Mt Lyford

Advantages: near to christchurch, much cheaper than europe
Disadvantages: long way from UK!

...Mt Hutt near Christchurch is a fantastic and good value place to learn to ski. I went there as a complete beginner and paid NZ$70 for a day which included hire of skis, boots and poles. Two, 1.5 hours lessons and learner lift pass. Best to go in the week when its quieter and preferably when theres been alot of fresh snow fallen recently. You can get shuttle buses that take you from door to slopes for between $30 and $40. Be well prepared clothes sise as it can be very cold or very hot there! Don't forget to bring sun screen as its easy to get burnt.... Read review

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Advantages: Fabulous views ,lots of wildlife, rewarding
Disadvantages: Hard work, primitive, fairly expensive

...Mt Kenya national park is less famous than the Masai Mara or Kilimanjaro but has everything the adventurous spirit could want. The mountain itself is the main draw for most people but the park itself has plenty of wildlife and is much less crowded than the big game parks. The climb up and back takes 5-6 days and is pretty strenuous. Most nights there are huts to stay in but camping is necessary on some routes. Listening at night in your tent to a herd of buffalo grazing a few metres away is an unforgettable experience ! It is more or less compulsory to take a guide and porter - you won't want to cook your own food or put up your tent anyway. Amateur climbers can reach Lenana point, just short of 5,000 metres.... Read review

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Advantages: Cheap food and accommodation, friendly people and nice scenary
Disadvantages: Not very much history and widely spread out, so lots of travelling

...Oregon is a beautiful state on the West Coast of the US. I visited the state on my first visit to the country and was pleasantly surprised. The towns are spread out and spacious. The grid system makes them tourist friendly. Shopping is adequate; Portland is actually pretty good for shopping and has a Nike shop that is worth a visit. Moving out of the towns, the countryside is truly breath taking. Forests litter the landscape, particularly in the north of the state. The air is clean and fresh and driving around the countryside is a pleasure. Head north to see Mt St Helens, where the scars left by the last eruption can still be seen on the once magnificent trees. Snow sports are good at the resort near Mt St Helens and can be indulged in all year around. The lodge is particularly pleasant. For a different type of landscape, venture south... Read review

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