Winter is on its way. Have you planned your first trip to the Mountains yet? All forecasts point to a blustery Canadian winter so our resorts should find themselves at the top of your list.

Wallet feeling a little limp with the holidays on their way? We've scoured the web and the many newsletters we receive from our favourite resorts to help make your winter holiday happen for less. We present to you, our list of lift ticket deals and savings from our favourite Canadian Resorts:

Whistler

Book discount Whistler lift tickets on alluraDirect.com at least 4 days in advance of your arrival and get up to 18% off window rates (excludes December 20 - January 2).

If you're planning a visit over the holidays and you're from anywhere in Canada or Washington State, consider purchasing an Edge Card by November 21. Early Bird Edge Cards can be purchased for 1, 5 or 10 days and save you $20-30/day over the holidays.

Kicking Horse & Panorama

Live in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba? Lucky you! Both Kicking Horse and Panorama resort have teamed up to offer Western Canadians the Snowmax Card. The card gives you four days of skiing at either resort for only $134 ($124 for youth and seniors). Want to ski more? Add additional days on the card at $15 off the regular rate. Blackout days include December 26 - January 1 and February 13 - 16. Snowmax cards are only available until December 26.

Sun Peaks

Consider the Value Card from Sun Peaks Resort. Adults can purchase the card for $89 which includes one day of skiing and then 5-25% off day rates after that (depending on the time of year). Get the most out of this card when you ski before December 13 or after March 22 when the daily discount is 25%. Sundays are always 25% off the day rate.

For those making a shorter visit, you may want to purchase a 2-day adult "Flexi Lift Ticket" from any BC lower mainland Costco for $112.99. Please note: you must have a Costco membership to shop in their stores.

Big White & Silver Star

Get your "Ticket to Ride" from any BC lower mainland Costco store. For $49.99 you get one day of skiing at either resort and save $10 on all additional adult ski days. You also receive 10% off private or group lessons, 10% off equipment rental and 15% off tubing and ice skating. Children under 13 get a free group lesson! Please note: you must have a Costco membership to shop in their stores.

Mont Tremblant

If you live in the "G, H, J or K" postal code area then you're in luck! Mont Tremblant Resort is offering the T pack which gets you two days of skiing or riding for only $75. You must purchase by December 1 to get the deal. December 22 - January 4 and February 23 - March 22 are blacked out from this promotion.

Know about another deal we haven't mentioned? Leave a comment and let your fellow snow lovers know about it!

British Columbia welcomes back glorious sunshine and warmth for the next two weeks. Temperatures will remain above average: Whistler will maintain highs of above 16 degrees Celsius until Tuesday, Sun Peaks will have highs above 20 degrees, and Kicking Horse will be at 21-28 degrees.

This is your last chance to head for the hills - er, mountains - and release any pent up summer energy left in your system. Take advantage of low summer accommodation rates still in effect, before resorts kick into high gear (and high prices) for the winter ski season.

Whistler, Sun Peaks, and Kicking Horse continue to offer a plethora of summer activities in September. Whether you like to keep your feet on its toes, on grass, in stirrups, or on pedals, these year-round resorts still have summer fun waiting to entice you:

Whistler

BC's legendary four-season resort is still kickin' it with the summer vibe, every day of the week. The hills are alive with the sound of mudd bunnies tearing it up at the Bike Park. Harvest Huckfest 2008 arrives Sept 20th-21st.

Select from zip lining, kayaking, ATV-ing, whitewater rafting, and more. Soak up the sun and inhale that fresh mountain air with un-frosted nostrils.

Sun Peaks

Friday to Sunday is mainly when you can play at this resort. Hit the hiking trails, bike park (highly recommended), or golf course. Oh, and they've also got a bungee trampoline. Fun!

Kicking Horse

Friday to Sunday is also the main summer playtime schedule for this resort. Go on a river safari, fly fishing, rock climbing, paragliding, or horseback riding. Dip in the hot springs for mineral relaxation.

2008-2009 Winter Weather Forecast

Yes, it'll be sunny & warm in BC for the next two weeks, but we can smell the snowflakes hanging high in the air from Vancouver. It won't be long before it's raining again and that means snow on the mountains.

Will this ski season be another wicked winter or better? We've got the scoop - subscribe to our Whistler newsletter and be the first to find out. You'll always receive Whistler updates, tips, & secrets. No tease.

Zoom airlines is facing the fate of what many low-cost airlines have before them. Operational costs have exceed revenue to a point where they can no longer carry on. Difficult trading conditions including the current state of the economy and high fuel prices have been cited as reasons for insolvency. All future flights have been cancelled.

Steps to Take if You've Booked with Zoom

Unfortunately, just like you can't get blood from a stone, you won't get a refund from Zoom. There are other ways however, that you may be able to recoup your payment:

1. Contact your credit or debit card company to apply for a refund.
2. Consult any travel insurance policies you may hold for your upcoming trip to determine if you can claim a refund.
3. Re-book your flight with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic who have kindly offered special fares to Zoom Airlines passengers whose travel plans have been affected.

Is this the beginning of the end of low-cost air travel? Are low-cost airlines a dying breed?

Canadian Westjet seems to be one of few airlines continuing to thrive. Did you know that employees of Westjet all hold stock in the company? This business model is reminiscent of another travel industry segment. Just look at direct vacation rentals and how they're building a following. Popularity in booking with the owner seems to be extending across the travel industry.

Fly your children to Vancouver for free using a special deal we've uncovered!

