Ever since I was a puppy, riding the local mini-ramp that me and my chums demanded got built for us (another story altogether - hello Calum, Giles and Dom), I've always wanted to ride the white stuff. My opportunity came three years ago.

Whilst in Mountain High in Pangbourne I had a chat with one of the guys and he gave me a brochure for Chalet Snowboard. After having a quick flick through I decided to book up for a week in Les Deux Alpes. Having spoken extensively to Chalet Snowboard (CSB) I decided to start by learning on a dry slope.

For this I went to Wycombe Summit and learnt side-slipping and falling leaf garland (or whatever it's called). The only problem with this is that, as we all know, dry slopes bloody hurt when you fall over, and when you learn to snowboard you fall over a lot. I remember coming back home with one of my buttocks black - I'm not joking. Needless to say I didn't find it very funny when my girlfriend at the time slapped it.

However, I would recommend anyone wishing to go away 'boarding to go and learn on a dry slope first. The pain is worth saving yourself a day on the real stuff for. You don't need to go all the way to learning how to turn, but it's important to get the feel of the board and understand how it behaves.

In Les Deux Alpes I had the advantage of having Martin Drayton as my mentor - the UK's number one snowboard instructor (and the coolest guy I've ever met). He had me turning within ten minutes and after that I was flying, right up to the point that I hit an ice wall at nearly 30mph - ouch. Deux Alpes is good, but fairly featureless. However, the Rodeo Bar is cool.

Before getting on to the more interesting boarding, I must mention CSB in more detail. They're fantastic. Basically, they have chalets in several resorts that have a warm atmosphere, fantastic food, superb kit (all Burton, current season), and excellent staff who can accompany you up the slopes. Their prices are reasonable and you can find them at www.chalet-snowboard.co.uk

My second trip was to Avoriaz, and this is where it all became so much more fun. The resort is based half-way up the mountain, and there is some excellent terrain to be found all around - tree runs, off-piste, powder fields, boarder parks, drops, etc. When I got there I decided that it was time to start attacking the off-piste. However, my tuition of off-piste riding was really done this Christmas with the help of my insane leader Richard from Chalet Snowboard. Richard's way of teaching was to just ride the treacherous stuff and let me follow - and this was fantastic.

After there had been no dump for a couple of days Richard took us on some exploring missions to find untracked powder. This involved finding the highest lifts, traversing across rocks, grass, mud, cliffs, etc, finding a good patch, aiming your board downhill and dropping in. Fantastic.

I don't think skiers will ever understand what a powder field should be used for. When you come off the packed piste onto powder everything goes silent. The snow wafts and glides under your board and suddenly you're surfing in a world of your own, there is no sensation like it. Word of warning: if you slam in the powder it is an absolute nightmare getting back up as everything immediately sinks, and you have no poles or anything to push yourself up with. However, at least it doesn't hurt when you face-plant.

To focus your mind on board control, tree runs are excellent. You need to be able to check your speed, choose your lines, avoid obstacles and hit the jumps all at once. However, if you slam you are likely to end up at the base of a tree (or worse), and you'll have another nightmare trying to get back on your board and riding again.

 The ultimate ride will combine everything: a good long run with deep powder, going in to the trees with some jumps and drops finished off with some on-piste speed thrills. This is what 'boarding is all about. I have to say that when you get a really good run, or land a good jump, the rush is awesome - I can't think of anything better (yes, anything....................well alright, almost anything). It is just sensational - the best sport I've found.

The off-piste areas of Avoriaz and the boarder park make it an excellent resort, I can highly recommend it to anyone. And I would urge you to contact Chalet Snowboard before booking a holiday, they are excellent. So if you want to try the best sport on the planet, throw away those two skinny planks and strap yourself onto a nice fat one - you'll never look back.

Tristan.