OK, couple of package ski trip questions:

1. Anyone have any ski package trip operators that they recommend or that they DON'T recommend? I used ski.com/Aspen Ski Tours once with no problems, just wondering people's experiences/recommendations with respect to the others - Lynx, Moguls, Colorado Ski Holidays, Rocky Mtn Tours/skithewest.com, or any others.

2. We are thinking of booking a package last minute - like a week or two in advance, based on where the snow is. We will have a few days flexibility on the departure date (somewhere around 12/19). Has anyone had luck on getting bargain/last minute ski packages? Any recommendation on tour operators most likely to have last minute deals? I am not locked into a destination - anyplace in western North America is a likely prospect, based on snow & prices.

Any advice or thoughts on this are most welcome!

I don't think you will be looking at any bargains for Christmas week--HIGH season.

Try: skicolorado.com or www.snow.com

Well, regardless of whether I can get a good trip for this time period (some, not all, places seem to imply PRIOR to 12/26 is low season, then prices go astronomical), I would STILL like to know:

1. Personal recommendations of good/bad package operators - I know who exists, just would like personal experiences.

2. Like to know if anyone has ever booked a last minute ski package successfully with a good price.

Even if it doesn't work out this time, I will be planning other trips and just wondering what people's experience doing package tours AND last minute booking has been.

I haven't booked a package, but I have booked "last minute" lodging. Two years ago we decided to go to Keystone in January on one of those weekend web airfares and called around--one of the property management companies offered discounted condo rates within 2 weeks of arrival (less than direct rental from owner), so we booked through them--can't seem to find the name, though I'm sure many offer such discounts.