How to Get the Best Deal on a Ski Vacation
Alpine skiing can be habit-forming. Who can resist the winter sunshine or the thrills of the hills? Unfortunately, a ski vacation can be an expensive habit. The good news is that it doesn't have to be!
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
How to Get the Best Deal on a Ski Vacation
-
1
Timing is everything. Most people ski weekends, or plan their vacations during holidays. If possible, ski midweek. Believe it or not, mid January, is a great time to get ski area bargains. Although the conditions are usually superb, most of the tourists have gone home. The resorts need your business, so they might offer you a sweet deal.
-
2
Stay off the slope. Sure, ski-in and ski-out is tempting. But your wallet may find it distasteful. Besides, some of the more interesting activities happen in town. If you're visiting Utah, consider one of the Extended Stay locations. Under $100 can get you a room with a kitchen. For those traveling with a big group, a multi-bedroom vacation rental, complete with kitchen, will be less expensive than a hotel. If you're super budget conscious, consider a ski hostel, such as the St. Moritz Hostel in Aspen, Colorado.
-
-
3
Check to see if the resort offers multi-day tickets. In most cases, you can get a better deal by purchasing them online. If you have friends or family that have season passes, some resorts offer special prices for friends and family of pass holders.
-
4
When eating, avoid the main area lodge, which will usually be more crowded and more expensive than those on the mountain. Some resorts offer a discount for eating early.
-
5
Unless you are buying a lift, lodging and equipment rental package, it's cheaper to rent off-mountain.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Consider choosing smaller resorts. For example, in Colorado, Loveland is less expensive than the Summit County resorts.
At the end of the season, rental shops might sell their demo equipment. You might be able to get a great deal.
Never buy same-day lift tickets at the ticket window!
