Some early-bird deals have been extended until January 15 2011 – not what I would call “early” as we are already well into the season (but best not to complain). Deals include 50% OFF loding at Panorama Ski Resort for stays of 5+ nights as part of a ski package through Ski Holidays Canada. Panorama was sold by Intrawest last year, and the new management at Panorama are really making an excellent attempt with providing tour operators with awesome deals. There is also a scheduled Panorama service from Calgary YYC airport making it easier to get to Panorama ski resort. If you have not tried Panorama – you should make it your next ski holiday destination.

Discounted Banff ski passes are still on sale too. The Tri-Area pass covers Banff Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise. The ski shuttles from Banff currently only pick up from three locations with exception to the Lake Louise ski bus which now picks up at most hotels in Banff. Thank you Lake Louise – we salute you!

Now, what about this fresh snow we’ve been talking about? Here is what we have received at our featured ski resorts in the last 12-24 hours:

• Sunshine Village – 4cm (1.6in) over last 24 hours
• Kimberley – 5cm (2in) over the last 24 hours and it’s still snowing
• Panorama – 6cm (2.4in) over the last 24 hours
• Lake Louise – 6 cm (2.4in) over the last 12 hours
• Fernie – 9cm (3.5in) over the last 24 hours and it’s still snowing
• Jasper Marmot Basin – 10cm (4in) over the last 24 hours
• Kicking Horse – 13cm (5.1in) over the last 24 hours
• Whistler Blackcomb – 26cm (10in) over the last 24 hours and it’s still snowing! MEGA-POW baby!

Okay, now what  are you doing still sat reading this blog post – get out and enjoy and we look forward to any comments you have!

Best wishes for 2011 from Canada-Ski.com!

The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is the single harmonized value-added tax that will replace the GST and PST in British Columbia on July 1, 2010. The HST will apply at a rate of 12 per cent to those goods and services that are subject to GST. In other words, the PST will be eliminated and a 7 per cent provincial rate will be added to the 5 per cent GST. This 12 per cent combined tax will be called the HST.

Which of your featured ski resorts are affected?

All ski resorts in British Columbia (BC), Western Canada, will be affected by this new HST. Out of our featured ski resorts, these include Fernie, Kimberley, Kicking Horse, Panorama and Whistler Blackcomb.

Will my ski holiday in British Columbia cost me more?

In short, yes. The main impact is on the lift passes which will now be subject to 12% tax (instead of 5%) at all the ski resort in British Columbia. A full list of ski resorts in BC can be viewed HERE.

How can I avoid this tax?

If you book and pay in full by the end of this month, April 2010, then you will not have to pay the additional 7% tax for next season. May 1 2010 onwards, you will have to pay the additional tax.

If you want to avoid the tax completely after May 1 2010, take your ski holiday in Alberta where goods and services are only subject to 5% GST. Out of our featured ski resorts, these include Banff Norquay, Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, Jasper Marmot Basin and Nakiska. I suspect suppliers in British Columbia may lower rates or at the very least keep rates the same as last winter to keep competitive with suppliers in Alberta.

Booking in advance will save you money as there are some great early-bird ski deals available. Ski Holidays Canada for example have free ski days, hotel nights and kids ski and rent for free at select ski resorts as early-booking incentives.

Source: Whistler Blackcomb

What you get:

2-bedroom unit in the Aspens on Blackcomb Mountain – this is perfect for families and the unit included in this ski package was renovated in 2006. The Aspens is a ski-in/ski-out property.

You get everything else you would need on a Ski Holiday in Whistler including airport transfers, ski passes, ski rentals and ski lessons. Children ski and rent FREE.

Applicable dates: Checking in on December 18 2009 for 9 nights. Check out December 27 2009.

Property Summary:

• Two Bedroom, 2 Baths, ~881 sq ft
• Bedding: 1 Double Bunk, 1 King, 2 Queen
• Style: Condo
• Entrance Style: Elevator
• Fireplaces: Gas Fireplace
• Layout: 2 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Beautiful living area, fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, six person dining, ground floor patio
• Living Area: Beautiful living room furniture, sofa, loveseat and chair/ottoman, fireplace. New flooring in 2006! Many personal touches.
• Dining Area: Large table with six chairs.
• Kitchen: Full Kitchen with all amenities, new dishes and cookware, granite counter tops.
• Property Amenities:
• - Heated Pool, Two Hot Tubs
• - Unique Features
• - Ski-in, Ski-out / Free Ski Valet Service
• - Internet

Discounted “early bird” package below:

- 9 nights – 2-Bedroom renovated unit in the Aspens described above.

- 7 of 8 day lift passes – 2 adults, 1 youth, 2 children *children ski free*

- 8 day ski adult rentals – 2 adults, 1 youth (Beginner skis/boots/poles) *children rent free*

- Return scheduled airport transfers (door-to-door): 2 adults, 1 youth, 2 children

- Lessons – 5-day Ski Esprit Weeks starting Monday DEC 21 (Group Lesson ski level 2-6) – 2 Adults

- Lessons – 5-day Ski Adventure Camp starting Monday DEC 21 (Group Lesson ages 7-18 years) – 2 Children, 1 Youth.

Discounted package price including all discounts, promotions and taxes: CDN$8,475 (~US$7,656). Price is based on 2 adults, a youth and 2 children. No further discounts permitted.

For more information on this Ski Holiday in Whistler send a ski holiday booking request.