Colorado is an ideal destination for a ski trip with its high elevation and long winter season, which allows skiing from late October through late April or early May. Visitors planning a cheap ski trip will find a wealth of ski areas and accommodations, ranging from small private properties, to large resorts including many offering budget-friendly packages.
Lodging
- Lodging prices at and around Colorado ski areas vary greatly with onsite lodging costing a premium. Visitors can often find cheaper lodging at hotels within a few miles of a ski area, which often will provide complimentary transportation to and from the slopes. Visitors to Vail, Breckenridge and other major ski area will find a variety of small, privately owned motels and hotels offering low cost accommodations. Villas offer a cost effective alternative to hotels and resorts with multiple bedroom accommodations that will fit more guests, allowing for a cheaper overall price.
Season
- Visitors to Colorado looking to save some money can take advantage of the value season, which runs from the opening of the ski resorts until Christmas, and then late March until closing, usually in late April. Guests will find many deals on lodging and cheaper lift tickets to most ski areas. Another advantage is smaller crowds meaning less wait for ski lifts and popular lodging is easier to obtain. The downsides of the value season include unpredictable weather and ski conditions, especially the earlier or later in the season you go.
Location
- Vacationers looking for a cheap ski trip should look at smaller, less busy, ski areas including Sunlight, Loveland Valley, Eldora and Powderhorn resorts. These ski areas offer fewer amenities then the larger resorts, but include free parking, less expensive dining options and nearby low-cost lodging. Skiable terrain is comparable to larger resorts areas but lack the fancy gondolas and architecture providing a more budget-friendly experience.
Booking
- Travelers can save money on a Colorado ski trip by visiting the web pages of different resorts, then signing up for mailing lists, which send out discount offers throughout the year. Travel agents and travel websites will often run specials on Colorado ski trips for the less busy times of the season, as well as last minute deals.
