When you're planning a ski vacation, there are a variety of options for booking your trip. Whether you're looking for a bargain, looking for a condo that will fit the entire family, or looking for ski-in, ski-out accommodations, it makes sense to shop around to be sure you're getting the best deal that fits your skiing requirements.

These ski vacation tips will help you plan your next ski vacation, so you're getting the best prices, best accommodations, and, most importantly, the best skiing.

Selecting a Ski Resort

The first step is to choose where you want to go. When you want to go on a ski vacation, but aren't sure where to go or how to choose a ski resort that meets your needs, these tips will help you find a ski area that's a good fit for your experience level.

Ski Vacation Accommodations

There are a variety of hotel and ski resort lodging options available for skiers, including ski in - ski out at the ski resort, family ski lodging, condos, chalets, and luxury accommodations. The further away from the mountain you stay, the better the deal you'll get on accommodations. If you're not within walking distance, do check to see whether your hotel or condo is on a shuttle bus route to avoid parking hassles.

When you're planning a ski vacation a ski condo rental can be ideal, especially if you're going with a group or with your family. Ski rental condos usually fit a large number of vacationers, some as many as 8 - 10 skiers. Here are tips for booking a ski condo, along with information sites where you can rent directly from the condo owner.

Timing is Everything

Christmas week and President's Week are the busiest, and most expensive, weeks to book a ski vacation. Plus, airfares are higher when you travel over the holidays.

If you can avoid peak ski travel weeks, your trip will be less expensive, there will be more deals available, and the mountain will be less crowded.

For additional savings, consider planning a trip for early or late ski season. Bargains will be plentiful at both ends of ski season.

Ski Resort Booking Options

Many ski resorts manage on-mountain accommodations, so if you're interested in a ski-in, ski-out or close to the mountain vacation, check the ski resort web site for booking options and availability. Typically, you'll be able to search by type of accommodations (hotel room, condo, ski house or chalet), amenities, and proximity to the slopes.

You'll also find a selection of ski vacation packages that are being promoted by the ski resort. Book early for the most and best-priced options.

Local Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber of Commerce is another source of vacation rentals. For example, the Park City, Utah Chamber of Commerce has information on travel and lodging, including hot deals, packages and promotions, lodging available, flights, and local transportation.

Ski Vacation Deals and Discounts

Special vacation pricing is often available for early bookings - and for last minute bookings if the hotel or resort is at less than full occupancy. In addition, many vacation packages include equipment rentals and lift tickets, as well as accommodations. Others may even include airfare.

Here are a variety of ski deals and discounts including ski packages, ski and stay packages, ski vacation discounts, and special deals offered by ski resorts.

Ski Equipment Rentals
When you don't have your own ski equipment, don't want to lug your gear through airports or in and out of your car, or pay for an extra suitcase, consider renting ski equipment.

Top Ski Resorts
The top ski resorts and ski areas including profiles, ski resort information, skiing photos, and reviews of skiing at the top ski resorts, including destination ski resorts, family ski resorts, and international ski areas.