From early mountain openings in California to 24-hour snowmaking in Canada, ski season is blowing in to North America and several resorts are announcing deals and packages to take advantage of anticipation. After a better-than-expected turnout for the 2008-2009 holiday ski season, slope population may boost this year so agents with any skiers or snowboarders as clients should take note.
Wyoming
For starters, the new Amagani Ski Club at Aman Resorts' Amangani resort in Wyoming, with a stay of four nights or more, is offering free access to the Amangani Ski Lounge, two adult ski passes for three days of skiing, daily continental breakfast and complimentary airport transfers. The ski-in/ski-out lounge rests at the heart of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, steps from the Bridger Gondola and complete with ski concierge, storage for ski equipment, boot dryers plenty of après amenities
In addition, travelers will receive a complimentary night at Aman's newest U.S. resort, Amangiri, located near Lake Powell in the desert terrain of Utah's canyon country. The hotel includes 32 suites, and private villas (available for sale or rent) are expected to be added within the year. Visit www.amanresorts.com.
Colorado
Keystone mountain resort is offering travelers a guaranteed low rate on its one-
and two-bedroom condos this winter with $149 and $189 rates respectively.
This offer is valid for travel from November 6 through April 10, with the exception of December 26-31. All guests receive a complimentary Adventure Passport upon check-in, entitling them to free and discounted activities such as GPS Adventure, NASTAR Family Racing, free ice skating and more.
Visit www.keystoneresort.com or call 800-354-4386.
Utah
Pay for three nights and receive four as Stein Eriksen Lodge, nestled mid-mountain at Deer Valley Resort in Utah, is offering a bonus night of luxury and free day of skiing on any three-night stay from December 5 - 18, 2009, and March 28 - April 11, 2010. The package includes Deluxe Room accommodations, daily buffet breakfast, taxes and one adult lift ticket per person to Deer Valley Resort.
Additional packages at the ski-in/ski-out resort include:
* Bronze Ski Package, $276 per person, per night: Includes Deluxe Room accommodations, daily buffet breakfast, taxes and one adult lift ticket per person to Deer Valley Resort. Valid from December 4 - December 17, 2009 and March 28 - April 11, 2010
* Early Escape Package $389 per person, per night: Package includes daily breakfast, taxes and one adult lift ticket per person to Deer Valley Resort. Additional nights may be purchased. Valid Sunday through Wednesday only from January 31 - February 11, and February 21 - March 11.
British Colombia
With the 2010 Winter Olympics right around the corner, Whistler Blackcomb is ready to welcome the world with all the savings it can provide. To mark the season, the resort is offering a best price guarantee where Guests can save up to 39 percent by booking by November 15. If guests find a better deal later in the season, Whistler Blackcomb will take care of the difference.
Visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com/bookearly.