The excitement of a family ski vacation can quickly dampen with the details of planning and spending on ski equipment and accommodations. How many times have you wished you had planned further in advance to take advantage of discounted lift tickets or had a plan in case one or more of your children got separated from you on the mountain? There are many ways to reduce the cost of a ski vacation and have more peace of mind while enjoying the slopes together.
Tip 1: Get Discount Lift Tickets There are many ways to save money on lift tickets. Here are a few: Look for season passes before the actual season begins (season passes are often sold months in advance, as are multi-visit passes and tickets online). These passes are typically only available in person during the summer, but after you get one, you can renew them online. A summer trip to Colorado can be paid for just by buying season passes for your family! The best place to buy single day tickets is at a local grocery store like King Soupers or Safeway or Albertsons. There are kiosks in stores with the latest prices. Skiing off-peak (anytime other than the holidays and mid-February through March) can often save you money, too. Discounted lift tickets are often provided when you sign up for lessons. Perhaps the best way to get discounted lift tickets is to buy them when you also buy lodging through one of the smaller, more personalized property management companies. These companies are motivated to save you money on lift tickets to make your trip more affordable.
Tip 2: Save on accommodation and lodging by sharing or renting privately and through smaller property management companies
The big ski resorts offer premium prices on their accommodation due to their monopoly on the area of the resort. There are many other options for paying premium dollars:
Book through smaller property management companies in Keystone other than the resort itself. Smaller businesses spend comparatively little on advertising and are closer to condo owners and can pass the savings on to you. Are your dates flexible? Look for last minute deals on condos among other rentals. Look for websites where you rent directly from the owner, such as Craigslist, vrbo, zipvacations, and keystone.ownersguest.com
Tip 3: Buy used equipment
Kids outgrow their gear so quickly that it rarely makes sense to buy new gear. There are many alternatives that can save you money:
- Shop in the off-season when there are substantial savings and before you’re desperate for gear.
- Shop for equipment at thrift stores and ski trade-ins. Some Ski Retail stores even offer special lease and buyback programs for children.
- Borrow from friends whose kids have outgrown their skis or boards
- Small property management companies can often offer discounts on rental equipment due to their local business relationships. Also, they don’t make any money on rentals, so they want you to get the best possible deal.
Tip 4: Educate your children about the Code of Responsibility for the Mountain Regardless of your children’s skill level, they should always show courtesy to others. Familiarize them with the Your Responsibility Code that has been endorsed by the National Ski Area Association. Many accidents can be avoided by following the Code.
- Always stay in control.
- People ahead of you have the right of way.
- Stop in a place that is safe for you and others.
- Whenever you start downhill or pull up, look uphill and yield.
- Use devices to help prevent the team from running amok.
- Observe signs and warnings, and stay off closed trails.
- Know how to use elevators safely.
Tip 5: Have a plan in case you get separatedHaving a plan in case your family gets separated can take the worry out of as much: Set up a meeting place before you start skiing. The information booth or a private chairlift is a good idea. Have your child carry a note in his pocket with his home, cell, and room phone numbers. Consider purchasing a family walkie-talkie kit. The prices of these devices.
A family ski vacation can be one of the most memorable and enjoyable vacations together. By planning ahead, you are assured of a more relaxed and peaceful time. Steve Falk is co-owner and operator of Skyrun.com Property Management Services, offering Keystone Resort lodging in Keystone Ski Resort, Colorado. Being in the industry for many years, he can help find the best deals on lodging, lift tickets, and ski equipment rentals. Be sure to visit www.SkyRun.com for more information on discount lodging and ski equipment rentals or call 1-877-SKY-RUN1.