There are various date-breaks within the five ski season months of November to March, and pricing fluctuates accordingly. Early and late season (pre-Christmas and early April) have the lower competitive pricing to try to lure travelers in during these slower times. The holiday periods (Christmas through New Year's Day and Presidents' Week) are the most expensive times to travel. Shoulder season extends from early January to mid-February, and there are some great deals at this time, as the snow is more consistent than during the early or late periods. The highest season is mid-February through March. Weather conditions also affect a resort's busy times. By December holidays, most have received (or made) ample snow cover, which starts to disappear toward the end of March. Some resorts are able to keep select runs open after the season, during the milder April weather. November and April are considered off-peak periods, when conditions are generally less consistent. Off-peak snow cover varies from year to year; it might be extraordinary, but can also be very poor.

November: $$
Thanksgiving: $$
December: $$
Christmas/New Year's: $$$$$$
January: $$$
MLK Weekend: $$$$$
February: $$$
Presidents' Weekend: $$$$$
March: $$$
April: $$

Premium ski periods also include designated days and weeks for a variety of special events. Spring Jam, Aspen Gay and Lesbian Ski Week, and Cardboard Classic are just a few of the many, many special events and occasions you can celebrate at ski resorts. These festivities allow sponsors to associate with groups who share a common interest, while others gain new exposure to the excitement and are often encouraged to participate. Not surprisingly, some of the very popular events, like Aspen's Gay and Lesbian Ski Week, and the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, sell out quite early and nearby resorts sell out very soon afterward. The best advice is always to book these events as early as possible. Ski resort calendar of events listings are usually finalized in the early summer before the upcoming ski season.

Naturally, the "best" is defined differently for different people. In general, though, there are several regions that are particularly popular in the eastern and western United States and Canada. The obvious critical ingredients in choosing a ski resort are lodging, the mountain, temperature, and, of course, snowfall. You might factor a particular resort's facilities as more important than the destination or the hotel you stay at. Either way, here are some helpful hints to guide your decision.

Condominiums
Condominiums are easily the most popular type of accommodation for skiers. They offer all of the comforts of home and generally include a full kitchen, multiple baths, and one or more bedrooms. They are ideal accommodations for families or small groups who wish to sleep under one roof, enjoy each other's company, and keep food costs down. Condos are often privately owned, but operated by a management company, and made available to the general public just like hotel rooms. Condos usually lack some typical hotel amenities, like daily housekeeping and laundry facilities, but the lower rates make the minor sacrifices worthwhile to many skiers.

Hotels
Full-service hotels are the second most popular of the three accommodation types. Except for the obvious snow-related facilities, these hotels closely resemble their warm destination cousins. They often have a variety of restaurants, lounges and bars, entertainment, pools, and other recreational and spa facilities, as well as extensive grounds and public spaces. In fact, many hotels are communities in and of themselves. Some offer standard rooms only, while others offer multi-bedroom suites with full kitchens. Of course, there are many that fall right in between. This is the best choice for travelers who prefer the anonymity of a larger property and accommodations with a great variety of services and facilities.

Lodges
Lodges are the least common type of ski accommodations. A lodge is a cabin or cottage that is typically somewhat rustic, often similar to bed & breakfast hotels. At these locations, your needs are personally tended to by the owner's family or by a small group of employees who are genuinely concerned with guest satisfaction. They are usually found in country villages and offer the comfort, charm, and friendly warmth of home. Although amenities tend to be more limited than at resorts, they are appreciated for their own special features as a home-away-from home. Lodges make up for their smaller size with an emphasis on personal service and a more intimate atmosphere. Breakfast may even be included.

Resort Hours
Slopes are not open around the clock, but they do offer rather long days so you can ski all morning, have a great lunch, relax, and return in the afternoon for more runs. Many mountains open their trails by 8:30 or 9:00am and close around dusk (3:30 or 4:00pm in the early part of winter and 5:00pm-ish later in the season, as the days get longer). Select resorts, such as Keystone in Colorado, stay open into the evening (until 8:00 or 9:00pm) for night skiing, snowboarding, and other activities. Resorts with night skiing are particularly popular for families with adolescent skiers.

