Summary of Tips for Affordable Family Ski Trips
Are you looking to score a great deal on a family ski getaway? That’s a smart move. Ski vacations with the gang are a ton of fun, but nobody ever said they were cheap.
A four-day ski trip for a family of four at a top ski resort can cost $2,500 to $3,000, encompassing lodging, lift tickets, and kids’ lessons—excluding expenses for airfare, meals, or equipment rental. Taking your ski trip during the Christmas school break will significantly increase your costs; therefore, aiming for early or late-season windows will help you save money.
Here are some tips to ensure you pay less for your family vacation in the snow.
Save on Airfare
Air ticket prices fluctuate based on supply and demand. The old trick of saving money by flying into a local regional airport doesn’t always hold up in ski destinations during peak season. For instance, flights to Denver International Airport, the largest hub for Colorado ski vacations, typically cost less than flights to smaller airports during ski season.
Consequently, compare airfares at all surrounding airports and remain flexible with your travel days; there is often a significant difference in costs when flying on weekends versus weekdays.
Consider Ease of Access
When planning a family ski trip, you will need to budget for accommodations, lift tickets, meals, and other expenses. Don’t forget to incorporate travel expenses into your planning. Choosing a ski resort close to an airport can help you manage costs effectively.
Weigh Rental Car Costs
Renting a car can be very convenient for your ski trip. You can save a significant amount by utilizing AutoSlash, which automatically tracks your rental cost and alerts you if the price drops after your booking.
However, before securing a rental car, do your research to check if your hotel offers free shuttle services to and from the slopes. If you’re staying at a slope-side resort, you may not need a car at all, potentially eliminating that expense.
Find Ski Packages
The first step in finding a ski resort package is identifying the type you want. Some ski-and-stay deals are very comprehensive, including lodging, lift tickets, lessons, airfare, car rentals, or airport transfers. However, be cautious of the term “all-inclusive,” as very few packages include meals. Other offers may deliver substantial discounts on specific components of a ski or snowboard vacation, like accommodations or lift tickets. If you’re seeking a package that bundles several elements, ensure it includes what you need. Additionally, many packages allow kids to ski for free.
If your family is just starting to learn skiing, it may not be necessary to choose the biggest and most expensive resorts. For better pricing, consider exploring smaller, kid-friendly resorts across the country or planning a late-season ski trip. Look for packages that bundle equipment and lessons for more savings.
If you ski only a couple of times each year, renting equipment and clothes might be the more economical option instead of purchasing. Bundling your lodging with lift tickets can also provide savings. Generally, purchasing lift tickets in advance online from the resort will save you at least 10 percent off regular prices, or potentially even more through external platforms.
Book in Advance
Planning your trip ahead pays off. By mid-summer, early-bird packages at popular destination resorts start to appear and typically require booking between mid-September and early October. These deals can offer some of the best pricing of the year, potentially reducing costs by as much as 50 percent. Additionally, consider setting up email alerts from your favorite ski resorts to stay in the loop for special offers.
