ONE lucky family is going to win a magnificent ski break to the amazing Austrian winter resort of Vorarlberg with your St Helens Star.

Vorarlberg has always played a pioneering role in the international winter sport scene.

The first ski course ever was held in 1905 at the Arlberg. And the idea of heatable chairlifts was developed by the people of Vorarlberg which are used today in many ski resorts.

Vorarlberg is the most westerly province of Austria. It is bounded on the north (in the Bregenzer Wald) by Germany (Bavaria), on the west (along the Alpine Rhine) and south (Rätikon and Silvretta) by Switzerland, on the southwest by the Principality of Liechtenstein and on the east (Verwall group and Arlberg) by northern Tirol.

Conditions for undiluted skiing fun have always been ultra-perfect in Vorarlberg. Many of the ski areas reach up to an altitude of 4,600 ft to 7,880 ft where the snow cover is dependable. The natural scene is awe inspiring and provides ample room for a good mix of gentle and demanding runs catering for all tastes - for families and ski freaks alike.

The Sonnenkopf family friendly ski area which is situated in the region of Alpenregion Bludenz offers many ingredients to a successful family holiday.

The White Ring in the ski area Lech/Zurs which is among the five top-rated ski resorts world-wide is a ski circuit with tradition.

Silvretta Ski Safari, a guided skiing tour through the Montafon promises excitement and adventure.

Variable ski resorts in the region of Bregenzerwald are perfect for beginners as well as for advanced skiers.

Kleinwalsertal is surrounded by stunning mountains and offers ski areas which are undisturbed and a natural wonderland of unaffected nature.

There are countless ways to enjoy winter off the bustling runs: romance laced winter hikes or heady Alpine Coaster rides; tobogganing runs which are not just fun for the smaller ones.

Standards of quality in Vorarlberg are unmatched. Friendly and welcoming hosts offer accommodations in all categories - from elegant four and five star hotels all down to cosy B&Bs and holiday apartments – catering to different likings. And the cuisine is simply delicious and unsurpassed.

‘Happy Skiing’ holiday deals start from £299 per person for 4 nights including three–day ski pass in the high season. Selected friendly, English speaking hosts look forward to your visit For more information on holiday alternatives that are tailored to your purse, please contact the local tourist office (see below) WIN A SKI BREAK IN AUSTRIA ... AND one lucky family will win a superb break in this idyllic location. The winner and his or her family will stay there for Three nights including HB and three-day ski pass.

Please note that the prize is valid for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children up to and including 14 years).

TO be in with a chance of winning this super travel prize, simply answer the following question and return with your details including a daytime phone number to Ski Break competition, news@sthelensstar.co.uk Closing date for entries is Jan 20.

QUESTION: WHEN was the first ski course held at Vorarlberg?

The following travel conditions apply:

Booking period: 28/12/09 – 05/03/10

Travel period: 13/01/10 – 02/04/10 Applicable days: Mon – Thu & Sat subject to availability

Blackout periods: all school & public holidays, plus 12/02/10 – 23/02/10 to/ from UK/ IRE 14/02/10 – 01/03/10 12/03/10 – 18/03/10 to/ from IRE 06/04/10 – 18/04/10

Advance purchase: 14 days Fares: flights for free; just taxes, fees & charges to be paid

Normal Ryanair web fares apply during peak weekend travel periods

Other consumer costs: credit card handling charge (€5 per person per flight sector, Return flight: 2 x €5), no charge for Visa Electron card transaction; fees for baggage, airport check-in & priority boarding

Subject to availability No cash payment possible

Travel details:

Flights: Ryanair flies from Stansted, Edinburgh & Dublin to Memmingen & Friedrichshafen (just from Stansted).

Bus and rail run directly to the airport (airport shuttle).

Information & booking ryanair.com Transfers to booked hotels can be arranged by taxis and buses.

For current information visit vorarlberg.travel/en Information: You can find all the latest (travel) information and request for “Happy Skiing” brochure on the website: vorarlberg.travel/en E-mail: info@vorarlberg.travel; tel: +43 (0)5572 377 0330