Ski-In/Ski-Out
Although slope hours are rather uniform, the distance from hotel to mountain can vary quite a bit. Many hotels offer a convenient ski-in/ski-out option, which means that the accommodation is built into the slope and has direct access to trails. Typically, guests can ski right to the lift areas and can then zip from the top of the mountain right back to their condo or hotel! This is a great convenience worth splurging on. Ski-in/ski-out hotels are like oceanfront properties-- more expensive than hotels with comparable rooms and facilities, thanks to their location. In some cases, hotels can be up to 3 miles from the mountain base or, in rare cases, 8 to 20 miles away, necessitating a transfer bus (usually complimentary) or a scenic drive in a ski car.

Being close to the slopes makes a lot of sense, as it is a great convenience. But keep in mind that it usually means being further from town. This is hardly a big deal! A short swoosh to the mountain base with skis on or a quick walk while carrying them is easy enough. This obviously wins out over staying closer to town and having to take a long walk or drive to the slopes. There are a few resorts that offer the best of both worlds-- ski-in/ski-out accommodations and close proximity to village or main street dining, entertainment, and shopping. The Lodge at Vail, Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, and Beaver Run at Breckenridge, all in Colorado, are great examples of this double convenience.

Dining & Aprés-Ski
One of the biggest parts of the ski vacation is the "aprés-ski" element -- the "after ski" entertainment, from dining and cocktails to shopping and live music. The dining options are plentiful, from a quick burger or pizza at a local brewery to elegant fine dining at a mountaintop restaurant only accessible by private snow cat. Dining is neither more nor less expensive than meals taken along the beaches of Aruba. Popular ski resort restaurants are particularly casual, while diners enjoy comfortable tables set in front of a roaring fireplace. Select lodging, especially during the holiday season, includes breakfast with the price of your room, or a Modified American Plan, which includes breakfast and dinner. You will most likely break for a casual lunch or snack on the slopes while in between runs. Certainly, meal plans are common in remote areas such as the Canadian Rockies, where restaurants and nightlife are not as thriving as they are in other resorts like Aspen.

If you are particularly concerned about good dining, consider traveling to Aspen or Vail, Colorado. Resort restaurants and independent eateries in these areas offer exquisite meals and service. Similarly, families with small children and travelers on special diets should think about staying at one of the condominium properties so they can cook for themselves in residence-style accommodations that include multiple bedrooms and fully-equipped kitchens. Dine at a gourmet restaurant or whip up your own meals; it's up to you!

After dinner, party-minded individuals have plenty of alternatives to sitting in front of a TV. Most ski resort areas are bustling with bars and clubs, live music and dancing venues, happy hours, and entertaining contests. There is usually something for everyone, from college kids on winter break, to singles on the prowl, to romantic couples on a weekend getaway. Top nightlife areas include Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, Heavenly, Whistler, Killington, and Tremblant.

Children's Programs
Ski vacations are a great choice for active families. On the slopes, family bonding is a snap, but there are plenty of opportunities for parents to enjoy some alone time. Most resorts offer numerous activities to keep skiing and non-skiing adults occupied while kids, from six weeks old and up, enjoy their own fun and games. For toddlers, these activities can include arts and crafts, songs, playthings, and snack time. Those that are potty trained can head outdoors for mini-ski lessons and other outdoor fun.

Childcare centers are capacity controlled for health and safety reasons. Parents may be asked to carry a beeper and sign a waiver so they can be contacted in case of emergency. Advance reservations for children's programs, especially during holiday periods, are highly recommended.

Alternatives for Non-Skiers
Believe it or not, you don't have to be a skier to enjoy a ski destination. Ski resorts are brimming with fun activities and entertainment on and off the slopes. Snowboarding and cross-country skiing offer a spin on traditional downhill action. Less demanding, and some even downright luxurious, options include spas, shopping, dining, snow-mobiling, snow-shoeing, ice-skating, snow-tubing, and hot-air balloon rides. You can jump in a hot tub, swim in the outdoor heated pool, curl up by the fire and read a book, sing along with at a pub, and on and on! The list is almost endless.

