Money-saving ski vacation tips

Who says ski vacations have to be super-expensive? If you're looking to cut your ski vacation costs without giving up on comfort and actual skiing, follow these tips for a cheaper ski vacation:

Change your lodging location

While a slopeside ski in/ski out cabin allows you to walk out your door and get on the lift, opting for lodging a little further from the mountain can save you a bundle of cash. And most ski resorts offer free shuttle services with stops throughout town, so getting to the lift is not a hassle.

Look for alternative lodging

For families and groups, getting a vacation rental, whether its a ski chalet, condo, or cabin, can be much better value than booking several hotel rooms. Use a well-established site such as Vacation Rentals By Owner (VRBO) and rent directly from the property owner.

Ski off-peak periods

Busy holiday weekends, such as Christmas and the Martin Luther King and President's Day weekends, can be very much more expensive and packed to boot. If you want to save money and avoid long lift lines, think off peak. And consider weekday versus weekend trips to save even more!

Get cheaper lift tickets

If you know you'll be skiing at least a few days during your vacation, buy your lift tickets in advance on sites like Orbitz.com. And if you're thinking about taking lessons, note that at many resorts the beginner lessons often include a beginner lift ticket in the fee.

Enjoy your skiing vacations, and share your money saving skiing tips in the comments below.

- By Jack on 06 November, 2008 in Tips.