6.
Look for Deals and Coupons in Local Newspapers
Ski
resorts love distant visitors but they also cater to the locals.
There is a local secret that you may have never heard off.
Very often there are special deals advertised in the local
press. The idea is that the resorts want to attract the locals
and reward them with discounted rates. At the same time they
don't want to advertise too boldly so people like you who
are already committed to visiting can take advantage of the
savings.
More
frequently you'll find such information online. The problem
is the some of these ads are last minute deals or limited
time offers so by the time they get picked up by Google they
may already be expired. In the past I've been more successful
with local newspapers from ski towns at my home public library.
For example if you are going to Utah resorts try to get a
hold of local press from Salt Lake City. You ought to be able
to find it in a large public library. Just don't get caught
cutting out coupons at the library.
I'll
name some other examples. There may be a promotion at a local
grocery store chain that will give you a hefty ski pass discount
when you spend a certain amount on the groceries. Or there
could be a gas station or a sports store having a similar
promotion. Several times I've seen promotions that don't require
you spend a dime! You just show up and buy a deeply discounted
ticket.
7. Consider Off the Beaten Path Resorts
Smaller
resorts can be just as exciting as their better known brethren.
If you travel to places like Colorado or Utah expect to pay
premium at big name ski resorts. The lesser known hills may
be every bit as good at a cheaper rate. After all they all
share the same snow and weather. The lift lines may even be
shorter at a small tucked away resort and a friendly local
may show you some hidden treasures.
8.
Study Airport to Resort Transportation Options
If
you fly to a distant resort and ground transportation is not
included in your package it pays to do some homework first.
Most
resorts have a very efficient and often free shuttle bus network
within the town. Once you arrive you're discouraged from driving
your rental car. This means that the rental car will sit unused
for a number of days. While this is great because you're not
burning gas you're still paying the rental company for the
privilege of parking their car in the condo garage.
Before
you leave home investigate airport to resort transportation
options. Buses can be cheaper than rental cars depending on
the cost and the number of days you'd be renting the car.
If you're lucky to stay in a fancy condo check to see if there
is a free airport to condo shuttle.
If
you're young, single and adventurous look at the resort's
online forum. Many have rideshare and employee pages. Employees
need to travel too and may be willing to split a car rental
cost. I have done this several times. Just play it safe and
trust your instincts.
In
case you opt for a rental car consider the hidden cost of
getting stuck in the snow. Many resorts are generally easy
to drive to but when it snows you could be in trouble. Rental
companies generally do not allow you to use snow chains. Resort
online forum will have lots of information on driving in stormy
conditions.
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