It’s a ski season special in the March 2015 issue of Practical Motorhome! In our grand tour, Gary Blake and Wendy Johnson use a Dethleffs Magic Edition as a terrific base camp when they try cross-country skiing in Bavaria, exploring the unspoilt landscape of Oberstdorf in the Allgau region.

Next we head for the snowy French Alps with Ruth and Geoff Bass, who recommend 10 top aires for skiing holidays in France and also give tips on ‘aire etiquette’ so that even if you’re new to winter touring you’ll look as if you know what you’re doing! The couple also share some handy first-hand tips on how they prepare their motorhome before heading off in search of snow and sunshine at these spectacular Alpine ski resorts. 

For those who prefer gentler holidays nearer home, we discover family fun in the magical Malvern Hills, with Alastair Clements and his young family. He pushes the boat out for his wife’s birthday by hiring a canoe for a memorable birthday paddle down the River Wye and finds family activities in Hereford, Worcestershire and the Wye Valley. 

If you’re looking for cheap holidays in your motorhome this year, don’t miss out on the bargain of the year – our wonderful reader rally in Devon! 

Our friendly collection of Nightstops will also save you money if you just need a quick stopover, possibly involving a lovely meal in a pub. Check out our Nightstop listings in the March issue and online

Wild west Wales is the destination chosen by David Terence, who tours Ceredigion in his Auto-Trail Tracker FB. David takes a devilishly thrilling steam train ride, discovers the dramatic Nant y Moch Dam, experiences Silver Mountain and enjoys what’s left of Aberystwyth Castle. 

This issue is full of great news and advice for all motorhome owners, with Gentleman Jack answering queries on payload problems, warning lights and plenty more. Motorhome workshop guru Diamond Dave shares his thoughts on the merits of Nissan’s eNV200 as a base vehicle for the world’s first electric campervan from Hillside. 

Are you going to any of the big motorhome shows to look for a new ‘van? Visit the Manchester show this week, Glasgow 5-8 February and Birmingham from 17 to 22 February. If you’re comparing all the new ‘vans at the show, make sure you take the March issue with you, because it contains the latest up-to-date motorhome buyer’s guide. With all the key facts and prices at your fingertips, you’ll be better informed about all the comparable rival motorhomes than some of the salesmen!

We’ve reviewed some terrific new motorhomes in this issue, too. We look at the new Baileys and test a cracking sub-£39,000 two-berth from the new Bailey Approach Advance range. Read what our experts think of the stylish new Dethleffs Esprit Comfort T7090-2 imported from Germany – is this the best vehicle for all-weather winter touring? Editor Niall Hampton tests the Hillside Leisure Dalbury E and wonders if small all-electric campervans will really be the shape of things to come. 

If you’re buying a used motorhome, it pays to do your homework on the make and model you’ve decided to buy. Brush up on your facts with our guide to buying a 2005-2013 Chausson Flash motorhome, based on a Ford Transit. We tell you what to look for in the base vehicle as well as the conversion, what kind of price they go for and what problems to look out for before you part with your cash.

Buying a ‘nearly new’ motorhome can save you loads of cash, of course, so we sent Nick Harding off in search of a luxury coachbuilt motorhome up to £42,000 for this month’s used ‘van challenge. We have to admit, he really came up with some gorgeous motorhomes.

The last word goes to reader Patsy Davies, who writes that she didn’t mind accompanying her snapper hubby on his maritime adventures at first, but in the end she gave him an ultimatum: a campervan or a divorce! We think she must be the perfect wife, and here she explains how buying a motorhome has changed their lives for the better.