Believe it or not, it's ski season and now is the time to book as the clock is running out on early booking deals.

Destinations like Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort located in British Columbia's interior are offering two nights free when you book five or more nights, the fifth day on the mountain free and free skiing for kids if you book by November 30. www.skircr.com

This year is the 50th anniversary of Whistler Blackcomb. Originally opened for skiing in the winter of 1965-66 and founded on the dream of one day hosting the Olympic Winter Games, this will be a celebratory winter season. Whistler Blackcomb is offering early booking Ski & Stay Packages where guests can save up to 40% off before November 15, 2015. whistlerblackcomb.com/bookearly.

Here are some other tips as you plan this year's ski holiday.

  1. Pick a place that suits your style: The ski resorts in Alberta's national parks offer untouched beauty. In British Columbia you will find great ski in/ski out options like Kelowna's Silver Star Resort or Sun Peaks in Kamloops. For a mix of culture and ski consider spending your days on the slopes of Le Massif or Mt. Ste. Anne while you spend your nights in charming Quebec City.
  2. Think about where you want to stay: If you stay in a hotel where you can't cook your own meals pick a destination with a variety of dining options. If you don' t mind the cooking and cleaning, book a condo with kitchenette and inquire about food delivery options. Some of the resorts like Big White near Kelowna have arrangements with local grocery stores to deliver food to your condo. They can have it waiting for you when you arrive, saving you the need of a rental car.
  3. Embrace technology: Resorts across Canada are using the Flaik GPS system for children's ski lessons. It not only tracks kids all over the mountain, but shares stats with parents, including the trails their kids traversed, how much vertical they skied or boarded and their average speed.
  4. Considering heli-skiing? If you want to scratch heli-skiing off your bucket list consider Nonstop Ski and Snowboard's Ready to Heli program.
    It is a great option for skiers who may be nervous about their ability to ski in powder or off piste. The package includes three days of coaching at B.C.'s Fernie Alpine Resort, a day of cat-skiing and has you graduate to a day of heli-skiing in the Purcell Mountains at the end of the week.
  5. Don't be afraid to take lessons: Unless you are a top notch skier, take a lesson. Even if it’s just one day it’s worth it. And for those non-skiers in the family, check out Fat Biking. Monster tires and low gearing mean biking in snow is easy for both first-timers and seasoned cyclists. Many spots across the country including smaller resorts like Ontario's Horseshoe Resort now offer groomed trails for fat bikers. http://www.horseshoeresort.com/ontario-winter-activities.htm