If you're a first-time skier and looking for somewhere to go for a beginner's ski holiday then I'd really recommend Andorra. Last January I went there and had a great time. I had no idea what I'd need before I left and thought I'd have to take loads of special clothes and spend tons on expensive gear. This wasn't the case: all I needed was some warm clothes, thick gloves and some waterproofs - all of which I had already. The only bit of specialist kit I bought was some ski goggles which only cost me fifteen quid.

We flew into Toulouse airport and then got on a coach to Pas De La Casa, our ski resort. Unsurprisingly, it's right at the top of a mountain and the drive up the narrow winding roads of the Pyrenees was a little scary, especially when I saw a broken down car covered in snow on the side of the road. We checked into our basic but comfortable hotel and then hit the shops to hire some skis, boots and lift pass.

The first day skiing was really hard and I was knackered by the end of the day. At first I found skiing really hard but it's surprising how quick you pick it up. The main thing you need to know is that it's probably 10% ability and 90% confidence. Basically, if you think you are going to fall then you will. The other thing is not to be scared of falling; the snow doesn't hurt and your skis come off so you don't get stuck in the snow. The rule of the piste is that you avoid the person in front of you, and as everyone does this there are no pile-ups.

Once you get on the steeper slopes like the red runs they are too steep to go straight down so you go from side to side. Once you can do a heel turn this is pretty easy and like me, you'll be amazed that you're skiing down a steep mountain! That is until you get overtaken by a 10-year-old French kid! By the final day I managed to do a black run (the hardest one to do). Believe me, if I can do a black run in 5 days then anyone can do it.

The reason why Andorra is such a great ski resort is because the snow is amazing (they have snow machines to top it up), there are plenty of easy slopes to build up your confidence?and it is a tax haven! This means the apr's-ski is great ? there are loads of bars and clubs that serve cheap and potent drinks all night. You have to try the cocktail of choice a Flugel (vodka, cranberry and Red Bull); it will help keep you partying after a hard day on the piste. Before you go home make sure you stock up on the ridiculously cheap tobacco and alcohol on offer. I bought a bottle of Absinthe for about a fiver! Next year I'm going go back to Andorra but will probably try another resort like Arinsal, Soldeu or El Tarter. Like Pas de la Casa they're meant to offer the perfect mix of great slopes, great nightlife and great prices!