Lately, there’s been a big push for planning European ski trips. You’ll find articles left and right highlighting how a European ski trip is more affordable and offers a better experience than skiing in the States, but if you ask me, USA ski trips are still the best option for an affordable family ski trip. There are so many destinations to choose from in Western and Northeastern states, and they all offer their own unique beauty without the hassle of traveling internationally. US-based ski destinations offer their own unique deals, so it’s more affordable than you might think to plan a ski trip right here in the USA.
Photo credit: Christy Sports
Why USA Ski Trips are a Great Option
Villas in the mountains. Cozy chalets with roaring fires. Hot chocolate or coffee in a cozy room in between trips down the slopes. While all of these images are conjured up when you read about a ski getaway to Europe, all of that and more are at your fingertips at any ski resort here in the USA. You can find the complete skiing experience without leaving the continent and sitting through a trans-Atlantic flight! I don’t know about you, but 12-hour flights are not high on my list of things I enjoy!
When you take a ski trip in the United States, you have access to all of the wonderful things we love about skiing without the extra hassle of long flights, language barriers, money exchanges, and all the other little things that can really add up on a trip outside the States. I want to take a second to list the major reasons that USA ski trips are my first choice.
- Less Crowding: European resorts can get packed, especially during peak season. Meanwhile, U.S. resorts, especially those in places like Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming, typically have much less crowding.
- Better Conditions: In the west, the high elevation of the Rockies ensures almost consistently dry, powdery snow, while Europen resorts are vulnerable to rain or thawing conditions. In addition to that, most USA resorts have advanced snowing systems to supplement coverage when necessary.
- More Off-Piste Saftey: Skiing outside of marked trails (off-piste) is more accessible in Europe, but it comes with an increased risk of avalanche and is often the skier’s responsibility. In the States, you might have fewer off-piste options, but those options are far safer, thanks to aggressive boundaries and rigorous regulations.
- A Better Lift Experience: Many older European resorts have outdated lifts that are slow and cumbersome. U.S. resorts, on the other hand, invest heavily in modern, high-speed lifts, gondolas, and infrastructure for a better experience. Many of the best resorts have also implemented lift reservations to ensure a quick, smooth lift experience.
- Better Customer Service: European resorts tend to have a hands-off approach intended to make the stay more intimate but can often lead to hit-or-miss service. U.S. resorts are known for customer service, helpful ski patrols, and better overall experiences.
- No Language Barrier: You won’t need a translator app to enjoy your stay.
- More Tree Skiing: USA ski trips offer more opportunities for the excitement and beauty of tree skiing. On the other hand, European resorts typically have fewer options due to their elevations and conservation guidelines.
- More Variety: Resorts in the States range from enormous resorts like Vail and Park City to smaller, more intimate spots for unique ski experiences. The States also has private resorts and limited-access areas that provide one-of-a-kind experiences that are difficult to find in Europe.
How to Save on Your USA Ski Trip
Of course, all of these great reasons to plan your ski trip in the USA won’t mean much if it stretches your wallet too thin. So, let’s look at some ways you can save money on your ski trip to make it as cheap as possible without sacrificing an epic experience.
Timing is Everything
Peak ski season will always be the most expensive and the most crowded. If you can, opt for a trip during off-peak times outside of dates like holidays or school breaks. There are plenty of opportunities to ski in the off times that still offer great snow and a great experience and for less money. Speaking of off-peak times, plan ahead with your ski apparel, as well. You can find great deals on skiwear and equipment during the off-season in preparation for your upcoming trip!
Photo credit: Christy Sports
Practice Before You Go
Time is money, so spend less time learning and more time enjoying when you hit the slopes by practicing before you go on your ski adventure. Indoor ski schools like Shredder and Snobahn offer a safe way for both kids and adults to learn the basics of skiing before it’s time to hit the real slopes. Powderhorn Mountain Resort offers the Bob Beverly Free Learn-to-Ski program every winter that offers up to three days of learning with free rentals, tickets, and group lessons.
Take Advantage of Deals
Ski Utah offers 3-day skiing or snowboarding lesson packages valid at all 15 Utah resorts for a total of 45 days of learning for $89.00.
Nothing is better than free, and in Montana, kids six and under can ski for free at Big Sky and Whitefish Mountain Resort. Also located in Montana, Lookout Pass Ski Area offers free skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids aged 6 through 13, as well as fun and safe terrain.
Mt. Baker in Washington offers a 5th grader program with a free lift ticket any time they visit. They can also purchase the Ski Passport, which offers access to three days at 49 Degrees North, Lookout Pass, Mt. Spokane, Silver Mountain, and Loup Loup.
Other deals to look out for are bonus days or times. For example, at Keystone, families that book two or more nights will enjoy free skiing for a day for any child 12 and under, and for each additional day booked, the kids get one extra day of free skiing. Other lookouts include free or reduced-price ski lessons or free practice areas at ski destinations where lift tickets aren’t required, such as Winter Park’s Galloping Goose.
Another huge deal to be aware of if you’re planning a ski trip to Colorado is the Colorado Ski Country USA Kids Passport Program. Through this program, sponsored by Christy Sports Rentals, kids in 3rd through 6th grades have access to four days of skiing or snowboarding at each of the 20 Colorado ski areas participating in the program. That’s a total of 80 days of skiing for just $67.00. And to make it even more affordable for families to enjoy skiing, Kids Passport holders also receive two free daily rentals and discounts on season gear rentals.
The Colorado Ski Country program also offers the Gems Teen Pass for kids aged 12 through 17. Through this program, kids are provided two full-day lift tickets to each of the 11 Colorado resorts that participate in the program for $199.00. Closely related to these programs is the multi-day discount offered by Christy Sports. Through their Kids Ski Free offer, children 12 and under get free rentals when families book four or more consecutive days. Don’t forget to book online ahead of time for an extra 20% off.
USA Ski Trips are Still the Best
For us, USA ski trips are still the best, and when you plan correctly, they’re also incredibly affordable. So, do your research, book early, shop for gear off-season, and take advantage of deals, and you’ll enjoy an exciting family ski getaway that creates tons of family memories without breaking the bank.
*This is a guest post. All opinions are my own and not swayed by outside sources.*