Snow Fool 2016: The Best of April 1

Skiing and snowboarding have their share of April Fool’s Day jokes and spoofs – below are a few of our favourites. Have you any others to add? Spoof resorts maybe?

Beach Skiing in Cornwall

Winter Sports Company is bringing skiing to the beach and launching ski tours in Cornwall. Praa Sands cross-country skiing is the perfect way to see Cornwall, taking in the beautiful landscape whilst gliding across the sand without any tricky ascents or descents.

On a typical one-day ski tour you will learn the basics of cross-country skiing in the morning, followed by skiing across some of West Cornwall’s loveliest beaches in the afternoon.

Beginners can choose from a choice of shorter beaches such as Praa Sands or Porthmeor, which provide undemanding terrain. Advanced skiers can opt for the more challenging three-mile stretch of Hayle Towans. A qualified instructor, all ski equipment, and a picnic lunch are provided.

As part of the summer launch, one-hour taster sessions will take place on Praa Sands on April 31. Bookings: Wintersports Company.

New Chalet for Val d’Isere

This is YSE’s new Chalet d’Isere, situated on the bank of the river in a quiet corner of the main village, yet just a few paces from buses that take you to the Funival or nursery slopes.

It has eight good-sized bedrooms and eight bathrooms, a spacious open-plan sitting/dining room with a fireplace, a huge dining table, several balconies and spectacular views. There is also a lift, TV room, a sauna and steam room.

You might well ask when it will be finished – but it is finished. It has been designed by Sir Richard Rogers in modern industrial style. No local wood and stone here – just bare concrete, iron piping and reclaimed planks. This is contemporary architecture at its purest. Further information from YSE Ski.

Summer Skiing on Lake Garda

Inghams is launching a new summer ski programme in Lake Garda. The Garda ‘iceberg’, as it has been named, is the brainchild of Andrea Ferro and the combined force of the Monte Baldo, Selva and Cortina d’Ampezzo tourist offices.

This is the first structure of its kind in Italy, although a similar prototype was trialed in Ecuador earlier in the year. The first skiers will be able to try it on June 12.

For three weeks starting June 11, you’ll be able to head to Bardolino, Desenzano, Garda, Limone, Riva or Salò for £799pp. The offer includes a six-day lift pass and unlimited ferry crossings to the lakeside slopes, as well as flights, resort transfers and half board accommodation.

Skiers staying at Chalet Hotel Galeazzi in Gardone Riviera will also receive free equipment hire and one morning’s ski tuition. More details from Inghams.

Mountain Cleaning Courses in Engelberg

Take part in a mountain cleaning course and become a certified cleaner, as well as gaining a deeper awareness and understanding of the mountain area’s natural landscape. Brush up on your skills in this training course and give nature a helping hand. Further information from Brunni Bahnen Engelberg.

Glass-Bottom Planes

Virgin has created another first with the introduction of the technology required to produce the world’s first glass-bottomed plane. This technological innovation coincides with the start of Virgin Atlantic Airways’ first domestic service to Scotland. More details from Virgin.