Ski season is almost, so here are some tips to get the most of your skinny skiing budget.
Don’t Check Your Baggage, Compare Fees
Calculate the cost of baggage fees for flying with your own equipment versus the cost of renting on-site
Don’t go Alone, The More the Better
Go in a group with family or friends and save on accommodation by renting a house or a condo. Cook at home and enjoy your night in.
Shopping Around Permitted
Look for promotions, especially if you’re travelling with children. Many resorts offer packages with options where kids ski stay and/or eat for free. Some states also sponsor free or discounted skiing programs for children in certain grades as a way to encourage youth fitness.
Don’t Stay Less than 2 Nights
The longer you stay at a resort, the less per day you are likely to spend. This is thanks to multiday discounts on lift tickets, lodging and rental equipment.
Ski Early
If you must visit over the holidays, pick Thanksgiving. At many resorts, “peak season” doesn’t begin until the week before Christmas, and often resorts offer early season packages and specials.
Don’t Rent a Car
Look for “fly-in, ski-out” deals that include direct flights to local airports with transportation from the airport to the lodge so you don’t have to rent a car. Some resorts have free airport shuttles, and some airports offer buses to ski areas with inexpensive and convenient pickup and drop-off locations