Plan and Book Accommodation Ahead – The #1 tip for planning a holiday in the snow is to plan ahead and book in advance. We had previously written an article on 6 Reasons to Plan Family Travel in Advance, and for a ski trip – particularly one during the holidays – this advice is especially true. The best vacation rentals and prime rooms at ski resorts frequently get booked up 3-6 months, or more, in advance. Keep in mind too, that the more people you have in your party, the earlier you should start planning if everyone wants to find room categories/connections that they want. It’s not just accommodation that you have to worry about; great restaurants and popular activities also get booked up in advanced. We suggest after booking your accommodation that you think about dining and activities. Again, the larger the party, the further in advance you should book. If you need help with hard to get restaurant reservations, a tour company that specializes in that area or your hotel concierge are great resources.
Save on Lift Tickets and Rentals – Many mountains offer significantly reduced rates for lift tickets, rentals and even activities when you buy them early. The earlier you buy the tickets, the larger the savings; we have found if you book early enough, you can even save more than 40% at some places.
Another way to save on lift tickets if you plan to ski multiple times in a season is to consider getting a season ski pass. You can get a pass which covers one mountain; multiple mountains in one location such as with the Lake Tahoe Pass [https://squawalpine.com/tickets-passes/season-passes/tahoe-super-pass] covering Squaw, Alpine, Sierra-at-Tahoe and Sugar Bowl); or multiple mountains such as with the Epic Pass [http://www.snow.com/epic-pass.aspx] giving you access to 14 resorts across North America and an additional 30 in Europe.
If you are hesitant to book accommodations, air, lift tickets, etc. too far in advance because you’re concerned about having to cancel your trip, consider buying travel insurance. This will protect your vacation investment for minimal added expense.
Home Rental or Residence – If you are traveling in a group, whether with friends or your extended family, consider renting home or booking a residence within a resort rather than getting multiple hotel rooms. Sometimes this can be more cost efficient. Cost aside, there are a number of other advantages. A home or residence can often give you many of the benefits of your own home: privacy, a full kitchen, a dining room, a living room, multiple bedrooms with multiple bedding options, and a garage with free parking. Having a place where everyone in your party can hang out together is a big bonus. Being able to cook when you want or grab a snack whenever the desire hits is very convenient. If you don’t want to cook but like the idea of a home cooked meal enjoyed in your own space, then consider hiring a chef for a meal or even all your meals.
If you are renting an apartment or condo, try to pick one on the top floor. Heavy ski and snow boots cause a lot of noise you don’t want to be hearing at all hours of the day and night.
Personally, I like residences within a large resort because you have all the benefits of a home PLUS the benefits of a hotel at your disposal, such as spa, restaurants, room service, gym, ski concierge, and kids programs.
Maximize Luggage Space – Ski gear takes up a lot of space in your suitcase. We have found that Travel Space Savers* and the like are invaluable when it comes to conserving luggage space.
Ski Butler – For ski and snowboard rentals, we highly recommend using a ski butler / concierge type service. They deliver the skis to you at your residence or hotel at a mutually agreed upon day and time. You give them your height, weight and ski level in advance and they bring the premium equipment to you. Often the gear is new or very gently used. In the event that something doesn’t fit, they will carry other sizes in their van. When you’re done with the equipment, they come pick it up at a time that is convenient for you. High end / high performance gear, no waiting in lines, no crowds, and convenience – what’s not to love?
Engage Journeys Unparalleled for your next ski holiday. When you work with us, we can help ease the stress of planning your ski vacation. We have great relationships with ski resorts around the world, so we can get you extra amenities and often better service than you would get by booking directly. We can also get you discounts on multi-destination season passes, such as the Epic Pass. Why search the entire web when you can just come to us; we will do all the leg work for you, narrowing down the choices to offer you exactly what it is you want, often saving you money in the process.
*Note that Journeys Unparalleled is an Amazon Affiliate.