Intrawest ski resorts pkgs whistler - $489 airfare (inc taxes) Toronto to Vancouver

[drnic]

Just got this e-mail:

I haven't checked the details but it looks like good prices especially the included airfare offer:

http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/next/index.htm

e.g. Whistler
Early Season - November 23 to December 22, 2006

4 Night/ 3 Day Early Season Package
from $81 CAD ($74 USD) per person per night (kids under stay 12 free + free lift ticket)
Description:
Early booking offer available until November 15, 2006. Package valid November 23, 06 - December 22, 06. Package includes 4-14 nights accommodation, two 3-13 Day Lift Tickets PLUS two free Adult Full Day Group Lesson (Only ONE free lesson allowed per person booked in conjunction with Early Booking Lodging AND Lift Tickets. Free Lesson must be booked to start on the same day as the lift ticket start date and is not available between Dec 23, 06 and Jan 01, 07). Rates are in CAD funds. Advertised package rate is exclusive of taxes, fees and surcharges and is subject to availability at the time of booking and may change without notice. Additional Early Booking savings available for equipment rentals and airport transfers, please inquire for details.

To make this your easiest winter escape ever, we've arranged an unheard-of airfare of just $489 per person (all taxes and surcharges INCLUDED) between Toronto and Vancouver. Call 1.866.787.1977 for details.

There are also deals for Tremblant, Blue Mountain and Panorama Mountain Village.

Must book before Nov 15

Seems you have to call to get the special airfare and if you want have kids stay free.

Not able to take advantage of this myself but thought others might.

[joeblowurho]

I think you would have to sit through an hour to 2 hour lecture and stuff on their deals etc. Basically they want you to buy a timeshare.

[mingcourt]

is there some sort of catch? $489 is HOT!!!

what are the stipulations?

- only runs from nov.20 - dec.22 or something like that
- are there special taxes when you get ur flight tickets or whtaever?

[drnic]

I thought it was a good deal - the ad suggests that 489 includes all taxes and surcharges. The good price probably relates to the time of year (and the special deal).

Note that the resort prices do NOT include taxes and surcharges (and they are for lower end accomodations i.e. the prices "start" here). Although again, I think they are pretty decent. I have found that if you book early with Intrawest (as in this example) you can get decent deals.

Regarding sitting through the time-share "presentation", we did this for a cheap stay at Tremblant - pretty painless - just make it clear your answer is "no" right from the beginning (and be clear about this yourself before you go in!).

If you call to book, ask for more deals (especially in off-season) - upgrade room, meal vouchers, activity discounts etc... - although most of this already seems to be included in this package.

[DC5R]

I don't think return air fare is included in the price as it specifically states "Toronto to Vancouver"

[cyclopes]

Book for as late as possible, we still haven't had a snowfall to create a base yet!

[dougi3000]

im in vancouver and i never been to whistler.

O_O

[Derek]

Not sure as I just skimmed the URL that was provided. My understanding is that you pay their $81 per night when you get there for all the different benefits they're providing and outside of that, you'd pay an additional $489 per person for the airfare. Didn't see anything about timeshares being mentioned either.

[metaphor_]

Not sure as I just skimmed the URL that was provided. My understanding is that you pay their $81 per night when you get there for all the different benefits they're providing and outside of that, you'd pay an additional $489 per person for the airfare. Didn't see anything about timeshares being mentioned either.

Bingo; from what I see, the airfare is $489 per person round trip to vancouver including all airport taxes, which is great. The actual hotel package including 3 days skiing and 4 nights lodging is $648 + taxes and fees for two people. You'll also be paying for an airport transfer to Whistler, and I haven't found the price for that yet. Still, it would probably be fun and well worthwhile. You might be able to get more of a discount using the NEXT card too.

[drnic]

Just got a friendly reminder e-mail pointing out you must book before Nov 15 to get these deals.

I agree with Metaphor's calculations.

As well, the e-mail I received explicitly states that the airfare is roundtrip (with the usual disclaimers):

** Round trip fares in CAD. Fares are valid only when sold in conjunction with accommodation. All fares are 100% non refundable and fees will apply for changes. Advance purchase and day/time restrictions apply. Seats are limited. Fares may change at any time without notice.

Here is a more convenient summary of the whistler hotel packages with dates available:
http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/deals_packages/ebd/winter/index.htm

According to here:
http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/weather/snowreport/index.htm

opening day for skiing and riding on whistler blackcomb is November 23rd.

The Tremblant rates are also decent - and no airfare required for people in Ontario/Quebec.

[camille]

Those interested in travelling from the East should be aware that the carrier is not Westjet or AC but HARMONY AIRWAYS. A nice in flight service I'm told but at just one flight a day with a return in early afternoon, you could wind up losing one day of your trip or worse, getting stuck if their is some kind of equipment problem. WESTJET and AIR CANADA at least give you a backup.

This happened to us on CANJET. Don't let this happen to you. If you book through FLIGHTCENTRE.CA, you should be able to get a comparable deal.

Just though I'd pass this info along.

[robik]

I was at the ski show in Toronto and booked trip for 4 (2 adults 2 kids) for 1120 (taxes in) with 5 nights accomodation and lift tickets for 4 for 4 days. If anybody interested check this website.

They had other specials too (Vermont, Mt Saint Anne and more..)

http://www.ultimateskivacations.ca/