Savvy skiers know how to save money while still having a good time. A little advance planning can make a family ski vacation affordable.
Save Money on Ski Lift Tickets, Lodging and Lessons
Most resorts offer a break for ski lift tickets, ski rental and even lessons for more than one day. Some also offer ski discount cards which may qualify vacationers for bigger savings.
Travel agents can steer skiers toward the best deal. A number of tour operators put together airfare and accommodation packages that will beat any price an individual can negotiate on his or her own. Wholesalers reserve large blocks of rooms at guaranteed low rates and pass the savings on to their customers.
Many resorts offer lower lift ticket and lodging prices early and late season. This may be as early as November and as late as May for some resorts. This is also the time to find special discount packages that include freebies such as lessons. Most resort websites will list specials, but shoppers should also call and ask about any unadvertised deals. One source of ski deals is On the Snow.
Some hotels and condos offer price breaks for lodging during the week. Lift lines will be less crowded, too.
As a general rule, the further away your room is from the lift, the lower the rate. Most ski areas run free or no-cost shuttle buses that will take skiers to the slopes in a matter of minutes.
Newcomers to skiing can get up to speed on the slopes fast by letting a professional show them how it's done. Most resorts offer free or low-cost beginner packages that include lessons, ski gear and lift tickets.
Save Money on Vacation Meals and Ski Clothing
Skiing works up an appetite, and eating out three times a day can blow a hole in any budget. Vacationers probably want to sample local fare a few times during your vacation (after all, this is a vacation) but by staying in a condo with a kitchen and cooking their own breakfast and dinner, skiers can save a bundle. Even if a family opts for a hotel room, they can stockpile a few sandwich fixings and brown bag it to the slopes. A cooler full of drinks can save money too, as drinks can be even more expensive than food at ski resorts. Most shuttle bus or taxi drivers will be willing to stop at a grocery store and /or liquor store on the way between the airport and the ski resort, for those who fly to their skiing destination.
New skiers especially shouldn't invest in a lot of expensive gear. Friends and neighbors may have closets full of items a family can use. If this isn't an option, most ski rental shops will also rent ski bibs and other clothing. Thrift shops near ski areas are also a good bet for gently-used ski clothing. Some people try to get by with Scotchguard on blue jeans, but this is an ineffective choice. One face-plant and the unlucky skier will spend the rest of the day soaked and miserable. In addition to ski pants and jacket, long underwear, good gloves and a hat are a must. This packing list can help you arrive at the resort well prepared.
Stay Healthy on Vacation
Nothing ruins a vacation like sitting in the condo nursing an injury while friends and family have fun on the slopes. Accidents can happen, but most of the time they happen when people are careless. Vacationers shouldn't drink and ski; the higher altitudes increase the effects of alcohol. Any skier who find himself growing tired should rest, or quit for the day. Vacationers can make the most of their trip by getting in shape before they leave home. And newcomers should spend the first day adjusting to the altitude and weather conditions. Sun reflects the snow's rays, so everyone should wear sunscreen.
Common sense and a little advance planning can lead families to an enjoyable vacation on the snow.
Cynthia Myers - Cynthia Myers is the author of more than three dozen novels and hundreds of short stories and articles for publications ranging from ...
Join the Conversation