10.09.2007
Book early for ski savings
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It’s not too early to start booking those winter vacations. For skiers, making reservations now can save lots of money.
“The key to getting good prices is to book a ski vacation in October and November,” says Brian Lence, head of sales for Vacations Inc., a rental and property management firm in Winter Park, Colo. “Most ski resorts are starting to post their early season deals now. For families or groups, this can add up to substantial savings.”
Not only do you get the best lodging and lift ticket rates by booking early, but you also get your lodging of choice, rather than waiting and picking from what is left, Lence says.
For example, you can get the best discount on lift ticket rates in Winter Park before Oct. 15; make reservations by Nov. 19 for lesser discounts. Or rent a two-bedroom condo for four people for four nights before Dec. 13 and get three days of skiing at Winter Park Resort. For details, go to www .vacationsinc.com or call 1-800-215-6535.
One way to save at the Vail, Colo., resorts (Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Heavenly and Breckenridge) is to purchase lift tickets online at least a week prior to your arrival. The Peaks discount program is only good on multiday passes, but families can save a bundle. Look for the “Peaks Rewards” link at http://www.snow.com.
In general, the best rates can be found before Dec. 21 and after March 28; plus several weeks in January.
When searching ski resort Web sites, be sure to click on the “Hot Deals,” “Packages” or “Specials” links.
Freebies Galore
The real estate boom that has taken over the ski industry in recent years can be good or bad, depending on how you look at it. Are the resorts worried about filling those thousands of new condos, rental homes and hotel rooms? It’s a freebie free-for-all this winter. Here are a few examples:
Children fly free: A number of resorts are offering deals this winter that allow free travel for ages 12 and younger. Find details on the resorts’ Web sites, but be sure to read the fine print. The freebies are only good for certain dates and airlines.
At Steamboat, Colo., ages 12 and younger can fly free on United, American and Northwest, but only midweek and with the purchase of a lodging package. Book lodging by Oct. 31 and children can ski free with the purchase of an adult five-day lift pass, one child per adult; other restrictions apply. Call 1-877-237-2628 go to http://www.steamboat.com.
Families who choose Beaver Creek, Colo., can take advantage of free air fare for ages 12 and younger when flying into the Eagle County (Colo.) Airport. Reservations must include lodging to redeem this special offer; limited to one child per adult. American Airlines’ promotion is valid from Jan. 6 to Feb. 15 on select days. United Airlines’ promotion is valid Jan. 4 to Feb.14 on select days. For information, call 1-800-587-4560 or go to www .beavercreek.com.
Ski free, stay free: Many resorts are offering a free night of lodging and a lift ticket with the purchase of two-, three- or four-night stays and lift tickets.
Book three-night stays and three days of skiing and get a fourth night and ski day free at Beaver Creek, Vail, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado. Offer valid through Dec. 14. Get a fifth night and ski-day free with four-night stays later in the season. You must book before Dec. 15; based on quad occupancy in a two-bedroom condo. Call 1-800-404-3535 or go to http://www.snow.com.
Best deal of the early season goes to Crested Butte, Colo. The resort is offering free lift tickets from Nov. 25 to Dec. 15, no strings attached. Pick up your tickets at the ticket windows. Lodging packages are super deals, too, starting at $50 per person, per night for a two-bedroom condo (quad occupancy). Go to http://www.skicb.com or call 1-888-223-3530. If you are flexible, children can fly free to Crested Butte (one per paying adult) on Sunday through Thursday during specific weeks on United and American airlines. Call 1-800-810-7669 for details.
The Canyons in Park City, Utah, offers two free lift tickets per day when you book a lodging and breakfast package at the Grand Summit, Silverado Lodge or Sundial Lodge. Best rates are before Dec. 24. Go to http://www.thecanyons.com or call 1-866-604-4171.
You can’t beat Lake Tahoe, Calif., for winter getaway options. At http://www.skilaketahoe.com, you can find information and book lodging at seven area resorts, including Heavenly, Squaw Valley, Northstar at Tahoe, Sierra at Tahoe, Alpine Meadows and Kirkwood.
Early season deals at Heavenly include buy-one, get-one-free on lodging nights and lift tickets, good only mid-week and before Dec. 20. Other packages that include a night of free lodging and lift tickets are available in January and February. Also, coupons for free dinners and shows come with two-night casino stays in March and April. Go to http://www.skiheavenly.com or call 1-800-587-4430.
Rental Deals
Your time is limited on ski vacations; why waste it standing in line at the rental shop? Holidays and busy weekends can also mean a limited selection and longer lines.
Consider reserving your skis, snowboards and boots in advance. Go to http://www.rentskis.com or call 1-800-544-6648, and your equipment will be waiting for you at a nearby ski shop. The service is available throughout California, Utah, Colorado and other Rocky Mountain states and through Travelocity.com, Expedia.com and Orbitz.com.
Advance reservations receive up to 20 percent off the regular walk-in daily price.