Skiing away from the Alps

Fed up with waiting in endless queues for lifts, buying overpriced refreshments and skiing down overcrowded slopes? Or are you simply looking for a ski destination with a bit more on offer? Here is our guide to the world's best unusual ski destinations, from mule-skiing in Morocco to cat-skiing in Chile.

Atlas mountains, Morocco
Mule-assisted mountaineering on the highest peak in North Africa

Best for: adventurous skiers not afraid of 'skinning up' Nearest airport: Marrakesh When to go: mid-January to Mid-March Top tip: spend a night at the award-winning mountain refuge the Kasbah du Toubkal

Not many people know that you can ski in Africa, which in itself has some advantages. The mountains are only an hour's drive from Marrakesh, so you can easily combine a long weekend shopping in the souks with a couple of days ski touring on the deserted flanks of Jbel Toubkal (4165m). There are no lifts: mules carry your skis and bags to the snow line. After that you (and your porters) are on your own. More experienced (and fitter) skiers should not miss spending a night in a Mountain Lodge at 3,500m before hiking up the mountain with skins on your skis for grip and enjoying some well-earned turns through the valley, which will more than likely be practically deserted. For something slightly less hardcore, there is also the small resort of Oukaimeden with a few lifts exported from Europe after many years' hard service.
For more information visit: www.tourisminmorocco.com, or www.kasbahdutoubkal.com.

The Cedars of Lebanon
Middle Eastern moguls on the Mountains of Christ's Transfiguration

Best for: swapping steak hache frites for lamb kofta and moutabal Nearest airport: Beirut When to go: mid-January to mid-April Top tip: snow ski in the morning, waterski in the afternoon

Forget pines. The Lebanese mountains are covered in cedars- the country's national emblem and also the name of its top ski resorts. There are six resorts in all, but the Cedars and Faraya Mzaar are head-and-shoulders above the rest. The Cedars is currently investing in four new lifts, one of which will open up the highest summit (2,870m) in 2006 and offer views stretching all the way to Cyprus. Faraya is bigger still with 80km of pistes, renowned off-piste and epic views of Mount Sion on the Israel/Syria border, making it a truly spectacular destination.
For more information visit: www.skileb.com

The Hokkaido Hills, Japan
Bumper snow falls, hot springs and tempura skies

Best for: slope-side sushi Nearest airport: Sapporo via Tokyo, then Bullet train to Niseko When to go: late November-early May Top tip: bring your own boots, the Japanese have very small feet

Japan has over 600 ski resorts but those on Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, offer the finest skiing. Niseko receives over 15m of snow each winter, courtesy of the Siberian winds screaming across the Sea of Japan, and has the steepest terrain and best off-piste on the island. It is also the prettiest resort and has inspiring views of the cone-shaped Mount Yotei, Hokkaido's very own Mount Fuji. Don't forget to check out the free 'rotenburo', outdoor hot springs - perfect for relaxing tired muscles after a hard day on the slopes.
For more information visit: www.skijapanguide.com or www.nac-web.com/e_index.htm