Though it's only November 17, the 2009/2010 ski and ride season is already shaping up to be one that can't be missed. Early snow and low temperatures combined to allow Loveland and Arapahoe basin in Colorado to open in October, the earliest in 40 years. But the good times didn't stop there. Here are just a few other major resorts running lifts earlier than expected:

• Keystone, Colorado: November 5
• Banff-Lake Louise, Alberta: (Mt. Norquay - October 31; Lake Louise - November 6; Sunshine Village - November 11)
• Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia: November 12 after receiving 48 inches of snow in just over a week
• Breckenridge, Colorado: November 12 (3,000 free pancakes were served at the base during the opening!)
• Europe: (Val Thorens, France - November 14, a week ahead of schedule; Davos, Switzerland - November 13)

Right now is go time in the mountains. Almost every major resort in the West will be open between now and the days following the turkey feast you're reluctantly having with your in-laws.

Don't miss out on some of the best pricing we've seen in a decade. Whether you know exactly where you want to go this year or you're just looking for the best value for you, Ski.com can help. Don't spend hours online visiting countless resort Web sites. Ski.com is the largest provider of mountain vacations in North America and works with 100 resorts worldwide. With just one phone call or a few clicks of the mouse, you can find the perfect deal for you. Give us a call today at 800-299-0656 or visit the deals page of Ski.com.