It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to understand that it can cost a lot of money to go skiing. Utah is a popular ski destination but its also expensive, so it’s beneficial to know some top ways to save money and enjoy the ultimate vacation.
Utah is home to some of the most highly rated ski resorts in the USA including Snowbird, Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort, Alta Ski Area, Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, Solitude Mountain Resort, Brighton Resort, Sundance Mountain Resort, Brian Head Resort and Woodward Park City.
Here are some top tips how to save money on your next ski break.
1. Know Your Airports
There are several flying and traveling options, yet if you fly into Salt Lake City International, you can go skiing and board the same day. The ‘fly and ski’ option (The Park City Quick S.T.A.R.T.) converts a boarding pass into a same-day lift ticket at Deer Valley, Canyons, and Park City. The program is popular with fliers; the airport is 35 minutes from Park City slopes.
2. Choose Cheap Airlines
Be picky in choosing which airline accommodates a family of skiers best and watch out for ones charging extra for baggage and transportation. Some airlines charge an upward of $200 for baggage. Alternatively, to draw loyal customers, a number of airlines (check Southwest) may waive baggage fees, especially on flights that attract skiers and snowboarders. To save more, be sure to book well in-advance of your arrival date and also fly midweek, flights are much cheaper than at weekends.
3. Find Family Value
Many skiers ride the slopes from an early age. At Park City and Canyons, kids (under 6 years of age) ski and snowboard free. If you’re not sure of which mountain to target, saving money is a powerful point of persuasion.
The Lodges at Deer Valley offer a Family Value Package, which includes a 20% discount on accommodations and adult lift tickets (two per day). In addition, you’ll get two discounted kids rental vouchers (for kids 12 and under) and two free kids lift tickets per day. The offer does not run all year long, so check listings for exact dates.
4. Buy Online & Check for Reciprocal Deals
At several resorts if you buy passes before you arrive you can save a lot of money on single-day passes compared to arriving and buying not the day. Also if you have a season pass from another ski resort some resorts in Utah offer discounts just by showing a season pass from another resort due to having reciprocal agreements in place.
5. Book a Bonus Week
Canyons Resort offers ‘bonus weeks,’ including savings on lodging, lift tickets, and resort activity credits. Additionally, kids (aged 6-12) ski or snowboard free and get 50% off group lessons. Conditions of the deal are subject to change, so check the Canyons website for further details.
6. Go Condo and Cook Your Meals
It’s easy to eat lavishly when staying at particular locations packed with restaurant options. Make it likely you’ll stay in and eat (which is a lot cheaper) by renting a condo. Search for condo style Park City long term rentals. Read and download recipes before your trip, making it easy to shop and prepare while on the road and staying in the mountains.
7. Cease the Skiing
Yes, you read that correctly. Consider stopping for one day. Rather than spend money on lift tickets and equipment rentals, along with expensive foods and beverages found at the lodge, do other things to entertain your family in the beautiful outdoors. Go on a hike, go shopping downtown, or ask locals for alternate plans that can take a few hours to an entire day to do. In addition, the area serves host to several skiing museums.
8. Use Public Transport
Rather than renting a car, or using taxi’s, use the UTA Ski Bus which serves most ski resorts. This is cheap way to get you from town or the airport to the slopes.
9. Check Craigslist
Check for unique angles, leveraging sites like Craigslist, and search for people who need temporary tenants or those looking to ‘swap’ vacation itineraries and equipment. For example, you may be able to stay in a person’s guest suite along with access to their ski equipment for a bulk charge. Also, depending on how long you’re considering staying in Utah, some home and condo owners require short-term tenants (a month or two).
10. Check for Deals
Those who ask gain access to a number of vacation deals and savings on rentals and equipment. There’s no harm in inquiring with a simple question such as, “What can you do to make me choose you over the competition?” Area vendors know there is little variation regarding provisions of service, so price is a huge buying point.
There are many reasons to visit the Park City, Utah area this winter, but you don’t have to spend a ton of money to come out and enjoy your stay. Be smart, inquisitive, and save more money on your next family vacation.
