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How Do I Choose the Best Cheap Ski Vacation?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Choosing the best cheap ski vacation usually involves more than just selecting the deal that offers the lowest price. You will likely want to start by shopping for a deal that offers a decent price, such as an off-peak special, a time share promotion, or even a group travel deal. Then, you'll probably want to make sure it includes most of what you want in a vacation deal and that it is worth the amount of money you plan to spend on it. For example, you may do well to check online reviews of vacation deals and resorts to make the best choice.

One way to choose the best cheap ski vacation is to shop around for specials. Almost every travel company and resort offers specials at some point. Often, these special deals are cheaper because they are offered during a time when the resort is less likely to have as many reservations or reach full capacity. In some cases, you can save quite a lot of money by booking during an off-peak time. Gathering a large group of people who want to travel together can sometimes result in savings as well.

A continental breakfast served at a ski resort.
A continental breakfast served at a ski resort.

Alternatively, you might consider reserving a cheap ski vacation through a time share company. In such a case, you may get a vacation for much less than you would normally expect in exchange for watching a promotional video or meeting with a time share sales representative. In most cases, you are not under any obligation to buy anything despite enjoying your trip at a lower cost.

By reading online reviews, people can learn which resorts and deals other vacationers have enjoyed.
By reading online reviews, people can learn which resorts and deals other vacationers have enjoyed.

Though a low price is a priority when you are hoping to choose the best cheap ski vacation, it will probably not prove to be your most important consideration. Instead, you may do well to consider what the vacation package includes before you make a choice. For example, you may need a package that includes lodging; transfers from the airport; airfare; a rental car; and even such features as free or discount ski rentals, lift tickets, ski lessons, and continental breakfasts. Some packages may not include all that you need, and you may discover that purchasing these things separately proves more costly then getting them all as part of a package deal. In general, the more you can have included in a package, the more of a deal you will actually receive.

Some ski resorts offer group discounts.
Some ski resorts offer group discounts.

Sometimes you may find that you pay for a deal not in cash but in terms of aggravation and dissatisfaction. For example, the cheap ski vacation you pick could include a shabby, dirty room; long travel times to ski lifts; lots of waiting in line; and poor service all around. Fortunately, however, you are not necessarily stuck with reserving trips blindly. Instead, you can search for vacation reviews online. Through such reviews, you can learn which resorts and deals other vacationers have enjoyed and which ones they suggest avoiding.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

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    • A continental breakfast served at a ski resort.
      A continental breakfast served at a ski resort.
    • By reading online reviews, people can learn which resorts and deals other vacationers have enjoyed.
      By: nyul
      By reading online reviews, people can learn which resorts and deals other vacationers have enjoyed.
    • Some ski resorts offer group discounts.
      By: laszlolorik
      Some ski resorts offer group discounts.