Ski & Spa
Resort at Squaw Creek, Lake Tahoe, CA
Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa, CA
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa, CO
Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek, CO
St. Regis Aspen, CO
Sheraton Steamboat, CO
Steamboat Grand, CO
Vail Cascade Resort & Spa, CO
Wyndham Peaks & Golden Door Spa at Telluride, CO
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, NV
Cliff Lodge, Snowbird, UT
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Alberta, Canada

Top Nightlife
Heavenly at Lake Tahoe, CA
Aspen, CO
Breckenridge, CO
Vail, CO
Killington, VT
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Tremblant, Quebec, Canada

Families & Instruction
Steamboat, CO
Vail, CO
Killington, VT

Luxury
Resort at Squaw Creek, Lake Tahoe, CA
Hotel Jerome, Aspen, CO
Lodge at Vail, CO
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, CO
Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek, CO
Wyndham Peaks & Golden Door Spa at Telluride, CO
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort & Casino, NV
Deer Valley Resort area at Park City, UT
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Alberta, Canada
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
Fairmont Chateau, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

More Bang for Your Buck
Village at Breckenridge, CO
Wildwood Lodge, Snowmass Village, CO
Winter Park, CO
Eastern Canada
Western Canada

Romantic Seclusion
Telluride, CO
Banff, Alberta, Canada
Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
Jasper, Alberta, Canada

Snowboarding
Vail, CO
Killington, VT

Skiers-Only
Deer Valley and Alta, Utah (Park City area)

Cross-Country Skiing
L'Esterel Resort, The Laurentians, QC
Western Canada
Colorado
Vermont

Our standard ski package includes guest accommodations, hotel tax, and a voucher to be exchanged for pre-paid lift tickets. Lift tickets are generally included for one day less than the total number of nights booked. For example, a five-night package includes a four-day lift ticket. This formula assumes that traveling time will not allow for skiing on arrival or departure days. Flights, transfers, car rental, and trip protection can be added to packages as necessary. Ski lessons must be arranged separately.

A gondola is a large, often heated lift -- structured like a cable car -- that holds several people at once. This type of lift is used to carry skiers up to the highest points of the mountain, where the longest and most challenging trails begin. The gondola usually comes to a slow crawl or stop for loading and unloading, and you are required to remove your skis when riding it. A standard chairlift is comprised of several "chairs" on a cable that runs up to the starting point of shorter, usually easier trails. In most cases, you are required to keep your skis on when riding a chairlift. When the chair slows down at the unloading station (be prepared that it won't come to a complete stop!), you must stand up quickly and ski off to the side of the lift so as not to interfere with others unloading after you. The tow-bar, typically used in learning zones, is for short hauls to pull skiers up or across the snow. This easy and basic "lift" helps build confidence in beginners.

Lessons are available for skiers of all levels. They are structured for children, adult beginners, intermediates, seniors, and even for accomplished skiers who wish to learn advanced techniques. Every resort maintains an extensive ski school and lessons can be purchased by contacting the resort ahead of time or upon arrival.

You will most likely use a transfer service or rental car to get to your hotel. Note that scheduled transfers are available to all of our ski destinations except for Telluride, Colorado. Renting a car has many advantages, while using a transfer service also has its perks. If you decide to rent a car, make sure it is a "skierized" vehicle. Skierized cars have ski racks, 4-wheel drive, all-weather tires, and snow chains, if required. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide whether to take a transfer or rent a car:

There are different types of snow across the US and around the world. Snow varies by inherent moisture content and what happens to it fter it hits the ground. East coast ski areas, such as those in Vermont and New York State, are located close to the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes, which add a lot of moisture to the snow. This makes it possible to pack snowballs and build snowmen; and when playing in the snow, your snowsuit will surely get wet. It also means that by the end of a good ski day in the East, many trails have melted down and icy conditions have begun to set in. The snow guns blow at night to cover the trails with fresh manmade snow, and then snow groomers move out to prepare the trails for the next day.

