Prince Charles with William and Harry in Klosters 2000

The 21-year-old prince also has several friends from St Andrews University with him in the small alpine resort.

His younger brother Prince Harry, who is on gap year travels, will not be taking part in the holiday.

Prince Charles arrived on Friday night and took to the slopes on Saturday morning with a local guide.

An official photocall has been organised by royal aides for Sunday.

The media have set up camp at the resort to capture father and son in holiday mood.

Holiday mood

Aides hope the press will give the princes some peace and quiet in return for the photocall.

Prince Charles had earlier visited the Red Cross headquarters in Geneva.

Klosters has long been a favourite destination for the prince but a string of events has forced him to cut short or cancel in recent years.

Last year a hernia operation forced him to cancel his trip and in 2002 he headed home after the death of his grandmother, the Queen Mother.

He also pulled out of his 2001 skiing trip to show solidarity with farmers during the foot-and-mouth outbreak.