Hotels and motels are often fine for a short ski trip, but to get the most out of a winter mountain holiday, many vacationers prefer to rent private condos and houses that offer a more personal, home-away-from-home feeling. But what kind of things should a potential renter consider when checking out properties? We went to an expert for the answers.

Brian Emerick is the president of Base Mountain Properties, a property management and resort booking service owned by ResortQuest International. BMP directly manages around 150 condos and houses in the greater Sun Valley Idaho area. Here Emerick gives basic guide to renting a ski vacation property:

• Think location and size.
  When you're looking for a condo, says Emerick, the two main considerations are the location and the size of the property. Do you prefer an easy walk to the ski lifts, or an easy walk to shopping and dining? Are you booking for a couple or a family of six?
  
• Consider the amenities.
  Also to remember to look for the amenities that are important to you, like a full kitchen, a balcony or deck, or a hot tub.
  
• Book early!
  It's never too early to book your reservation. The highest seasons are the holiday seasons, of course, but the middle of February, around the President's weekend, is also very, very busy.
  
• Understand all fees.
  You should be satisfied that you fully understand all of the costs and fees associated with your stay. Find out everything about the cost of the lodging, the tax on that lodging, and any additional fees such as a cleaning fee or reservation fee. You don't want any surprises when it's time for your vacation to wrap up.
  
• Be totally satisfied.
  The hope of every property manager and lodging provider is to have a renter get home and say, "Yeah, I'd love to stay in that property again."

For more information on skiing and ski vacations, check out the following organizations or websites:

Resort Quest: Sun Valley
www.resortquest.com

Go Ski
www.goski.com

Ski Resorts Guide: USA & Canada
www.skiresortsguide.com

Ski Homes and Ski Condo rentals
www.skihomesandcondos.com

Skinet
www.skinet.com

Skiing Magazine
www.skiingmag.com