We're waxing our skis and pulling the chains out of the trunk. It is winter in Patagonia, and that means snow adventures in the Andes ! Patagonia 's combination of rugged mountains, cozy villages, sophisticated cuisine and unlimited horizons makes it a great destination any time of the year. And with no jet-lag, you can be at work in North America one afternoon, and hitting the slopes the very next day!

If you're looking further down the road to next winter, and beginning to dream of a mid-winter get-away, we have some ideas for you.

Across the Andes and to the Northwest : Join us for a 17-day exploration of Argentina and Chile on a brand new itinerary this winter. First, we'll cross the Andes by water in the luscious Lakes District - a heavenly winter getaway with lakes, rivers and adventure. Then fly to Santiago , Chile 's cosmopolitan capital. Drive beneath the tallest peaks in the Americas to Mendoza 's wine country. Finally, head to Salta in the historic northwest, where indigenous people herd llamas on centuries-old Incan trails amidst achingly high plateaus nestled up against the Chilean and Bolivian borders. This trip starts in Bariloche on February 15, 2008. There are a few spots left but they're going fast. Contact us for more details.

A Horselover's Heaven : From the dashing polo fields of Buenos Aires to the gaucho trails of Patagonia, horses are worshipped and adored in Argentina . They're the playmate of the stylish jet-set, the trail-mate for adventurers in deep Andean valleys, and the only true friend of the infamously lonely yet deeply honest gaucho. We offer horseback riding in places as diverse as the vineyards of Mendoza , the high alpine trails of Bariloche and the wide-open spaces of estancias. If you love horses, this is going to be your dream come true.

Fondue in South America : Take cheese from the healthy dairy cows of the Pampas and the rich red wines of Mendoza , add a dash of cozy Alpine atmosphere, a handful of fresh mountain air and stir it up with great friends. With its rich Alpine heritage, fondue is a long-held tradition in the Lakes District of Patagonia, and a regular evening activity on our tours. We love visiting our friends' fondue house with our guests for cheese and beef fondue, and chocolate from the area's famous artisan chocolatiers. No double dipping!

The Ultimate Romantic Get-away : Two weeks exploring Argentina on horseback, in Tango halls, stylish boutiques and on quiet mountain trails. This couple from Toronto asked us to design a trip that'd have them eating well, living large, escaping the hustle and bustle of their daily lives, and finding some romance and adventure. Right up our alley! This November, they'll be staying at a chic Palermo Viejo boutique inn favoured by artists, a stunningly remote estancia with a private chef and at a vineyard hostería surrounded by Malbec grapes. We're not telling exactly where these spots are, though...it's about unplugging after all! Contact us to customize your next adventure.

What our clients are saying : "Witty, warm, informative, thoughtful, patient.... You were the perfect duo for our group's needs. We thank you and will recommend you to everyone we know. The best part of the trip was the overall organization, thought and detail planning that went into each day. There was a wonderful rhythm to the trip - rustic then luxurious; urban then country/frontier/port; exertion balanced by relaxation; information then reflection. Incredibly special!" P and B Dann

Patagonia Writing : Christie's brand-new Frommers Argentina 1st Edition hits stands across North America and around the world this month. And her personal page, www.patatonialiving.com will be profiled this month by BBC Radio4's Woman's Hour.