8 Ways to Save Money on Lift Tickets

What are the best ways to save money on lift tickets? When the days get shorter and fresh snow starts to fall, skiers and riders feel that familiar excitement as resorts begin opening their trails. In the rush to get to the mountain, it’s easy to forget gear or even a partner — but the one thing you never want to overlook is your lift ticket.

Buying lift tickets at the window is still an option, but high prices and limited availability make it a risky choice. A single day-of lift ticket can cost $200 or more at many resorts. For families or frequent skiers, that adds up fast. The good news? You don’t have to let steep window rates derail your winter plans.

To help you save money on lift tickets, we’ve put together eight of the most effective strategies for keeping your ski days affordable.

1. Your Dates Matter

Timing is everything when you’re trying to save money on lift tickets. Just like booking a flight, the day you reserve your ski trip—and even the exact time you buy your lift tickets—can have a huge impact on cost. Prices fluctuate based on demand, which means the day, month, and overall season you choose all matter.

Holiday periods are some of the most expensive times to ski. Kids are out of school, many adults have flexible work schedules, and most resorts are just opening for the season—so lift ticket prices climb fast. If you want to save money on lift tickets, try planning your trip in the quieter weeks between major holidays or shortly after.

The other major price spike happens around spring break, when crowds surge again. But once spring break ends, late-season skiing often offers some of the best deals of the year. If you’re flexible with timing, you can significantly save money on lift tickets simply by choosing the right week to hit the mountain.

Just because it’s spring does not mean the skiing is terrible. Resorts like Copper Mountain and A-Basin reach record elevations enabling them to excel far into spring, sometimes even July.

2. Be Meticulous, But Flexible

For those traveling from out of state, you will likely have at least a general itinerary (arrival date, where you’re staying, departure date, check-in/out times, etc.), which is beneficial. A clear day count helps find discounts and deals. The cost between a single day and five days is massive. If you only plan to ski for three of the five days you are there, paying for an additional two days is a lot of lost cash. When planning your trip, take time to do so, and make a spreadsheet if it helps.

There is a lot of information, Colorado alone has over 25 resorts to choose from, and each has its deals or discounts. If the range of dates can be vague, search for special offers for mid-week stays or after big holidays. Flexibility with where you ski can significantly affect how much or little you pay. Big-name resorts like Vail or Breckenridge are going to cost significantly more than smaller places such as Eldora or Loveland.

3. Purchase Lift Tickets In Advance

If you do only one thing to save money on lift tickets—and fortunately, there’s more than one—make it this: always buy your lift tickets in advance. As mentioned earlier, window prices are consistently the most expensive option and can take a serious bite out of your ski budget.

Whether you already know which resort you want to visit or you’re comparing different mountains, it pays to check how far ahead each resort recommends purchasing. Most resorts offer the best rates when you buy three to seven days before your trip, but many offer even bigger savings the earlier you book.

Don’t be afraid to call the resort directly, either. They can clarify the best booking window and may point you toward additional promotions or discounts that help you save even more money on lift tickets.

4. Find Kids Ski Free Programs

Most resorts allow kids to ski for free all season if you have a child 4 years old and under. If you have kids as old as twelve and can be flexible with dates, many resorts have designated weeks during each season that allows them to ski for free. The Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack gives kids 20 free skiing days in kindergarten through fifth grade. Once registered, kids have four days of skiing at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Crested Butte. An important note about Epic SchoolKids is this program registration is time-sensitive. Although not free, there are many deals and packages through resorts with a significant price reductions for children and newbies.

5. Fly Alaska, Ski Free

Eight resorts in North America have partnered with Alaska Airlines as a part of the airline’s Fly Alaska, Ski Free campaign. If you are, by chance flying Alaska Airlines and staying at one of these resorts, your boarding pass gains you access to a complimentary one-day lift ticket. Some resorts only offer the key for the day you arrive or depart, and others offer it during any of the days you visit. It is vital to contact where you are staying and verify the details.

6. Season Pass Perks

Season passes, such as Epic or Ikon, are notorious for their many additional benefits, especially the friends and family discounts on lift tickets. Depending on the pass, holders can receive up to 25 percent off up to 10 lift tickets each. For large groups, this is a superb way to save money. If you don’t know someone with a season pass, purchasing one yourself might be the best option!

7. Smaller Resorts, Bigger Savings

Getting the most out of a ski trip does not require being at big-name, leading-size resorts. Many smaller-scale destinations pack the same excitement, beauty, and challenges on their slopes. What most folks find they enjoy the most is fewer crowds, which means no lines. The Colorado Ski Country USA Gems Card is a nifty savings option if you are willing to stick with a select number of smaller resorts such as A-Basin, Cooper, Echo Mountain, Granby Ranch, Powderhorn, and more. The Gems Card offers you the opportunity to get lift tickets at a two-for-one deal, or two tickets at 30 percent off, or choose from one of each option. The only downside is there are blackout dates.

8. Ski For More Than Four Days

If you’re planning to ski more than a few days this winter—or want to hit as many mountains as possible—buying a season pass is one of the smartest ways to save money on lift tickets. At many resorts, the cost of four single-day lift tickets already exceeds the price of a full season pass, making it the most cost-effective option for frequent skiers.

Passes like Epic and Ikon provide access to dozens of top resorts throughout the United States, Canada, and even Europe, giving you unlimited opportunities to explore new terrain. If you plan to ski regularly, a season pass can dramatically save you money on lift tickets while expanding the number of mountains you can enjoy all season long.

Other Tips & Tricks to Save Money

Here are a few additional money-saving ideas for skiers:

• Look for lift tickets that you can use at more than one resort.
• Bundles and packages can save you big bucks.
• Ask about military, college, and senior discounts when making reservations and purchases.
• Be careful who you purchase lift tickets from online. Go through secure websites, like Skier Deals.