The popular Colorado resorts are located over 1,000 miles from the Pacific Ocean; accordingly, their storms drop very dry, arid, champagne-like snow onto the slopes. This snow can literally be brushed off after a day's skiing and hardly leave a trace of moisture on your snowsuit. Snowballs and snowmen, of course, are generally difficult to make with such dry snow, but what counts is that it is great for skiing.

Resorts may need to rely more heavily on manmade snow to start or end the season if the snow does not come naturally. Manmade snow significantly covers the trails and keeps the resorts operating thanks to snowmaking equipment that is so sophisticated the average skier usually doesn't even notice the difference. While everyone prefers real snow on principle, it's worth noting that even the most experienced skier or boarder can have trouble on natural snow that has excess moisture early and late in the season.

In a word, BEWARE! Avalanches are extremely dangerous, however, they do not represent a threat to the resort skier who follows instructions and stays in safe skiing zones. Every resort employs qualified ski patrols that constantly monitor the surrounding terrain, visually and with measuring devices, to determine the probability of an avalanche. Upon discovery of a threat, certain runs might be closed off. Plus, the ski patrol may intentionally use explosives to trigger a small avalanche in order to avoid a larger one (Such prevention is usually distinguished by loud "booms" that can be heard very early in the morning).

Elevation
Western ski resorts are usually much higher in elevation than those in the east. If you visit from an area that is relatively close to sea level you may need to acclimate yourself to higher altitudes. High elevations mean that the air is thinner and dryer. Drink plenty of fluids (like water or energy beverages -- not alcohol) to avoid dehydration. The thin air may also make it difficult to breathe, and may cause dizziness or a loss of appetite.

Skiing the Western US
Ski resorts dot many western states, thanks to the awesome conditions provided by the sprawling Rocky Mountains and California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. Resorts at these slopes are large, very spread out, and rarely found below 5,000 feet in elevation.

Unlike the east, western snow has little moisture in it, making it very dry and powdery so skiers can enjoy a full day of skiing and playing in the snow without getting wet. Colorado is located over 1,000 miles away from the Pacific Ocean, making its snow so dry that it isn't even likely you'll be able to make snowballs or snowmen!

Skiing the Eastern US
Ski resorts in the eastern United States tend to be less extensive than those out west, meaning that these resorts just don't cover as much ground. Mountains are generally smaller with most ski slopes at less than 1,500 feet above sea level. East coast resorts tend to have physically heavier and moister snow due to their proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Great Lakes. They often rely on snowmaking equipment featuring "snow guns" that shoot out snow and continuously cover trails whenever it's below 32 degrees -- regardless of what Mother Nature provides. All of the trails are groomed nightly so that morning snow conditions are at their peak. By day's end, east coast trails may become a bit packed down and there are strong possibilities of occasional ice patches.

Skiing Canada
Canadian ski resorts offer unique charm and unspoiled terrain that you won't find anywhere else. From Whistler to Tremblant, Canadians "know" winter and celebrate their favorite season with unrivaled vigor. Here, you'll indulge in traditions such as beavertails (a fried pastry with a choice of toppings), ice hockey, dog sledding, Canadian beef pie, rabbit stew, Molson beer, and some of the world's most spectacular mountain scenery. Quebec is particularly alluring for its distinct French heritage and joie de vivre (joy of life) ambiance. You should expect to feel right at home in Quebec, as most French Canadians are fluent in English and you'll have the option to choose the familiar comforts of hotels like Westins and Hiltons.Of course, Canada is about more than just great resorts and snow-filled mountains. It also proves time and again to be a terrific value for the American vacationer. Not only do Americans receive more Canadian dollars for their US greenbacks, but those Canadian dollars also go further than American dollars do at home. For example, you can treat yourself to fine dining at a top-quality Canadian restaurant for the same money that you would normally spend at a casual family restaurant or café in the US.

