The BBC's Mark Duff, in Milan, says that is one of the busiest weeks of the winter skiing season in the Alps.

BBC: Italy: Russian tourists die in snowmobile accident

The course for the Coral Welsh National covers almost three-and three-quarter miles, and the meeting is one of the most eagerly anticipated races of the winter race season.

BBC: The Coral Welsh National is worth ?80,000

While the top 12 clubs are largely in agreement over many of the original proposals made by the strategic review group - including the reintroduction of a winter break and an earlier start to the season - the key one of league reconstruction remains a significant point of contention.

BBC: SPL set for March reconstruction vote

One government agency subsidizes vacations for hundreds of thousands of elderly people during the winter low season to help keep tourism workers employed.

WSJ: Spain Plans to Burn Its Bridges to Keep Vacationers on the Job

No-one's nostalgic, but 23 years after the Winter of Discontent, Britain could well be heading for another season of industrial strife.

BBC: Summer of discontent

With its current winter season, New York City Ballet continues to create thematic programs out of its extensive repertory of mostly one-act ballets.

WSJ: Restless Princess | The Sleeping Beauty | New York City Ballet | By Robert Greskovic