Predictably, prices will be steep in Whistler while it hosts key events in the 2010 Winter Olympics on February 12-28. But on either side of the games, the opposite is true since the Canadian resort is terrified locals and tourists alike will be put off by the hype. The price of a 10-day lift pass and ski hire is down 20%, and packages are cheaper than they have been for years. And the forecast is for early-season snow. Ski Safari (01273 224 060, skisafari.com) is offering 10-day self-catering holidays in early January for £1,009pp, including flights and transfers.