Have you heard of "Olympic aversion"? It's a phenomenon faced by many Olympic host destinations, before and after the Games, whereby visitors stay away during what is actually a great time to visit.

People avoid the destination because they figure it's "too expensive," "sold out," "under construction" or "too busy". Vancouver and Whistler have a bad case of it...despite the fact that construction is complete.

The fact is it's a great time to visit Vancouver and Whistler.....just look at what the Torch run has done to ignite Olympic fever. Think about actually heading out there?!

Here are some reasons to consider B.C. for your winter getaway:

Great accommodation offers. See below!

• Be the first to experience the Olympic destinations. With less than 90 days before the 2010 Winter Games, see the Olympic rings floating in Vancouver Harbour and get your photo taken beside the Olympic Countdown Clock. No crowds, no fuss.
• Transportation into Vancouver and up to Whistler has never been easier or smoother. The $600 million upgrade on the Sea-to-Sky Highway linking Vancouver and Whistler will be completed next week. And you can now get to downtown Vancouver from the international airport by SkyTrain. The new Canada Line train is clean, fast (about 25 minutes into downtown Vancouver), and great value (just $3.75 per person).
• You can experience the Cultural Olympiad prior to the Games-time rush. Starting January 22, Cultural Olympiad 2010 will offer dozens of free and ticketed cultural events in and around Vancouver and Whistler, weeks before the start of the 2010 Winter Games.
• Ski or board the Olympic runs! The snow is falling in Whistler and on Vancouver's surrounding mountains. Whistler Mountain (venue for Olympic downhill skiing) and Vancouver's Cypress Mountain (venue for freestyle skiing and snowboarding) have both opened weeks ahead of schedule, with great snow and small lift lines.

And there are great deals...

Uncover Vancouver: Breakfast Included: one night's accommodation, plus breakfast, for as low as $75 CAD per night. Offer available at 19 participating hotels. Must be booked by November 30, 2009 and is good for stays up until January 30, 2010.

Third Night Free package: book a three-night stay but only pay for two nights at select Vancouver hotels, starting as low as $69 CAD per night. Offers are valid until December 30, 2009, subject to availability. Offers may vary by hotel. 

And for Whistler....

Five-night/four-day package: includes five nights' accommodation and a four-day lift ticket from $397 CAD per person. Must be booked by Jan. 31 for stays from Nov. 26 to April 18, excluding Feb. 12 to 28, 2010.

Two-night/two-day package: short early season getaway includes two nights' accommodation and a two-day lift ticket from $210 CAD per person. Offer valid until December 21, 2009.

Loren Christie appears regularly on Canada AM. If you have a travel question, email us at traveltips@ctv.ca.