1. Utilize miles and points
Using points and miles can help you arrange a ski vacation for much less, whether you’re going to Vail or Tahoe, Whistler or Big Sky. First off, flexibility in the booking process can be achieved by using a transferable rewards currency, such as Chase Ultimate Rewards® or AmEx Membership Rewards. You can compare redemption rates with a variety of airline partners and reserve the cheapest option based on your unique travel requirements. Simply transfer the points to your frequent flyer account and purchase the ticket once you’ve located a flight that fits your schedule and (points) budget.
There are numerous possibilities to use points to pay for a ski trip. Here are a few instances, from inexpensive to upscale resorts:
- 30,000–40,000 Marriott points will get you into The Westin Snowmass Resort.
- 70,000-100,000 Marriott points for the St. Regis Aspen.
- Timber Lodge Lake Tahoe by Marriott: 40,000–60,000 points.
- Cost of The Lodge at Spruce Peak in Hyatt points: 40,000.
- 35,000 IHG points for the Holiday Inn Tahoe Ridge Resort.
- 30,000 Hyatt points for the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek.
- Hyatt points worth 20,000 at Stonebridge Inn.
By choosing a hotel rather a resort near the slopes, you can save even more money. Although it’s less convenient, the savings might be worth it if you’re prepared to go to the slopes:
- Sandy at the Residence Inn Salt Lake City: 10–15k Marriott points.
- Keystone Hyatt: 15,000 points.
2. Use status to your advantage
Consider your elite status while choosing between several hotel chains if you have a lot of points to use. Your ski holiday may be less expensive if your status level, say with Hilton Honors, entitles you to free breakfast or lounge access. After all, recharging after hitting the slopes can get pricey, especially at a remote resort.
Remember to take into account both the conditions for point redemption as well as the savings that come with having elite status. One hotel loyalty program may require you to use more points, but if the cost is less than the savings on things like breakfast, snacks, and room upgrades, it might be worthwhile.
3. Avoid weekends and travel at off-peak times during the season.
Traveling off-peak can be significantly less expensive, whether you’re using cash or points to pay for your ski trip. That’s because saver award space might not be accessible during busy travel periods. Your hotel rate may also change now that Hyatt and Marriott have instituted peak/off-peak pricing.Check Airbnb for condo deals
4. Check Airbnb for condo deals
While hotel points are a great way to schedule a ski vacation at a lower cost, Airbnb can also be a fantastic alternative. At well-known ski resorts, some hotel companies have timeshare homes that are for sale on Airbnb. The Marriott Streamside, for instance, in Vail, Colorado, charges 50,000–70,000 points per night. In the meanwhile, a studio in this residence may be reserved on Airbnb for as little as $59 per night.
You may reserve your ski accommodations on Airbnb if you have a card like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, and then utilize the miles to get a statement credit for the cost. Additionally, the miles on this card can be used for flight reservations, baggage fees, and other incidentals.
5. Free Ski?
For free lift tickets, Alaska Airlines collaborates with a dozen resorts around the nation. You only need to show your ID and Alaska Airlines boarding pass to gain free entry to the slopes. Keep in mind that certain resorts do have blackout periods, and free lift tickets are typically only valid on your arrival day in that particular city.
Check out Liftopia, Groupon, and Costco Travel if you want to find cheap lift tickets. You may be able to save a significant amount of money on a ski adventure by using any of these websites’ year-round specials. For instance, Costco is giving $70 off three 2-day lift ticket certificates if you’re going to Mammoth.