“), “filter”: { “nextExceptions”: “img, blockquote, div”, “nextContainsExceptions”: “img, blockquote, a.btn, ao-button”} }”>
Are you going out the door? Read this article about the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!
>”,”name”:”in-content-cta”,”type”:”link”}}”>Download the app.
Now that the snow cannons are turned on at most North American ski resorts, it's time to put some travel dates in the books. We all know that planning a ski vacation is complicated: there's airfare, car rental, accommodation, lift tickets, ski school and off-piste activities to sort out, and that doesn’t even take into account your ski gear – if you’re lugging it from home. or a demo when you get there? (Tip: always wear your ski boots.)
While there's no magic wand (other than hiring a travel agent), we've discovered a few tricks after decades of ski travel. From tips for ensuring smooth air travel during unpredictable winter conditions to your little ripper's first positive experience at ski school, these seven nuggets of wisdom aim to help you have a less stressful and more relaxing ski trip this winter.
Top SKI Travel Tips for Smooth Planning of Your Ski Vacation
Tip #1: Reduce the risk of your flight being canceled or delayed
Even if you can't control the weather, booking a trip on the largest plane available can allow you and your crew to weather the storms that typically sideline smaller ships. This is especially worth remembering whenever you're weighing the difference between flying directly to a ski resort (like Steamboat) or taking ground transportation from the nearest big city. If small planes are your only option for reaching the resort's airport, you may be better off taking a larger plane to the city and completing the trip via a shuttle, which is generally more likely to make the travel in snowy and stormy conditions. Discover other ways to ensure smooth air travel here.
Tip #2: Avoid renting a car during your next ski trip
While many aspects of travel have returned to their pre-pandemic norms, car rentals have remained stubbornly high. Experts attribute it to the global shortage of vehicles caused by pandemic-related supply chain issues, limiting the number of cars rental companies could buy. In other words, the good old game of supply and demand. That said, some resorts are more easily accessible without a car than others, so be sure to choose wisely. These are the 11 easiest destinations to forego renting.
Tip #3: Make sure your child has a positive experience at ski school
Always be completely honest about your child's skiing abilities. If your learner never went out of Bunny Hill last year, don't sign him up for ski school and say he refuses the greens. The ski school will likely have a projected progression based on your skier's age and experience level, which will help the ski school group students and match them with the appropriate instructor with the certifications appropriate. If you fake your student's abilities, it will only slow down the lesson and your child's progress, since they may have to be moved to another class at lunchtime and end up feeling like they failed. This is no way to develop a lifelong love of skiing. Find more ski school advice here.
Tip #4: Cut your accommodation costs in half this winter
With ski resort accommodation costs higher than ever, it's no wonder many skiers are looking to reduce their vacation costs this winter. One way to do this is to choose to stay at a nearby ski resort rather than at the slopes. This can easily reduce your hosting costs by 50% or more. These “second ski towns” often have excellent public transportation to the resorts, often used by resort employees, and can be a great way to save your money this winter. Here are six great options to consider for this season.
Hack #5: Look beyond Epic and Ikon for low-cost passes with big benefits
Most skiers think there are two main pass options: Epic and Ikon, plus a few additional second-tier products you can add, such as the Indy Pass, Mountain Collective, and Power Pass. What most skiers are unaware of are the countless season passes that offer reciprocal benefits at partner resorts spread across the continent and, in some cases, the world. While not direct competitors to Epic or Ikon passes, these passes could be interesting as affordable add-on products and allow you to enjoy additional low- or no-cost ski days in destinations that might surprise you . Click here to check out seven legit options for this season.
Hack #6: Consider This Backdoor Option to Reduce Airfares to Europe
For many American skiers, a ski trip to the European Alps is a dream-worthy adventure. But flights to traditional European ski towns (Zurich, Milan, Munich or Vienna) are quite expensive. Since last winter, there's been a cheeky little trick you can take advantage of: the Eurostar London Ski Train. Get a cheap fare to London, take the scenic train to the French Alps and save a huge amount of money. Get the details – and our cost analysis – here.
Tip #7: Escape the Crowds While Using Your Ikon and Epic Pass
The big hitters who draw crowds on major multipasses do so for good reason. (We're looking at you Aspen, Vail, Jackson Hole, Breckenridge, Big Sky, et al.) There's no shortage of world-class terrain, amenities, and events at the continent's best-known ski resorts. But that comes with world-class crowds and a less emotional experience. While expensive trips to big-name destination resorts will always be a highlight, you might be surprised how well some lesser-known ski areas find their way into your heart. Click for our list of sleepers to add to your itinerary this winter.
