Stuff
The first organised game of modern ice hockey was played in Montreal in 1875 and the first official team, McGill University Redmen, founded here in 1880. Montreal also boasts the oldest club in the National Hockey League, the Canadiens. Watch teams face off against each other at Bell Centre in the October-April season. The action is fast, furious and sometimes violent, and noise levels almost lift off the stadium roof. See mtl.org
CHATEAUX D’OEX, SWITZERLAND
Thanks to excellent flying conditions, one of Europe’s great ballooning centres has a spectacular January balloon festival and a museum devoted to the history of this aerial endeavour. At any time of year, drifting above the alpine town near Montreux is magnificent, with snow-capped mountains in every direction. Too timid to fly? Then enjoy the spectacle from the take-off area, which features a flock of brightly-coloured balloons. See chateau-doex.ch