Snowboarders glide down the slopes on one wide board -- imagine a miniature surfboard built for skiing -- rather than a pair of narrow skis. Snowboarding is especially popular with the 12- to 24-year-olds. Popular snowboarder-friendly resorts, such as Vail, Colorado and Killington, Vermont, feature designated extreme sport zones with challenging terrain, jumps, and half-pipes. While snowboarders have access to downhill trails, restrictions are likely and vary by resort.

Cross-country (Nordic) skiing is completely different from downhill (alpine) skiing. It essentially consists of hiking or gliding across the snow, rather than using gravity to slide down a mountain. Cross-country skiing is done with long, narrow skis and on relatively flat terrain. Generally, cross-country trails are operated apart from the downhill ski areas and may require the purchase of a separate entrance ticket. Some of the bigger resorts feature their own cross-country skiing centers. Plus, many resort area golf courses are designed with cross-country trails for the winter months. Some of the finest cross-country skiing can be discovered in remote areas of Vermont and Canada (L'Esterel Resort, The Laurentians, Quebec) while most of the Colorado resorts also have great cross-country opportunities. It is always a good idea to confirm directly with either the ski resort or your hotel to see if cross-country trails are available on-site or at least very close by.

You don't need certification to hit the slopes, but following the Skier's Responsibility Code at a designated resort will help make your ski experience as safe and enjoyable as possible. Here's a sample code for you to review:

If you're an avid skier, you probably own skis or a snowboard. If not, Breeze Ski Rentals and Max Snowboard, located near many resorts, supply rental equipment. Specials may be available offering such deals as a complimentary day of equipment use after three paid rental days, or other cost savings. The most current rental instructions will be provided with your ski package documents.

If traveling with equipment, remember that all airline policies are subject to change, but generally they allow two checked bags per paying passenger, including children. Traditionally, they will count all ski equipment that is packaged together as a single checked piece. To be sure, check with your airline ahead of time to see if they charge additionally for checking ski equipment. If you don't already have one, pick up a proper traveling case or bag to hold your equipment! You can find one at any good ski shop or sporting goods store.

Skis and other ski equipment may produce graceful moves on the slopes, but carrying them around on the mountain is awkward and nobody's idea of fun. Fortunately, this is a minor matter that the resorts easily handle. All ski resorts offer some type of storage facilities for those times when guests wish to remove their skis temporarily -- perhaps to go inside for some hot chocolate. Larger resorts have courtesy and paid facilities (with added security) to choose from, and they may even hold your skis overnight. Off the mountain, most accommodations offer a central storage room or in-room storage cabinet. Also, keep in mind that if you decide to rent equipment, you will be advised to either return it to the shop at day's end (more common) or at the end of the rental period.

Equipment aside, to enjoy the slopes best without turning into a human popsicle, the key phrase is "dress in layers"! One or two inner layers (depending on temperature and activity) made of comfortable, thermal material that keeps you warm, pulls the moisture from your body, and moves easily with you, covered by an outer layer of moisture-proof fabric made for the snow, is the best combination. Gloves, caps, and warm sturdy socks are essential. Remember that you lose most of your body heat through your head, and fingers/toes are extremely vulnerable to frostbite! Après-ski dress is almost always casual; even the most upscale restaurants readily accept diners in turtlenecks or fleece. Because ski resorts are at such high elevations, you should expect greater exposure to ultraviolet light as well as snow glare. Sunglasses with UV-protection are a must.

A gondola is a large, often heated lift -- structured like a cable car -- that holds several people at once. This type of lift is used to carry skiers up to the highest points of the mountain, where the longest and most challenging trails begin. The gondola usually comes to a slow crawl or stop for loading and unloading, and you are required to remove your skis when riding it. A standard chairlift is comprised of several "chairs" on a cable that runs up to the starting point of shorter, usually easier trails. In most cases, you are required to keep your skis on when riding a chairlift. When the chair slows down at the unloading station (be prepared that it won't come to a complete stop!), you must stand up quickly and ski off to the side of the lift so as not to interfere with others unloading after you. The tow-bar, typically used in learning zones, is for short hauls to pull skiers up or across the snow. This easy and basic "lift" helps build confidence in beginners.