STORY:
Snow buffs invited to greet 2000

While many travelers are headed to the South Pacific to greet the Year 2000, some are booking trips to celebrate on snow filled slopes. The Resort at Squaw Creek, a ski-in, ski-out resort hotel adjacent to Squaw Valley USAhas begun taking reservations for a grand New Year's Eve party, priced at $250 per adult.

The theme, organizers say, is centered on the Hollywood 1940s: "The Coconut GroveClub: Era of Opulence." Attendees will see the resort transformed to resemble the legendary Hollywood nightclub, replete with roaming replicas of Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow and other stars of the era.

"It will be impossible to be overdressed!" reads the resort's brochure, going on to describe the lavish decor, headliner entertainment, four-piece jazz band and "sumptuous array of Gulf Stream themed hot and cold hors d'oeuvres" that guests will sup upon.

Room rates over the Christmas-New Year's period start at $475, based on availability. For more information: (800) 327-3353 or www.squawcreek.com.

Taos, New Mexico is another highly touted skiing destination for 2000. The St Bernard is a low-beamed chalet at the foot of the slopes, low on frills, high on conviviality, well catered, and a fine place for a party. Its neighbour, the Inn at Snakedance, offers greater comfort, a better chance of space and a programme of cultural and lavish gastronomic apres-ski events, starting on Christmas Day. A "Ski week" package (from December 24 to January 1). All-inclusive deals include three meals a day, ski lessons and entertainment.

Little Nell, Aspen: The most elegant ski address in Colorado, and the best-placed for skiing, has just begun taking reservations. Regulars will get priority, "but we always have some gaps".

Canada

Chateau Whistler, Whistler, British Columbia: Merry-making plans are well advanced at the best hotel in North America's finest all-round resort. Reservations should be made by fax (604 938 2099) with details of credit card, which will be debited two nights' worth after 14 days, the full balance being charged 90 days before arrival. The New Year's Eve program includes an elegant dinner in the ballroom for 900 guests. Residents will get priority for this event.

Switzerland

Eiger, Murren: Looking at the North Face of the Eiger is a stirring way to confront the challenge of every new day, never mind a new Millennium. The hotel is taking bookings for stays of at least 10 nights to span Christmas and New Year. "It won't be a riot here on New Year's Eve," warns the hotel. "Many of our guests come for peace and quiet, and the party will be confined to our nightclub, the Tachi Bar." Those who know the Eiger's Peebles-born barman will not be deceived by this. In the Tachi Bar the old Millennium will not go quietly.

Seiler Hotels, Zermatt Edward Whymper's advice still holds: when in Zermatt, stay with Mr Seiler. The luxury option is the Mont Cervin, which has a new wing of sumptuous apartments. Traditionalists will prefer the four-star Monte Rosa, with its low ceilings and Alpine memorabilia. Neither hotel is taking bookings until spring.

Austria

Arlberg Hospiz, St Christoph: Adi Werner's enthusiasm knows no bounds: for parties of legendary excess, and for the world's best wines, which he keeps (not for too long) in the chapel of this sumptuously modernised 600-year-old travellers' refuge at the Arlberg Pass, between St Anton and Lech. Two weeks is the minimum stay, starting before or after Christmas. The exact details of the programme have not yet been finalised, but the cost will be about pounds 3,100 per person (half-board) including the New Year's Eve party in a marquee for 500, with an eight-course dinner, big wines and a floor show. Apply in January.

Gruner Baum, Badgastein: This former imperial hunting inn is now a luxurious spa hotel guarding the entrance to its own valley, perfect for sleigh rides, walks and cross-country skiing. Badgastein's downhilling is good too, and easily reached in the hotel shuttle bus, the owner's open-topped vintage charabanc. Herr Blumschein also acts as ski guide and exuberant apres-ski MC. Millennium guests must arrive on or before December 23. Programme and prices will be fixed in January and will be comparable to this year's rates: pounds 97 per person half-board; pounds 78 for Christmas and New Year black-tie dinners. The Blumscheins also own the beautiful 18th-century Villa Solitude in the town centre (six bedrooms). Residents can use the Gruner Baum's spa and go there for Christmas and New Year's Eve dinners.

Italy

Bellevue, Cogne (near Aosta): No risk of computer crash and lift failure spoiling the day's sport on New Year's Day at Cogne, where serious skiers prefer cross-country. No plans have yet been formulated for next year, nor any bookings taken, but New Year's Eve will probably follow the usual pattern: "a big dinner, then dancing all night". Cogne is old and handsome; its narrow valley is beautiful and peaceful; every room at the Bellevue is a showcase for local antique furniture, and the food is superb.

DATE: 1/19/99

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