For a first-time visitor, figuring out lodging at Whistler can be rather intimidating. One of the easiest ways to book rooms, buy ski passes, and plan activities is to visit the official Whistler Blackcomb Resort website at www.whistlerblackcomb.com. Most hotels and condo developments are represented at this one-stop shopping and information site.

Whistler can be a pricey place to stay, but there are options besides the big, fancy hotels, especially if you don’t mind staying outside the Village. There are condos and suites to rent, a couple of small inns, B&Bs, a hostel, even a campground or two. Visit Whistler Accommodation Reservations (tel. 800/944-7853; www.whistler.com) to find the best fit for you and your travel plans. They can help you book your accommodation and provide a customized package with lift tickets and transportation from and to Vancouver. Here are some of your options:

Whistler Alpine Chalet (3012 Alpine Crescent; tel. 800/736-9967 or 604/935-3003; www.whistleralpinechalet.ca) and Durlacher Hof Pension Inn (7055 Nesters Rd.; tel. 877/932-1924 or 604/932-1924; www.durlacherhof.com) are a couple of small, European-style inns. Cedar Springs Bed & Breakfast (8106 Camino Dr.; tel. 800/727-7547 or 604/938-8007; www.whistlerinns.com) is one of the few local B&Bs to welcome children—they stay and eat free here.

Hostelling International Whistler (1035 Legacy Way; tel. 866/762-4122 or 604/962-0025; www.hihostels.ca) was built as part of the athletes’ village for the 2010 Winter Games and is one of the few truly inexpensive places to stay in Whistler. Most rooms and bathrooms are shared, but there are a handful of private ones with ensuites.

There are a number of campgrounds in the area, including the one at the very popular Alice Lake Provincial Park. You can reserve spots for campgrounds through Discover Camping (tel. 800/689-9025; www.discovercamping.ca).

One other excellent booking service is Allura Direct (tel. 866/4-ALLURA [425-5872] or 604/707-6700; www.alluradirect.com), through which owners of rental properties in Whistler rent directly to the public. The website has an excellent search engine, and offers lots of information and photos of numerous properties located throughout Whistler. Though owners are screened -- we encountered no problems and got a fabulous deal on a one-bedroom condo -- quality can vary, so we recommend you do your homework and book only with those owners who accept credit cards.

Reservations for peak winter periods should be made by September at the latest.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.