Hi Simon, At the top end of your budget but you can get the Kodak Z740 for about £150 on line. 5MP and 10x optical zoom. I've heard good things about them and am looking to get one for myself.
its out of your price range but I have the sony T9 and its amazing for the slopes - they do cheaper T models same kind of shape - but I love the T9
you may get it cheaper on ebay
If you're really serious - Look for a Fuji S602 - I have the very model and it is superb - it's known as a 'bridge' ie the crossover from standard digital to digital SLR - It has a fabulous zoom and takes great shots in various light conditions (ideal for snow!).
You should be able to get one with all of the kit (used) for around £150.
Even better news is that for all of this it is still a very compact camera.
would disagree completely
cameras taking 2aa`s eat batteries quickly. built in ones such as canon ixus or pentax optio`s are superb-all right your around the 200 pound mark but there small, reliable, dont eat batteries and are superb for the money-why pay 150 for a brick when u can pay 200 for class and quality