We’re planning to go skiing in Japan next March. I won’t have been skiing for 6 years and I’ve never been very good at it, having learned only at the age of 38. Generally if, like me, you have a fear of speed and steep slopes, skiing can be a challenge.

I like the idea of skiing, however, and I want to be able to be good enough to love the actual thing. Apparently Niseko, with its wide pistes, is a good place for beginners. Hokkaido, Japan’s northern island, is cold in winter and the powder is reputed to be fantastic.

Now, although I’ve had umpteen ski lessons in three ski schools, and I can ski reds if I really have to, I still classify myself as a beginner, such is my lack of confidence, but I am fitter than I’ve been before and a lot slimmer (fingers crossed I stay that way) so maybe things will be different this time.

It will be our first opportunity to ski outside school holiday time, so I’m hoping it will be relatively quiet.

We shall see…