Ski France

The Real Deal: Roundtrip airfare and seven nights' accommodations in Chamonix, France from $905 per person

When: Depart Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27 or Mar. 24, 2006; additional departure dates in Feb., Mar. and Apr. are available at higher rates

Gateways: New York City; Chicago (add $25); Washington, DC ($30); Dallas ($48); Los Angeles ($60); additional cities available

Details: Hotel taxes and buffet breakfast daily are included. Additional airport taxes and fuel surcharges total a whopping $235 per person.

Book By: No deadline; 30-day advance purchase recommended

Contact: Holidaze Ski Tours, 800-526-2827, holidaze.com

Set in a valley near the intersection of France, Italy and Switzerland, the Alpine ski town Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924 and is famous for its rugged 15-mile Vallee Blanche run. Mont Blanc, the largest mountain in Western Europe, looms in the background.

The package includes roundtrip airfare to Geneva on Delta or Air France, hour-long bus transfers between Geneva and Chamonix, and seven nights at the historic 35-room Hotel Croix Blanche. Free shuttles to the mountain are also included with the purchase of a lift ticket. Tickets are sold at the hotel and are currently: $53 per day with a slight decrease for each day purchased (i.e. $131 for three days) or $230 for a five-day multi-pass.

The flight to Geneva makes one stop in Paris and stopovers are permitted for a $50 per person fee. Travelers can also choose to extend their stay at the Croix Blanche for an additional $60 per person per night.

Airfare to Geneva in January is currently $485 (multiple carriers) from New York City. The real savings behind the $905 Holidaze package is in the transportation provided between Geneva and Chamonix (valued at $75 per person) and the ease of having the seven-night hotel stay included (the Croix Blanche's average nightly rate is $64 per person per night). Travelers should save over $100 by booking the inclusive package instead of making their plans independently.