How to Find Airline Ticket Deals for Ski Resorts

Hitting the slopes for a ski vacation or weekend ski getaway is easier than ever these days with the increased number of airlines offering direct flights to ski resort destinations during the winter. But where to find airline ticket deals to ski resorts? Taking a direct flight to a ski resort can maximize your time on the mountain. It can also ease the burden of winter travel. And, while it isn’t always the most inexpensive option, there are ways you can save money on airline tickets to ski destinations.

 Scoring a great deal on a flight to a world-class ski resort means less time traveling and more time on the slopes. Use these tips and tricks to save money on your next vacation.
Scoring a great deal on a flight to a world-class ski resort means less time traveling and more time on the slopes. Use these tips and tricks to save money on your next vacation.

Even the savviest online shoppers need help finding cheap deals on airfare to ski resort destinations. You can typically find specials and discounts for lodging and ski gear rentals, but rarely are there any bargains on flights. During the winter months, airfares can be pricey, especially around the holidays. If you know your travel dates far in advance, you can save and find deals on airline tickets by purchasing them early. But, if you’re looking for a last-minute getaway, you will most likely be looking at a hefty price tag.

Finding The Best Airline Ticket Deals To Ski Resorts

Flexibility is the key to saving money on a direct flight to a ski destination. If you are able to adjust your travel dates, you will have more options to save money. Mid-week and low-season travel dates can offer you savings. Booking in advance can keep you from having to pay inflated costs as the trip nears. Travel flexibility, booking early, and using coupons and deals from our website on other travel expenses can help keep your vacation costs at a minimum.

If you’re planning a ski vacation and want to try flying directly to the resort, look at Google Flights and plug in your travel dates. This will give you a good starting point for pricing. As you peruse the internet, you’ll likely see a wide range of prices. It will take some diligence and effort to sift through all the information. But, in the end, you should be able to score a cheaper flight. Keep notes of the dates and prices, the name of the airline, and the flight number, so you can reference it later as you continue to search. Be sure to start your search, and book your flight, as soon as possible to save money. Pricing tends to increase as the travel date approaches.

Flash Sales and Other Deals

It can be helpful to visit an airline’s website and check the price there. Some airlines, like Southwest, don’t circulate their rates to outside websites like Expedia and Travelocity. You might find the best rate by purchasing directly from the airline. Sometimes there are flash sales and other deep discounts. But you have to be ready when they pop up because they don’t last long.

For example: If you’re planning a trip to Lake Tahoe, check the rates on Southwest to fly directly to Reno-Tahoe International Airport, less than an hour from Palisades Tahoe (formerly Palisades Tahoe). More on that in the “Airports section below.

Online sites like Hopper can also help you look for cheap flights. It uses web data to predict the perfect time to purchase your airline tickets. The website claims it can predict the lowest rate with 95% accuracy and up to one year in the future. Hopper does not actually sell tickets on its site. It merely indicates the best time to buy.

More Money-Saving Tricks

Here are some other tips to save you money on flying to a ski resort destination:

When is Best Time to Buy Airline Tickets?

The best time to find airline ticket deals is often in late January and early February. Prices usually go up toward mid-February and peak mid-March when student vacations and spring break are happening. Late March through the end of the ski season can be cheaper, too.

Check your destination’s ski conditions and closing day when planning a late-season vacation. Some resorts, like Arapahoe Basin in Colorado, can stay open as late as mid-June some years, depending on snowfall. Be sure to look for late-season deals and specials. Some resorts will offer deep discounts for last-minute travel toward the end of the ski season.

How Far Out Should You Book Your Air Travel?

Book your air travel about one to two months in advance. That’s typically the best time to buy. Prices begin to rise sharply about two to four weeks before departure. Suppose you’re planning a big vacation over a memorable holiday (like Christmas or New Year’s) or a popular destination (like Aspen or Snowmass for Winter X Games). In that case, you may want to secure your travel a year in advance. Most people book their regular winter travel plans in August, September, or early October.

What About My Lift Tickets and Ski Rentals?

Be sure to book your ski rentals and lift tickets early as well. Check our website for deals and specials once you have finalized your air travel.

Still can’t find airline ticket deals to your top ski destination? Have a look at some other ski resorts to compare. There’s so much fantastic skiing out there to experience! It won’t be hard to find a great location to rip some fresh powder. Let’s take a look at some suggestions:

Airports Near Ski Resorts

Let’s take a closer look at some top ski resort airports. These smaller airports are usually located right outside town or the ski resort or less than an hour from the ski resort.

Aspen, Colorado

The Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is 1 mile from Buttermilk Mountain, 5 miles from downtown Aspen and Aspen Mountain, and only 6 miles from Snowmass Village. Major airlines servicing Aspen include American, Delta, and United, with nonstop flights from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is less than 10 miles from the city of Jackson, Wyoming, and only 20 miles from the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Major airlines servicing Jackson include American, Delta, and United, with direct flights from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Newark, New York (JFK), Salt Lake City, and Seattle.

Plan your trip at least four weeks in advance to take advantage of early-bird pricing on everything from airline tickets to lift tickets and gear rentals.
Plan your trip at least four weeks in advance to take advantage of early-bird pricing on everything from airline tickets to lift tickets and gear rentals.

Telluride, Colorado

Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is only 10 miles from downtown Telluride and the Telluride Ski Resort. The airport is serviced by United Airlines and Boutique Air, with nonstop service from Denver.

Another option is to fly into Montrose. Montrose-Telluride Regional Airport (MJT) is about 75 minutes from the town of Telluride and Telluride Ski Resort. Major airlines servicing the airport include Allegiant Air, American, Delta, and United, with nonstop flights from Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Newark, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco.

Sun Valley, Idaho

Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) is less than 15 miles from Sun Valley Resort in Idaho. Major airlines servicing Friedman Memorial Airport include Alaska Airlines, Delta, and United, with nonstop flights from Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Seattle.

Mammoth Mountain, California

Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) is 10 miles outside the town of Mammoth Lakes. It is about 30 minutes from Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. Alaska Airlines offers nonstop flights from Los Angeles, while United has seasonal flights from Denver, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Vail, Colorado

Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) is a 40-minute drive from Beaver Creek and Vail, and just an hour from Copper Mountain. Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, and Keystone are a little over one hour away. Major airlines servicing Eagle County include Air Canada, American, Delta, and United, with nonstop service from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York (JFK), Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Washington D.C.

Bridger Bowl, Montana

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Montana is 40 miles from Bridger Bowl. It is 50 miles from Big Sky Resort. Major airlines servicing Bozeman include Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, and United, with nonstop service from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Newark, New York (LaGuardia), Portland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco and Seattle.

Stowe, Vermont

Burlington International Airport (BTV) in Vermont is 50 miles from Stowe Mountain Resort. It is less than an hour to Smugglers’ Notch. Major airlines with nonstop flights to Burlington include American, Delta, JetBlue, Porter, and United, with direct flights from Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, New York, Philadelphia, Toronto, and Washington, D.C.

Lake Tahoe, California

Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is the closest to Lake Tahoe. It is 50 miles from Palisades Tahoe (formerly Palisades Tahoe). Major airlines that service Reno include Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and United, with nonstop flights from Austin, Boise, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York (JFK), Oakland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and San Jose.

Park City, Utah

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is within an hour’s drive to 10 major ski resorts, including Alta, Brighton, Deer Valley, Park City, Snowbird, and Solitude. Major airlines serving Salt Lake City include Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, and United. There are daily nonstop flights available from several major North American cities.

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