Planning a ski vacation on a budget can be daunting. Most trips include lift tickets, equipment, travel costs, lodging and food. The key is to find a way to reduce the costs without sacrificing the essentials. The ski trip of your dreams is within reach if you just do a little homework.
Join a Ski Club
Take a look and you will find there are many local ski clubs in your area. You can find them by checking online or asking your local travel agent. Usually, there is a small annual fee to join. Once you've signed up, you can take advantage of all the perks the club provides. You will find discounts on ski lessons, trips and lift tickets. If you are lucky, there may even be some non-ski related discounts too.
Dual Purpose Lodging
Since food is a huge expense, why not make some meals for yourself? A good choice would be a chalet or a condominium that has cooking facilities. Most condos sleep anywhere from 2 to 12 people comfortably. Splitting the cost of the lodging and sharing the cooking and shopping could make an enormous difference in cost. If a condo doesn't work some hotels do provide a refrigerator and a microwave to prepare meals. Some might provide breakfast or a free cocktail in the evening. Another alternative could be a total package that includes lodging, lift tickets and transfers or car rental. Remember, some hotels or condos may provide shuttles to and from the mountain for their guests.
Timing Is Everything
Always book in advance. You could call direct and ask for the best rates available. Explain that you are flexible and willing to change to off-peak times if necessary. Be sure you take the time to search the internet and check the local newspapers. Or call your travel agent who can check for the best bargain packages.
Possible Deal Destinations
New England: Stratton Mountain, Vermont and Mount Snow, Vermont
Canada: Whistler's Mountain, Quebec and Banff, Alberta
Colorado/West: Crested Butte, Colorado and Squaw Valley, California
Europe: Ski Europe, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and France
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 | It's not impossible to find cheap vacation deals. You just need to know where to look. Your first move is to explore the World Wide Web with hot travel sites like Expedia.com, Orbitz.com, or Travelocity.com. |
