It may just barely be spring in most parts of the world, but some of us did not get our fill of the ski season. If you are someone daydreaming of the next time you’ll have a chance to slide into some skis and glide down the slopes, you might also want some cheap places to ski. After all, very few people think of a ski vacation as an affordable getaway.
Why Ski Holidays are Costly
A recent article in NY Magazine said that “Skiing has never been an inexpensive pursuit. But over the last two decades, the sticker price for skiing at the best…resorts has risen at a far faster pace than inflation.” The reason behind the surge in pricing is simple – supply and demand. There are not a lot of spots where excellent conditions prevail, and so avid skiers are willing to pay more to get a great experience.
Is this bad news for those who want to find cheap places to ski? In a word: no.
The reason for this is simple – affordable ski vacation packages are made available by even the most costly destinations. And this is even more so if you plan and pay ahead of time.
As of this writing, the world is amid a horrifying pandemic. It has left millions isolated at home or sheltering in place. While it is no time to take matters lightly, it can be an ideal time to look at your options for a vacation once the days of quarantine end. It is, in other words, the perfect moment to learn about the best cheap places to ski, the most affordable family ski vacations, and to take advantage of the excellent pricing available so far ahead of time.
Again, as that NY Magazine article noted, there is “a lot of value for a ski resort to get that advance commitment,” and so a skier who buys lift tickets and books a villa now (for next season) is apt to save a tremendous amount.
Where and When to Book Cheap Ski Vacations
So, where are you going to be able to find a family ski trip on a budget? The very best domestic and European destinations make ski vacation packages available, and many feature high-end chalets or luxury villas as part of the arrangement.
As an example, you might find cheap places to ski in world-famous sites like Chamonix, Courchevel, Megeve, Meribel, Val D’Isere and Verbier. None of these names is every associated with cheap ski resorts, but by booking now, you can find in-town chalets or villas within easy reach of the pistes and lifts.
Many will also have onsite amenities for any non-skiers in your group. This could be a fitness center, pool, home cinema, dining, spa services, and more.
And what about cheap places to ski in the U.S.? One of the most famous locations for domestic skiing is Colorado, and the area known as Vail actually also rates as one of the best cheap places to ski. As already noted, when you book early and make a commitment, you enjoy a lower advance rate. It also means that your booking is likely to include at least some or all of the costs of the lift tickets in the price of the housing.
Some of the best cheap ski lodges will allow you to enjoy things like resort-style privileges, spa services, and ski-in and ski-out accommodations.
Think about the Other Seasons
If you are unwilling to book a ski holiday without first witnessing the facilities and the site, why not consider a summertime or autumn visit? For example, you can spend a lot of time in the Vail, Colorado area or even head to Europe to the Alps and look at the restaurants, shops, towns, and facilities available at the different sites.
Doing so will let you get a taste of what to expect when the ski season kicks in. Will there be a lot of options for apres-ski activities? Will you have choices in villas or chalets close to the best lifts or pistes? What about the accommodations at different altitudes? Will they feature ski-in and ski-out options? Maybe your party has an equal number of non-skiers. What sort of amenities and activities will they be able to enjoy?
These are all very important questions to answer, and you can find out virtually now by looking at luxury rentals in some of the best ski locations or by booking a visit as soon as travel is once again available.
And if you are not eager to savor winter weather or even offseason fun in the best and most affordable ski areas, the beaches are always an option. For example, if you are hoping to savor the luxurious delights of a private villa, a visit to Turks & Caicos, St. Barts, or Barbados may be just for you.
In these gorgeous destinations, you can find any number of watersports that will allow you to feel as physically challenged as a day on the slopes, but without the need to gear up for cold weather. Perhaps you are already yearning for days outside in the sunshine and sea air? If so, you can also take the time now to figure out which of the Caribbean islands or parts of Mexico appeal to you the most and then map out your beach vacation.
A Holiday IS Ahead
One thing is for certain, we can all benefit from a bit of a holiday in the future. Take time now to plan for your dream vacation. Figure out the best ski destination or finest beach location for your goals. There are cheap ski vacations available, and especially to those who are ready to lock in their travel plans today.
While you may not be feeling in the mood for a holiday during the current crisis, chances are you will definitely want a getaway in the future. And although winter is barely finished, you can make next year’s ski dreams a reality by considering the locations above and making plans now.