Can a Family of Four Enjoy Skiing Affordably?

A family of four can enjoy skiing affordably with some planning and a few hacks. Active families love skiing and snowboarding, but often the cost of a winter vacation can be intimidating, with inflated airfares, pricey resort accommodations, and expensive lift tickets everywhere in sight. Not to mention overpriced ski lessons and rentals, elegant restaurants, and a hefty price tag for every other activity on your list. It makes planning a family vacation difficult, especially if you’re on a budget.

There are affordable ways to get your family on the slopes this winter. We have some tips and tickets to save you money on a ski vacation.
There are affordable ways to get your family on the slopes this winter. We have some tips and tickets to save you money on a ski vacation.

Difficult, but not impossible. We have a few tips and tricks to help you plan your next family ski vacation. A family of four can have an affordable ski getaway at several major ski resorts in North America without breaking the bank. Your family can afford to hit the slopes this winter with some planning. Let’s dig into how it’s done.

Find a Deal

Finding a ski vacation package online is the easiest way to plan a family ski vacation while skiing affordably. These “all-inclusive” Skier Deals usually come with lodging, ski rentals, and lift tickets and can also include perks and add-ons like car rentals, airfare, airport transfers, dining vouchers, and other coupons. Pretty much everything you need to get your vacation rolling. These ski bundles are typically offered at a fraction of the retail price, and many deals are explicitly aimed at families. (Some ski vacation packages even offer free skiing for kids.) If you want a ski-and-stay special, this is it.

Ski getaway packages are perfect for families because it checks all the boxes and gives structure to your vacation. Once you’ve secured your ski bundle online, you’ll have a framework for your vacation, and you can add and customize it from there.

When planning a ski getaway, it’s essential to know everyone’s skier level. Resorts like Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Deer Valley, Northstar, Park City, and Steamboat are great for beginners. In contrast, resorts like Arapahoe Basin, Aspen, Jackson Hole, Snowbird, and Palisades Tahoe cater to more experienced skiers. (Keep in mind that most resorts will have an excellent selection for all skier levels; some offer a higher percentage of expert-rated runs.)

Browse ski vacation packages on our website to get an idea of what’s available for skiing affordably. Select your destination state and then your resort. On the resort page, you’ll see a button for Ski Vacation Packages. Click it to see what’s available at the moment. You can click and book right there. Be sure to check back occasionally because the deals are updated regularly. Or sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop on all the best deals.

Additional Ski Savings

If you can’t find a ski bundle that works for your family, look closely at the other coupons and deals on our website. Specials for lodging, ski shops and ski rentals, lift tickets and season passes, and transportation is available. Under lodging, find the best savings on resorts and hotels near your ski resort. The ski shops and ski rentals sections offer specials on ski rentals and ski delivery directly to your resort or condo. Or score a deal on lift tickets and season passes, or find transportation coupons for car rentals and limo services. Each of these coupons adds up to great Skier Deals when combined!

The great thing about these deals is that you can use multiples. Build your vacation around a lodging deal, and save money with a coupon for ski rentals, ski lessons, or transportation services. If you’re looking to save money on lift tickets, find a bargain on our website, or check out this blog for an in-depth look at how to save money on lift tickets.

Fly or Drive?

Book your flight as early as possible for the best rates if you plan to fly. Check for specials and deals through major airlines and other travel websites. In addition to larger airports in major cities like Denver, some resorts like Jackson Hole, Aspen, and Telluride have smaller airports very close to the resort. Depending on your travel dates, you may be able to score a deal on a direct flight. The more flexible you are with your dates, the more likely you will find a bargain.

Driving to your destination is an excellent way to save money, but keep in mind that you will have fuel costs, lodging along the way (if you need to stay overnight as you travel), travel food costs, and additional wear and tear on your vehicle. Also, any days spent on the road usually mean fewer days on the slopes.

Renting a car for your trip is another popular option. You can fly to a major airport near a resort and then rent a car or rent a car from your hometown for the entire trip. Car rental companies run occasional promotions that can get you in a vehicle for cheap. They typically offer a great selection of mid-size and full-size SUVs for a family of four. Look into car rentals with unlimited miles if you’re planning on doing some significant driving.

Be Smart

Bring what you can from home. Take it with you if you have a good-fitting pair of ski boots, bindings, skis, or a snowboard. Pack a heavy winter coat, gloves, thick socks, and plenty of layers if you have them to prepare for the elements. It’s better to be over-prepared than buy a pricey one at the resort. Talk with friends, neighbors, and relatives and see if there’s anything you can borrow.

Renting a condo over a hotel room can also save money in the long run in your quest for skiing affordably. Condominiums usually have full kitchens, so it’s easy to fix in-between meals like breakfast and lunch on days when you’re planning to ski. If you’re genuinely savvy, book a condominium or townhouse close to the slopes so you can ski down, have lunch at your condo, and be back on the mountain within an hour.

Staying close to the mountain and eating at your condo benefits you by not having to pay exorbitant prices at an on-mountain restaurant. Pack lunch and take it to the mountain to maximize your time on the hill. Stopping for a quick bite while taking in the view is an incredible experience.

Cutting down on dining out also means you can spend a little more on fine dining when you go out. Instead of having a moderate- to high-priced meal three times a day, prepare your meals for a couple of days and then treat your family to a four- or five-star dining experience.

Be smart and you can get your whole posse on the lifts this winter.
Be smart and you can get your whole posse on the lifts this winter.

Embrace the Free

When looking at resorts, find one with a lovely pool and hot tub. Kids love a great heated pool, and you’ll love the après-ski relaxation and family fun after a big day on the ski slopes.

In addition to free ski rentals for kids as part of a ski bundle, there are plenty of other freebies for youngsters. Ski resorts understand the value of families and often offer outstanding programs and events free of charge. Look online for free activities, or talk with the concierge at your resort. The concierge desk is a free service offered by most resorts, and they’re used to helping families find affordable options while on vacation. The concierge can assist with dinner reservations, family outings, and other non-skiing activities and recommendations. It never hurts to ask. The concierge desk often has coupons and specials exclusively for guests.

Watch the Marketplace

Ski resorts will sometimes have last-minute deals and flash sales to move inventory during low-volume times of the year. Frequently, these are mid-week stays or late-season stays. You can save big if your family is flexible and can get away for a quick weekend on short notice. The best way to stay in tune with these flash sales is to follow your favorite destination lodges, airlines, and restaurants on social media. If you’re ready to pounce, you can find a great deal from time to time. But be prepared to act quickly, as most flash sales and super-savings discounts don’t last long.

We directly keep close tabs on industry specials throughout North America on our website. Click the Last Minute Deals button at the top of our site to see what’s currently available. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop on future offers, and follow us on social media. We always post the best deals online for your convenience. You can un-follow and unsubscribe at any time.

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