early reservations are recommended) bookings can be made by calling 800-783-6904.