October 12, 2011 @ 11:30PM

Book Early and Save? Maybe.

As the winter season approaches, avid skiers and mountain vacationers are getting bombarded with offers and e-blasts and messages claiming to be THE BEST DEAL out there. Book your ski package early and save. How are you supposed to know if this is really the case?

Earlier this week many operators sent out newsletters screaming of a "massive discount" at one of Whistler's premier hotels - the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. They offered rates up to 50% off for the entire season. Too good to be true? Maybe.....if you waited to book. The offer was so successful that it was closed out earlier than anticipated. If you hesitated, you missed it. Too bad.

What about all the other offers out there promoting "Book Early and Save". Are these really the best ski package deals to be had in Whistler? That depends. Are you coming during a peak period such as New Year's, Martin Luther King or President's Week? If so, then the answer is yes. Don't wait until the deadline of November 15 to book. These dates sell out quick. And if you have a particular unit in mind, don't delay. Homes, townhouses and larger units book up quickly. The Pan Pacific Village Center only has one or two rooms left over the Christmas holidays, and many dates are already sold out in January and February.

If your dates are flexible, you aren't picky about where you stay and you don't mind booking last minute, then sit tight. If mother nature doesn't cooperate, or if occupancy in Whistler resort is lower than anticipated, you can expect to find some killer last minute deals on some Whistler hotels. Look for offers such as Secret Savers and Last Minute Deals, and join a few facebook pages for updates. That way, you will be the first to know when another crazy deal like 50% off of the Fairmont comes available - and if you don't hesitate, you'll have something to brag about all the way up the gondola.