This might sound like a paradox, but being surrounded by the news of financial doom and gloom on a daily basis makes me think that an annual trip to the Alps is to be considered a necessity, not a luxury. 'A change is as good as a rest' as the old adage goes and good thing too, since a ski holiday in Verbier probably isn't going to give you much of a rest. Whether you stay in a cosy chalet, luxury hotel or bargain basement apartment, the long, groomed pistes followed by the vibrant bars in Verbier will be hard to resist. If a good party as well as great skiing is at the top of your holiday wish list, then Verbier for Mardi Gras is a must. As the last day of indulgence before the start of Lent what better place to do it than in Verbier. You'll be downing shooters rather than gobbling pancakes but the principles are the same. It's about letting go and getting stuck in, followed by vowing never to drink again.

'The Pub' is the place to go if you really want to really embrace Mardi Gras, but make sure you are in fancy dress. Word of warning: your old school tie and pig tails are not going to cut the mustard. Fancy dress in Verbier is a serious business at the best of times; but with mardi gras the stops are well and truly pulled out. Many of the seasonnaires in Verbier take a trip down to Martigny to pick up a costume worthy of mardi gras, so if you want to be let in to the bars, make sure you get prepared.

Once at the bar, you might find yourself shoulder to shoulder with Mickey Mouse, and the Empire State building, or the Incredible Hulk and Madonna. As is often the case with fancy dress parties, lovingly made costumes start disintegrating under the wear and tear of precarious dance move, creating a slightly disturbing scene of hapless dishevelment. Madonna might have accumulated Superman's cape and Kermit the frog may have developed a cone shaped chest but the party will go on regardless and more costume swapping will inevitably ensue. Seeing what bits of who's costume you wake up with is always an interesting revelation as is working who the 'Smurf' blue body paint has come from...