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Plan Now for Your Christmas Ski Trip

Alison Stein Wellner

There are only so many skiable mountains, so the days around Christmas and New Year's -- the peak of skiing season for the year -- have always required early booking. But this year is set to be even more competitive.

The reason: "airline industry turmoil," says Dan Sherman, spokesperson for Ski.com, a full-service travel agency specializing in ski vacations. For many vacations, the challenge is finding a place to stay, but the single biggest problem with a holiday ski vacation is arranging the air transportation.

"Think about where you're going skiing, these are remote destinations like Steamboat, Aspen, Telluride," he says. "They have small airports, served by small planes with a limited number of seats, and they sell out quickly," he says.

And that's under the best conditions. Should an airline that serves ski country go out of business, or consolidate flights, seats could become even more scarce. Add to this the general trend of travelers booking their flights earlier, as a hedge against rising fuel costs, and it's easy to see how dawdlers could lose out -- while speedy reservers will have an even more definitive advantage for the peak holiday season.

Then, you've got to find a decent place to stay. It stands to reason that people who book their air tickets earlier than ever, are also snapping up the prime accommodations early too. (In fact, it's already too late for some fabled resorts, like The Little Nell in Aspen, they book up for the holiday season at least a year ahead of time.)

Generally, ski-in, ski-out accommodations are selling out first, followed by luxury accommodations generally, with more basic accommodations selling out last.

Expect more demand for lodging in especially hot destinations in ski country this season -- like Jackson Hole, Wyo. The ski resort launches a new aerial tram this season that will be twice as long as its predecessor, and with what promises to be incredible views of the Teton Mountains.

(See a video on the old tram's removal and the construction of the new tram.)

Especially coveted: a spot on the very first tram, although opening day will be before Christmas week.

Whistler, in British Columbia, Canada, will be another hot destination, with this season's opening of the new Peak to Peak Gondola http://www.peak2peakgondola.com/ , connecting Whistler with Blackcomb.

The new gondola will open up 8,000 acres of skiing on one lift system, stretching over 3 kilometers at its longest distance, and up 1,427 feet at its highest point. It's slated to move more than 2,000 people an hour.

Although it will certainly have less of a splashy launch than the new trams and gondola, the Westin(HOT Quote) Riverfront Resort and Spa is opening the season in Avon, Colo. It will have its own dedicated gondola to bring guests over the river to Beaver Creek Mountain.

Wherever you choose to go, if you're worried that bonus season won't be all it was in year's past, remember that that skiing during Christmas week isn't for bargain seekers. You'll save money and beat the crowds if you go the week before Christmas week, or after New Year's.

Also, whenever you go, don't forget about all of those extra baggage fees assessed by the airlines now. One alternative is to ship your equipment ahead of time; round-trip, this costs about $138 on average, says Ski.com's Sherman. Another is to rent equipment once you get there: at Breckenridge, Colo., a four-day rental on a performance ski package will cost you $145. (Arrange ahead of time through your travel agent or your hotel; it's a good idea to bring your own boots if you can.)

If you plan to buy new ski equipment next year, consider your rental a test run for your Christmas wish list -- for holiday season 2009.