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INDAGARE’S GUIDE TO LAST-MINUTE HOLIDAY AVAILABILITY 2008

One of the benefits of Indagare membership is that we will scout out the best places with rooms left during the holidays and hold options for you. Please note these may go quickly and some have minimum-day requirements. To secure preferential rates and special amenities, contact our Bookings Service at 212-988-2611.

Read the guide to availability in exotic locales and for sun seekers.

JACKSON HOLE

Jackson Hole is known for its challenging skiing and stunning scenery in the Tetons. The Four Seasons Jackson Hole offers ski-in/ski-out access plus fine dining and a great spa to après-ski recuperation. (www.fourseasons.com/jacksonhole)

Another great option in Jackson Hole is Spring Creek Ranch, located in a wildlife sanctuary above the town of Jackson. Accommodations include hotel rooms, condos or private villas, a great option for families. (www.springcreekranch.com)

VAIL/BEAVER CREEK

The Osprey, Beaver Creek’s newest hotel, will open just in time for the holidays. Following a $7 million renovation, this sleek lodge is set in the heart of the village just steps from the chairlift. (ospreyatbeavercreek.rockresorts.com).

The most talked about new property in Vail is the Arrabelle at Vail Square, a luxurious development managed by RockResorts.

DEER VALLEY

A great family-friendly option is Chateaux at Silver Lake midway up the mountain at Deer Valley.

CANADA

Whistler has been ranked Canada’s #1 ski resort. Situated at the base of Blackcomb Mountain is the 550-room Fairmont Chateau Whistler (www.fairmont.com/whistler). The Four Seasons Whistler (www.fourseasons.com/whistler) has also had some space released, most notably for their four bedroom, bi-level suite.

Although Banff isn’t as famous as Whistler, in-the-know skiers flock here for its stunning setting in the Canadian Rockies and 8,000 acres of terrain suitable for all levels. The regal Fairmont Banff Springs has studios and multi-bedroom condos still available for prime holiday dates. (www.fairmont.com/banffsprings)

COURCHEVEL

Hotel Les Airelles (www.les-airelles.com) is nestled in the village of Morzine, close to the slopes and lifts. Rooms are all different and offer balconies.

NEW ZEALAND

Golfers from around the world have come to New Zealand’s to play on the championship Dave Harman-designed course at Kauri Cliffs, a North Island idyll owned by investor Julian Robertson Jr. and his wife Josie. Other activities include sailing, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling and sea kayaking in the Bay of Islands and even sheep shearing at a Kauri Cliffs’ farm.

At the Farm at Cape Kidnappers, the sister property to Kauri Cliffs, there’s no end of active adventures to enjoy, including sailing, surfing, spaing, paragliding, fly-fishing and hiking. A phenomenal seaside golf course makes the most of the natural topography, though guests can also take a helicopter to Kauri and play there too.