Zoom Airlines will allow kids 17 and younger to fly free if accompanied by adults. The young ones are still assessed taxes and fees, but the airfare is covered.

But hurry: you have to book your travel by July 31.

Zoom flies from Vancouver and Montreal to several European destinations: London, Paris, Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff and Belfast.

In order to get this amazing discount, simply book travel at www.flyzoom.com and enter the promotion code: Children2008.

Zoom Airlines does offer some fine print on the deal. There is limited availability, and other restrictions may apply. So visit www.flyzoom.com to learn more.

How many layers of clothes can you fit under your ski gear? Rather than a warning of a chilly Canadian winter, this is a question you should ask yourself to help avoid nasty new airline baggage fees.

Rising Fuel Costs = Rising Flight Costs

Whether or not airlines "need" to charge you more, they've got a pretty good excuse to. The cost of oil has recently topped $1.34 US/barrel. This cost, which is only predicted to increase, affects the bottom line of every industry dependant upon transportation of goods or in the case of airlines, people and goods.

Some airlines have decided to create new baggage charges. Others have gone with new fees corresponding to the distance of your journey:

$25 charge for second piece of checked luggage:

• United Airlines
• US Airways
• Continental Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Northwest Airlines
• American Airlines
• Air Canada Tango and Tango Plus

$15 charge for first piece of checked luggage:

• American Airlines (notice this name in the above list as well)

Canadian airline companies, West Jet and Air Canada have both implemented surcharges corresponding to the distance you fly. Fees range from $20 - $45 each way.

Find these new fees hard to stomach? Take a fist full of Gravol because we may just be glimpsing a snapshot of what's yet to come. Several American airline companies are considering following American Airline's lead and charging for the first checked bag. It seems likely that if another airline comes up with a new fee, the others won't be far behind.

Three Tips to Avoid Extra Fees

1. Fares Shmares - Compare final costs, rather than the advertised fare. These days it's too difficult to keep up-to-date on which airline is charging which fees. Select a flight you want to compare and take it to the payment stage to find out what you'll really pay.
2. Wear Three Sweaters in July - This may sound extreme (and even for the penny pinchers, it is) but the theme here is solid. If you're just on the verge of needing to bring another bag, consider wearing a few extra pieces of clothing while going through security. Airports are air-conditioned so even if it's 100 degrees outside you'll be alright wearing your warm and woolies for a few minutes. Once through security, you can strip down and extra clothes can be stowed in your overhead compartment.
3. Rent, Don't Lugg - The cost of renting ski and snowboard gear often beats the cost and hassle of transporting your own. If airlines aren't already charging an arm and a leg to carry your gear, they may be soon. Pre-booking your rentals online is quick, easy and inexpensive.

The Long and Winding (and Construction-Laden) Road to Whistler

The Sea to Sky Highway drive from Vancouver to Whistler is one of the most beautiful, scenic journeys in the world. It will soon be known for freshly paved, dual-lane roads as well. In the meantime, if you're traveling during off-peak hours, hover your foot over the brake and pack your camera. Snap some gorgeous mountain shots while waiting for a yellow-vested human signpost to wave you on.

Convenient Inconveniences

The Sea to Sky Highway Improvement Project's goal is to finish construction by 2009 in time for the 2010 Olympics while maintaining travel-worthy roads for the majority of regular traffic.

Without construction delays an average journey to Whistler will take 2 hours 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver or 2 hours 45 minutes from Vancouver International Airport. Expect average travel times and smooth sailing, without scheduled delays or closures during peak travel times:

• 6 am to 9 am Monday to Friday
• 5 pm to 8 pm Monday to Thursday
• noon Friday to 10 pm Sunday
• all major Canadian and US holidays

Can't travel during these times? Plan on an average 45-minute delay from West Vancouver to Whistler. For a specific schedule of maximum delays and closures check out the weekly Sea to Sky Highway closures schedule the week you intend to travel.

It may also be a good idea to program 1-877-4SAFE99 into your phone to check road works and conditions before heading out.

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait... in Traffic

The Sea to Sky Highway Improvement Project completion is scheduled for 2009. Improvements will make the drive to and from Whistler faster and safer.

Roads will be straighter with longer sightlines meaning consistently higher speed limits. Getting stuck behind a logging truck will be a thing of the past with 80 kilometres of new passing lanes between Horseshoe Bay and Whistler.

There are approximately 300 traffic accidents on the Sea-to-Sky Highway every year. New barriers, intersections and reflective pavement markings should create better visibility and decrease the number of crashes. New weather stations along the highway will also contribute to more efficient road maintenance.

Snooze While You Cruise or Soak in the Sights

Wondering if you're up for the challenge of driving the Sea to Sky Highway? Maybe you'd rather gawk at your surroundings instead of staring at the car in front of you? Avoid the nerves and frustration of being in the driver's seat. Be a pampered passenger of one of the many buses, private transfers or trains that run between Vancouver and Whistler daily.

Buses from Vancouver Airport:

Pacific Coach Lines*
Perimeter Whistler Express*

Buses from Vancouver:

Snowbus*
Greyhound

Private Transfer:

Star Limousine*

Scenic Train Journey from Downtown Vancouver:

Whistler Mountaineer

*Indicates discount available through AlluraDirect.com Whistler Guest Newsletter.

However and whenever you take your next trip to Whistler you'll likely be setting off on vacation so you shouldn't have any worries. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view. And bring a spare set of batteries for your camera!