There is practically no way to doubt that skiing is expensive no matter where you are. Colorado especially can blow your budget on accommodation, transportation, gear rental, lift tickets, food. However, we all want kids to ski for the craic, at the same time, not budget crush. Here is some information from insiders to tell you budget tips for family skiing in Colorado.
Table of Contents
Tip 1: Recognize Your Money Goes
The first step to saving money on your next Colorado ski trip with kids is to figure out what you will spend. Once you recognise where your money goes, you know how to set and stay on a budget.
What do you mainly spend on ski trips?
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Ski Equipment
- Activities
- Food
- SIM Card
- Souvenir
Tip 2: When and Where
On this topic, EARLY is the keyword.
Off-Peak: Save Money and Time
It’s pricey to plan your Colorado ski trip over significant holidays. Skiing around Christmas and spring break are not only jam-packed with tourists but also more expensive to ski, and accommodation can skyrocket during these periods. You’ll pay more than usual for flights and accommodation if you ski during the holidays in Colorado.
When is Off-peak?
- Pre-Christmas
- January, especially the first two weeks of January. (Kids are back in school)
- Later March and April
When you ski at a quieter time, you have more time to enjoy skiing and less time to wait at lift lines. To put it simply, you save money and time.
Book Flights and Accommodation Early
It is thought that the early bird gets the worm. By the same token, the early bookers get the best prices.
Tip 3: How
Here are some tricks on this topic.
Uses Frequent Flyer Miles
If you have concentrated on collecting airline miles, now it is time to use it. You can exchange miles for free economy class or premium class flights (Depend on how many miles you collect). One thing to notice is you have to exchange flights at least six months early in advance. Because the popular destinations always sell out quickly.
Haven’t you started frequent flyer programs? No worries! I will share information and how to earn miles fast in the future.
Discounted Lift Tickets
You can buy a week in advance to save on multi-day passes if you book from most Colorado ski resorts (except people who are retired military or active-duty can get great discounts at the ticket window). In addition, you can get discounted tickets from other places.
Where to Buy Discounted Lift Tickets?
- Local Retail Stores (Like King Soopers)
- Ski Shops (Such as Christy Sports)
- Online (For example Loftopia, On the snow)
More than a discount! In two topics, Kids Ski-free, you may save more money on kids skiing.
Budget on Food
- Happy Hour
- Bring Meals or Self Cooking
- Resist The Mid-mountain Restaurants
Some restaurants in Colorado have a happy hour where you can get a budget price for the meals. Happy time, happy wallet!
Additionally, if you struggle with the budget, bringing meals or cooking on your own will be a good choice.
Hitting up a local restaurant will save more money for the same meal for people who ski all day instead of eating on the mountain resort.
Kids Ski: Free Activities and Events
There are free activities and events such as snow activities, musical entertainment, fireworks, and more. Simply check on the website for each resort. Sometimes they offer you free snowshoeing or get a free biscuit at the end of the day, and some places offer kids to play in the snow fort for free.
We haven’t yet talked about making snow angels, building snowmen, or family snowball fights.
Tip 4: Ski-free
If the ski resort offers kids ski-free options, you can save a lot of money.
Kids Ski-free
Kids may ski-free or inexpensively at many family ski resorts in Colorado (age limits depend on the resort). You need to pick up the free lift ticket at the window. Specifically, always ask questions when you book because you might discover some good deals.
Tips for skiing with kids—Click Here>>
Free Ski on Your Arrival Day
You can receive free night skiing on the day you arrive at some resorts. Show your boarding pass at the ticket window. And with certain airlines such as Alaska, you can get free skiing on your departure date. Again, always ask questions when you book.
Tip 5: Free Transportation
Transportation is another cake on the budget. How to save money on transport in Colorado? Firstly, you can use free transportation via RTD in Denver. Secondly, check if your accommodation has a free shuttle service or not. Thirdly, many ski areas provide local free shuttle buses. Overall, you can save some money if you use these free shuttle services as much as you can.
Tip 6: Save Money on Ski Equipment
Not sure if I should buy or rent ski equipment? [Click Here]
Buy on Sales
If you decide to buy your ski equipment, here are some hacks to help you buy on the budget.
When is The Best Time to Buy Ski Equipment?
- Pre-season Sales
- Consignment Sports Shops (inspect everything before you pay)
- Ski Package
- After-season Sales
- Black Friday Sales
Note: Second-hand boots may have life left issues, and second-hand helmets may have been involved in accidents. It’s worth it to spend money where it counts.
Rent Outside The Resort or Online
Have you decided to rent ski equipment? You’ll save a great deal if you rent at a ski shop outside the resorts. If you reserve equipment online at some Colorado ski resorts, the better-discounted rates you may get.
