Plan a Ski Resort Vacation!

Planning Tips for your Ski Resort Vacation

• When You Visit

  When You Visit

  

  When you visit is the single biggest decision you can make around planning your family ski vacation, affecting which destination you choose, how many days you'll need, crowd levels and overall how much you pay for your trip.

  Best times to Visit:

  • When the tadpoles are in school (not the days around holidays)
  • Early in the season; the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas (but not the actual holiday weeks)*
  • Weekdays in January and February (not the weeks of Martin Luther King Day or President's Day)
  • Weekdays in the first week of March
  • Late in the season*

  * Snowfall amounts vary at this time, and there may not be any!

• Where to Stay

  Where to Stay

  

  While a variety of accommodations are available at every destination, it's important to decide whether you want the pampering and convenience of a hotel vs. the affordability and space of a condo or vacation home. Some ski resort destinations are heavier on one versus the other. Some vacation condos offer ski lockers and shuttles to the ski resort, but generally if you want someone else to store your gear, want to be near the slopes and/or shuttles, you'll want to stay at a hotel. Keep in mind that slopeside and ski-in/ski-out accommodations will get you near the slopes, but may not be near ski school. If your tadpoles will be spending the bulk of their days at ski school, we think it's worth the splurge of staying at a nearby hotel, especially for a first visit.

  Book Your Ski Hotel

• Which Ticket

  Which Ticket

  

  While you can always purchase additional days for ski school, lift tickets and rental equipment, usually you will save more money the more days you stay and by purchasing in advance. Always do the math! Generally, if you plan to ski more than five days, you will likely save more by purchasing a season pass.

  A few points to consider:

  • Depending on the resort, a lift ticket may be required for ski school, or it may be factored into the cost of the ski lesson.
  • You can rent ski gear from most ski schools. No matter where you get your gear, you'll have fewer hassles if you can store it there overnight.
  • Gratuity is not included in your ski lesson, so factor this into your budget and bring cash!

• Transportation Options

  Transportation Options

  

  When it comes to getting to and from your ski resort destination, car rentals, shuttles and car services are all viable options. Shuttle and car services offer both group and private transport to the destination and charge per person. Renting offers the most flexibility, especially if you plan to visit other ski resorts or destinations. If you rent, consider an SUV or other 4-wheel drive option for winter road conditions. While many ski resorts are on major highways and driveable even with heavy snow, snow chains may be required during blizzard conditions.

• What to See and Do

  What to See and Do

  

  Even skiers need a day off from the slopes, but if you have non-skiers or are planning a multi-generational trip, you'll want to make sure the ski resort has plenty of non-skiing fun to keep the whole family entertained. Most ski resorts nestled around villages or towns offer shopping, dining, spas and après ski options. Some offer fun winter activities such as scenic gondola rides, on-mountain dining, ice skating, ice tubing and other winter activities.