Did you know that being a Washington resident means extra discounts at many Whistler hotels? The resort town was an international draw even before the 2010 Olympics, and soon it'll launch its annual Cornucopia food festival (November 7–17). But we Washingtonians are still VIPs, especially in the early days of the ski season. As the ski season launches, look for these discounts:

• The Whistler Blackcomb ski mountains themselves discount Edge cards—fancy RFID lift tickets, basically—for Washington residents, who pay $70–$89 per day to get on lifts rather than the standard $119. Additional perks include discounts on shopping, rentals, and lessons.

• Nita Lake Lodge has a VIP package for locals that offers free parking, free late checkout, and spa discounts.

• The Fairmont Chateau Whistler offers 15 percent off their best price of the day to Washington folk, plus free Internet service, ski valet, and yoga classes. Plus you get to stay in the most castlelike of Whistler's big hotels.

• The Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside gives Washington residents free Wi-Fi, free ski valet, and free self-parking, but only through November 27.

• The Four Seasons Whistler special is much like the others: 15 percent off the room, free valet parking, free Internet, and free fitness classes.

Of course, since most offers can't be combined with others—ski and stay packages, free-night packages, and the like—you might be better off forgoing your Washington discount. Whistler rates generally go up across the board after November 15.