Getaways

How to Ski the West’s Luxe Resorts Affordably

By Allen Smith, 11-30-10

	Ditching the rental car and taking a free shuttle from the slopes to town is one way to save money at the big resorts. Photo by Flickr user elgringospain.

If you love to ski but are intimidated by the high costs of large destination resorts, hold on – there’s good news. Nearly all major ski resorts in the West offer ways to make skiing less expensive:

* Avoid peak skiing periods. Resort prices are highest during Christmas week, Easter and spring breaks. Instead, visit the resorts’ websites and look for their off-peak season specials.
* Steer clear of extra airline fees. With airlines now charging fees for extra baggage (including your ski equipment), try leaving your skis at home and rent them at the resort. You can carry your ski boots on board for no extra charge and stow them in the overhead compartment.
* Look for package deals. After you arrive, head to the ski school office before hitting the rental shop. Resorts like Breckenridge in Colorado offer a complete three-day package of equipment, group lessons and lift tickets for only $272 (2009-2010 season prices).
* Forget the rental car. Check into the possibility of a shuttle service at the airport. Colorado Mountain Express services Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Keystone, Aspen and Snowmass resorts for less than $100 each way. Once you get there, you can take the free bus to get around town and to the slopes.
* Rent a condo instead of staying at an expensive hotel. Rental condos are typically larger than hotel rooms and often feature loads of amenities like fireplaces, extra beds, full kitchens and washers and dryers.

Now that the season’s in full swing, skiing at large destination resorts doesn’t have to be expensive. By doing a little research and planning ahead, you can get more bang for your buck and avoid the crowds at smaller, local resorts.

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