Pinewood in the off-season: mist, bonfires and empty trails

Hotel rates fall by up to 40 percent from November to February, and the trails are empty. Some cafes close, and the pass road can be shut after snow.

• Pack layers and a rain shell.
• Book a room with a heater.
• Carry cash; ATMs run out of notes on weekends.

Some roads close after snow, but the main road stays open until January. The bus from the plains takes four hours, and the last one leaves at 4:30 pm.

Pack warm socks, a torch and a reusable bottle. Cafes open from 9 am, and many close at 6 pm.

This is a demo story: every name, place, organisation and figure in it is fictional.