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October 9, 2012

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Skiing on a Budget

Nope, it's not an oxymoron

By: Andrew Schrage

It's certainly true that skiing is not an inexpensive family hobby. With full-price lift tickets climbing over $100/day at some mountains plus clothes and ski rentals, not to mention $4 hot chocolates on the hill, what's a family to do?

Here are five ways for families to save when they ski:

1. Start Your Search Now.

The deals for ski trips start appearing as early as October. The key here is to book your lodging and lift tickets before the ski season starts. You can save as much as 40% on hotels and get discounts on lift tickets as well by booking before Nov. 1st. Also, many resorts have deals where kids stay, eat, and ski for free, so be on the lookout for those too.

2. Avoid the Holidays and Embrace the Shoulder Seasons:

The cheapest times to book your ski vacation are before Christmas or after the middle of March. Of course, you do run the risk of there not being enough snow by traveling during these times, so look for a resort which can generate its own snow if necessary. Also, booking a mid-week vacation saves you money as well, especially on your airfare. You also won’t have to deal with as many crowds on the slopes.

3. Utilize the Internet

You can find great discounts on all aspects of your ski trip by utilizing the Internet. Printable coupons, coupon codes, and other discounts can be found at the following websites to save on lodging, lift tickets, equipment rentals, and even free airfare for the kids:

Colorado Ski
Ski Utah
Ski Oregon
Beaver Creek Snow
Discount Lift Tickets
Ski Coupons

4. Get to know the locals.

This is a good way to save on any vacation, but especially skiing trips. Ask around to see if any local grocery stores or other businesses offer discounted lift tickets.

5. Check out these deals:

We did a little searching ourselves, and here are a few ski deals we uncovered. Of course, not all deals will be available be when you book, and restrictions apply to some.

Park City Peaks Hotel (Park City, UT): Book your stay at the Park City Peaks Hotel and get a room for as low as $129 per night. This includes one free lift ticket per person, free breakfast, and a 15% off dinner coupon. Travel must be booked by October 20th and deal is valid through December 20th.
Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort (Lake Tahoe): Purchase a three-day lift ticket package and ski for $54 per day. There are no blackout dates and the pass is good through the entire ski season.
Keystone Resort (Keystone, CO): Children 12 and under ski and ride for free when you book 2+ nights in the resort lodging. There are no restrictions on the number of children per adult!
Mountain Top at the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa (Lake Geneva, WI): Take advantage of great mid-week deals such as Twenty Dollar Tuesdays (offers each family member a $20 lift ticket, $20 group lesson or $20 ski rental), Half-Off Wednesday (guests receive 50% off all rentals) and Two for One Thursdays (visitors to the Mountain Top receive two tickets for the price of one).
Moonlight Basin Resort (Big Sky, MT): Book your stay in the Still Water Condos for as low as $160 per night for 4 people. Plus free lift tickets for children 10 and under.
Stratton Mountain (Stratton, VT): Book before December 21 and during non-holiday mid-week days and kids 17 and younger ski and stay free when 2 adults purchase a lift and lodging package in a Stratton condominium. Packages start at $111 per adult per night. One free child per adult.
The Pocono Budget Inn and Suites (Pocono Mountains, PA): Ski/Snowboard packages starting at $53.80 per person per night and include room, taxes, hot continental breakfast, lift ticket at Shawnee Mountain, rental of skis or snowboard and option for lessons.
Silver Star Mountain (BC, Canada): Book your stay during the month of March and enjoy free skiing for your children 12 years and under (one complimentary child lift pass per adult pass purchased). Book your stay before December 20, 2012 or from April 1-7, 2013 and ski free!
Diamond Peak (Lake Tahoe): Book your stay during Learn to Ski/Ride Week (Jan. 7-11, 2013) and enjoy a $29 deal that includes a group lesson, equipment and beginner's lift ticket.
The Bethel Inn Resort (Bethel, ME): Get a 4th night free when you stay for 3 nights (even over the Christmas vacation week!). Prices start at $139 per person for ages 12 and over. Kids 11 and under stay for free in their parents' room. Price includes a hearty breakfast and a four-course dinner.
Jiminy Peak (Springfield, MA): Book your stay at Jiminy Peak and take advantage of their day long kids camp, KidsRule, which offers lunch, lessons and even hot chocolate breaks for $109/day.
Gore Mountain (North Creek, NY): Enjoy 3 nights accommodations and 3 days of skiing starting at $219 per person during the "I Love NY Bonus Weekends" (Dec. 15-16, Jan 12-13, and March 16-17).

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Andrew Schrage is the co-owner of the personal finance website Money Crashers, a site designed to help readers make better spending and saving decisions. It offers tips and resources on a wide variety of topics related to personal finance, including retirement planning, investing, and paying for college, as well as saving money at the grocery store.