If you have your heart set on staying slopeside this winter, now is the time to book your accommodations for your ski vacation. Do it now, before it gets too late, and as the snow starts to fly, lodging accommodations book up. Fall is the prime booking season for ski resort lodging, for those who plan ahead. The most popular ski resorts may already have limited availability for the most popular dates. Christmas, New Year's, Martin Luther King Weekend and President's Week are all traditionally high weeks, as well as March spring break weeks fill the resorts quickly.

If you are a storm chaser, you can always take the risk and wait until those big powder dumps look like they are headed for your favorite runs. The upside of being a procrastinator is that you can often score last minute deals on flights as well.

Most Popular Ski Vacation Destinations:

Lake Tahoe, California

Laid back, relaxed and full of options, Tahoe boasts something for everyone. Killer skiing, a casual afternoon atmosphere, and unbelievable nightlife. Vacation lodging in Lake Tahoe ranges from lakefront homes, slopeside condos to cozy cabins among the redwoods.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Built with the ski visitor in mind, this high altitude town surprisingly isn't high on attitude. It's all about the skiers coming in, which makes Breck a very friendly ski destination. Choose a ski-in / ski-out condo at the resort, or find a house for rent in the town of Breckenridge.

Vail, Colorado

So it's a stomping ground for the rich and famous. If you're a serious skier, that won't bother you one bit on the slopes. If you're not, well, at least you can mix and mingle in the taverns and star gaze at night in the restaurants. Rent a condo in Vail that has easy access to both the town/village and to the ski slopes.

Telluride, Colorado

Mine this small town for gems, as in upscale, luxury lodging at private homes, slopeside condos and creekside cottages. After its collapse as a traditional western mining town, Telluride has boomed as ski destination, with rugged terrain, soothing spas and ridiculously good restaurants.

Park City, Utah

Are you feeling lucky? Well, are you? Search hard, and you may find some lodging accommodations in Park City left for the Sundance Film Festival, January 17-27th, but be prepared for higher lodging rates. The good news is, during Sundance, the slopes are practically empty. If you don't go during Sundance, try February or March, when the town really kicks into high gear. Sneak out to go snowcat skiing with the Park City Powder Cats.

Killington, Vermont

The beast of the east, Killington's massive terrain spans 7+ peaks, and always has something going on at the base. Book one of the base area village condos at Killington, but plan to hang out at the Wobbly Barn to complete your Vermont ski vacation experience.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Steep, deep, and downright challenging, Jackson is renowned for leg-burning runs, but has plenty of mellower terrain for the less daring skiers. And while the resort has said goodbye to the old red JH tram, Teton Village is just as inviting as it ever was, with the Mangy Moose as après ski HQ. Stay in Teton Village to get first tracks, or find great deals in outer lying areas. Get the gear designed by a local company, Cloudveil Clothing.

'Sleeper' Areas and Mountain Towns with Great Skiing

Copper Mountain, Colorado

Located on US Forest Service land, part of the White River National Forest, over 2,450 acres of natural terrain is yours to explore on skiing or snowboarding vacation in Colorado. Among the largest ski areas in the state, Copper is also one of the least crowded resorts in Summit County. Stay on mountain in one of the newly built village condominiums or rent a vacation home in the area.

Keystone, Colorado

Keystone Resort has lived in the shadow of Colorado's other ski resorts for far too long, but is finally getting recognition it deserves as a mountain retreat. Boasting three major peaks, five bowls, a killer terrain park, and the most night skiing in Colorado, along with other activities, Keystone offers something for everyone. Rent a large, luxurious mountain home or stay in a slopeside condo at Keystone.

Big Sky, Montana

Go now before this bad boy truly gets too big. Already gaining a following among die-hard skiers, Big Sky Montana still retains the qualities of classic western skiing without being overdeveloped. Luckily, there's at least been enough development for on mountain condos and luxury mountain homes for rent close to Big Sky.

Sunriver, Oregon

Skiing at Mt Bachelor in Bend, just minutes away. Sun River is a quiet resort community with private townhomes and condos for rent, built with active, outdoor enthusiasts in mind. Seasonal outdoor recreation and activities include golf, cross-country skiing, fly-fishing, indoor rock climbing, and rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and horseback riding.

Solitude, Utah

Shhh.... Don't tell anyone I told you. It';s truly a locals' secret. With newer lodging accommodations occupying the base area village, Solitude is slowly becoming more modern, but the mountain still maintains its classic charm and friendly atmosphere. Stay at one of the slopeside properties below: