The leaves are beginning to change colors and before we know it, ski season will be here. Are you ready to hit the slopes?

For the ski buffs among us, we are fortunate that throughout North America there are plenty of places to find powder – whether it's for a day or weekend of skiing or (hopefully) a more extended vacation. If skiing is in your blood, I recommend that sometime in your lifetime you clear your calendar for a truly spectacular winter vacation – one that is complete with ideal snow conditions, distinctive accommodations, gourmet dining and attentive service.

And if you want to take that special vacation this ski season, here are three luxurious resorts offering incomparable experiences both on and off the slopes.

The views of the jagged Teton Mountains are spectacular from Jackson Hole – and even more awe-inspiring when you are surrounded in the luxury of the Four Seasons Resort in this remote town with world-class skiing.

This ski-in/ski-out resort features 140 generously sized guest rooms, including 18 suites and 16 master suites, all beautifully appointed with natural wood and stone finishes that reflect the area's Western and Native American heritage. Amenities at this mountain hideaway include an outdoor heated pool, three outdoor hot-spring-styled hot tubs, spa, and fitness center.

The hotel's "Ski Spree" package includes accommodations, daily lift tickets for two and complimentary rental of top-of-the-line ski equipment. Offered from January 2 to April 2, 2006, the rate for this package starts at $455 per night, single or double occupancy.

Tucked away in the Canadian Rockies, approximately 40 miles from Alberta and the U.S. border, is the rustic mining town of Fernie. The Fernie Alpine Resort, which is blanketed with about 29 feet of snow each year, is considered one of the fastest growing resorts in Canada, and THE place to stay is the Lizard Creek Lodge.

The Lodge is steps from the Elk Quad Chair, offering direct access to the ski hill. All suites are fully equipped with a kitchen and feature fireplaces and private balconies with spectacular mountain views. Other amenities include a gourmet dining room with an extensive wine cellar, health club, spa and heated outdoor pool and hot tub. Rental rates for a studio for the 2005/2006 ski season range from $205 to $310 per night.

In the world-famous resort of Val d'Isere in the French Alps are the Le Chardon Mountain Lodges – a group of four exquisite chalets that are truly in a league of their own. The chalets – Bergerie, Le Chardon, Lafitinia and Mistral – are elegantly appointed alpine homes with French stone and walnut and apple wood beams, floor-to-ceiling picture windows, and comfortable sofas in several sitting rooms with roaring log fires. Perfectly situation for ski-in/ski-out, arrangements can be made for a guide for on and off piste skiing.

The food at each meal is spectacular – as you would expect in France – with an extensive selection of wines. And every evening you are invited to a champagne reception. The weekly rate per person ranges from $980 to $4,285, depending upon the chalet and specific week of travel. The rate includes all in-resort services and local taxes, but does not include flights and transfers.