Destination Ski Resorts: 5 Ways to Save
October 10, 2008
Filed under Destinations
Whether you’re spending your timeshare ski resort vacation in Colorado, New England, or Canada-or anywhere in between-there are ways to make your winter trip a little bit more bearable on the pocketbook. Here are some cost-cutting tips for saving money on your ski vacation:
1. Buy your lift tickets in advance. At most ski resorts, if you buy multiple-day lift tickets, the price to ski per day will decrease. Yes, it’s a bit nerve-wracking to make a commitment early on, so wait until the last minute to purchase them, check cancellation policies, and buy conservatively so you don’t end up with unused tickets. Purchase tickets online in advance directly from the ski resort.
2. Consider all-encompassing packages. If you’re not bringing your own gear, and you’re planning on taking some ski or snowboard lessons, you might save money purchasing a package of services than buying them a la carte. Again, scour the ski resort’s Web site, or call to speak to reservation staff. Spell out exactly what you’re looking to buy and ask how you can get the best deals.
3. Stop at the local visitors’ center or Chamber of Commerce. Pick up the coupon books or local magazines that give great discounts on non-skiing activities or restaurants. Some chambers may be offering fuel rebates to entice visitors - don’t hesitate to ask!
4. Eat like the locals do. Since you’re staying in a timeshare condominium, you’ll have a full kitchen for preparing breakfast and storing snacks. Hit the market on your first day in town to stock up on groceries. If you’re feeling especially ambitious (read: cheap), make sandwiches and pack granola bars to bring to the ski lodge with you; some resorts don’t like it when you don’t buy and eat their expensive lunch foods, but if you’re discreet - or eat on the chairlifts - no one will be the wiser.
5. Sit at the bar for restaurant savings. Many upscale ski-town eateries have bar menus offering entrees, salads, and appetizers for a fraction of the price of the sit-down restaurant menu. Plus, you’ll likely make friends with local residents who could turn you on to other cheap places to eat.
