(CNW) The notion of waiting to book your travel until the last minute to get the best deal doesn't hold true anymore.
A growing number of winter travellers are planning their ski
vacations early in order to avoid sellouts at popular resorts
and to take advantage of early season savings and special
offers. Companies like Intrawest Corporation, owners of a
number of Canada's premiere destination ski resorts such as
Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Mont Tremblant in
Quebec, Blue Mountain in Ontario and Panorama in British
Columbia, have seen this growing trend and are offering their
customers great deals to book early.
According to Intrawest, 40 percent of its Canadian ski
destination guests booked their winter vacations by
mid-November, before the first major snowfall of the season and
before opening day for all resorts. Customers are booking early
in order to ensure the best prices and availability. Comparing
that number with the 50 percent of cruise passengers who book
in advance the number is significant. Furthermore, Intrawest
acknowledged that the number of early booking customers has
doubled over the last two years.
"In order to ensure that they get the vacation they want at a
price they feel comfortable paying, travellers are booking
their vacation early," stated Erik Austin, vice-president of
Central Reservations at Intrawest. 
"In the past, the concept of the 'last minute deal' encouraged
consumers to hold out as long as they could before booking
their vacations.  However, that trend led to frustration
over lack of availability, limited choice, and ultimately
paying higher rates.  Now we are seeing a reverse to that
old mindset and people are planning ahead and booking earlier
to take advantage of 'pre-season' deals featuring better
pricing and availability."
More than just skiing offered
The largest group of customers that are driving the change in
the early-booking trend is families.
"We know that families have to plan their vacations well ahead
because of their hectic schedules," Austin says.
The increase in early bookings also reflects the expansion of
vacation activities beyond skiing. Many ski resorts now give
guests a greater variety of activities and amenities to enjoy
no matter when they travel. 
"Intrawest's destination resorts throughout Canada and the
United States not only offer award-winning skiing and
snowboarding for all skill levels, but a vibrant village
experience with an array of dining, events and activities,
family-friendly programming, spas, and shopping," Austin
says. 
"Groups that travel to Whistler Blackcomb, Mont Tremblant,
Panorama and Blue Mountain know that regardless of the snow
conditions, they'll be treated to an entertaining vacation full
of things to do at our resorts. That's a big reason why we've
seen massive increase in early-season booking."
According to Austin, Canadians are already anxious for the
promising ski season forthcoming. 
"So far, our customers are booking their winter ski travel at a
pace over 50 percent ahead of last year. The record snowfalls
from last year have people eager to return again, and everyone
is excited about the 15-centimetre snowfall at the top of
Whistler Blackcomb a few weeks ago.  This could be our
best year yet."
Savvy vacationers know that there are great ski and stay
package deals designed by resorts to encourage early
booking.
Book early, save money
To provide travellers with greater choice and savings this
winter season, Intrawest has launched its "Destination Next -
Book by November 15" package.
Standard ski and stay packages from Intrawest include an adult
ski lift pass and overnight accommodations.
Depending on the offer, the savings on ski and stay packages amounts to up to 45 percent off when compared to the after Nov. 15 rate. As well, Intrawest is giving customers that book their travel early a $500 Destination Next Savings Card that is redeemable at participating merchants and vendors throughout each resort. 
Again, according to Intrawest, the key part of their offer is
that kids stay and ski for free with adult bookings. It is
important to note that the ages of the kids that qualify for
this offer vary by resort and that other travel conditions may
vary by resort as well.
However, what is definitely apparent is that ski travelers that
are ready to book early will indeed get the best deal of the
season and those that do not are the ones that could be
standing out in the cold.
