Springtime holds a special place in skiers' hearts. Pushing down the pang brought on by the end of the season, you can still get the most out of the slopes flying down mountains in T-shirts and goggles. Learning to ski in light clothes without having to fight off those winter winds makes the bunny trails that much more maneuverable. And, with warmer weather creeping up through, end-of-season ski deals abound.
If you haven't been to Canada yet this ski season, Whistler (tel. 800/778-8589; http://whistler.ski.com) has some well-priced specials and last-minute deals. With runs of seven miles, Whistler has some of the longest ski trails in North America. The town itself isn't shabby either. With shops, world-class shopping and dining, Whistler is one of the more luxurious and classy ski resorts in the world. While it might lack the high prices and celebrity hullabaloo of America's Aspen, Whistler has an excitement and magic all of its own. For spur of the moment trips to Whistler, a fifth-night-free deal starting at $804 is good through March 28, 2006. Accommodations are at the Coast Whistler Hotel, a luxury property in the heart of Whistler Village minutes from ski runs, snowboard lifts, hiking areas and shops and restaurants. A round-trip airport shuttle from Vancouver to the hotel and four-days' lift tickets are also included in the price of the package.
For utter romantic luxury at a very special price, a last-minute four-night ski deal to Whistler with accommodations at the Four Seasons Hotel begins at $1,016 per person with double occupancy accommodations. This package is good for travel through March 31, 2006. Located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain just a quarter mile from the ski lifts, the Four Seasons offers the height of luxury and apr¿s-ski entertainment. The hotel bar is a meeting place for local dignitaries while the outdoor hot tub and pool is an ideal place to restart those tired muscles after a day on the slopes. Three days of lift tickets and airport transfers are included in the price of this deal, too.
Always reliable, Ski.com (tel. 800/778-8589; www.ski.com) offers good value end-of-season deals. A three-day/four-night special to Salt Lake City includes accommodations at the Embassy Suites, a rental car and lift tickets for the duration of your stay. Good for travel through April 1, 2006, this package is priced from $587 per person.
Good through April 15, 2005, Park Place in Breckinridge, Colorado, offers a "Sale into Spring" ski special including a three-day/four-night stay in a two-bedroom condominium, a rental car and three-days worth of lift tickets. This offer starts at just $582 per person. A short walk to Main Street, a shuttle is available to take you home from the ski lifts or downtown locations after a fun night out on the town.
Ski.com has a midweek special available to Lake Tahoe's Squaw Valley with a 15% savings on a four-day/five-night trip costing $894 per person. Sunday arrivals with Friday departures are obligatory; a rental car as well as your lift tickets is included in the package price. Accommodations are at the Village, a colossal 300-condominium development filled with shops and restaurants located at the base of the mountain. Rooms are warm with fireplaces and full kitchens. A kid's game room keeps kids busy and safe, while adults can relax in the apr¿s-ski lounge.
The Stein Eriksen Lodge (tel. 800/453.1302; www.steinlodge.com) in Park City is a five-star ski resort where rooms can go for upwards of $500 around peak season. Special spring ski packages, however, can be had for $219 per night per person. Included in the price of the deal are accommodations, daily breakfast and one lift ticket per person to Deer Valley. The package is good through April 15, 2006. A two-night minimum stay is required. For $30 more, a spa element can be added to your trip that includes one-spa treatment of your choice. The hotel's architecture reflects a Scandinavian influence with its mountainside retreat ambiance. Named after Norway's famous gold medal skier Stein Eriksen, the lodge is equipped with state of the art luxuries amidst a rustic mountain setting.
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