10 Ski Resorts Where You Can Score an Early Season Deal Now

by  Donna Heiderstadt | Oct 17, 2018
Skier in Aspen, CO
Skier in Aspen, CO / iStock

We know, we know — you’re just getting used to the idea of fall. But if you like to ski or snowboard, now through November 1 is the prime time to book if you want to save on hotels and lift tickets for the 2018-2019 ski season.

Most resorts open the day after Thanksgiving (November 23 this year) or even a week or two before; book your trip for dates between late November and mid-December, and you can stay and ski at top U.S. resorts for up to 60 percent less than peak-season pricing.

Where? Here are 10 ski resort deals to book right now for early season savings — some with nightly rates for less than $100.

Vermont

The resorts of Ski Vermont have dozens of early season deals. Here are four to consider:

Killington: Home of the Killington Cup women’s world cup event Nov. 23–25, the popular ski destination will be abuzz with action on and off the slopes (including musical performances and other events). For a deal, book a Ski & Stay Midweek package for three to five nights during the weeks of Nov. 26, Dec. 3, and Dec. 10 to get a free night plus up to 40 percent off lift tickets. Rates, for example, drop to $115/night for a one-bedroom resort-managed condo (vs. $282 in season) and $140 for a Studio room at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel (vs. $316 in season).

Mount Snow: Recently named Best Snow in the East (following a $30 million snowmaking upgrade), Mount Snow has a Ski & Stay Getaway Package priced from $79 per person per night through mid-December (vs. $195 in mid-January); the rate includes a room at Snow Lake Lodge, continental breakfast, and a lift ticket. Events during these weeks include the Torchlight Parade and Fireworks on Nov. 24 and the Founder’s Day celebration on Dec. 14.

Stowe: Opening day at Stowe Mountain Resort is Nov. 16, and Seize the Season deals can be booked until Oct. 31 for up to 50-percent savings on lodging from Nov. 15 to Dec. 19 with a two-night minimum. Save on a five-night stay at the Grey Fox Inn & Resort with rates as low as $75/night (vs. $149 in mid-winter), and Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa at $134/night (vs. $203 mid-winter). Stowe Mountain events include the Opening Day Celebration (Nov. 16), featuring complimentary food, DJ-spun music, and prizes; a Holiday Wine Tasting Party at Cork Wine Bar & Market (Nov. 18); and A Traditional Christmas in Stowe festivities (Nov. 30–Dec. 2).

Stratton: The Ski & Stay deal at Stratton Mountain Resort offers savings on stays of 2–4 nights. But those who book ASAP for stays from Nov. 21–Dec. 15 can save as much as 50 percent, with rooms as low as $65–$87/night (vs. $130-$148 mid-winter) at Black Bear Lodge and $115/night (vs. $230 mid-winter) for a two-bedroom condo at Crown Point. And if you buy your lift tickets in advance (the sooner the better), you can save up to $65 on a two-day pass and $90 on a three-day pass. Events during this period include the Village Stroll on Nov. 23 and the WinterWonderGrass Festival Dec. 14–16

Colorado

If you want to ski some of the best runs in the Rockies for less, consider these five: 

Keystone: Book by Nov. 1 to snag 30-percent savings with the Get Back to Snow room rates at Keystone Resort, which start at $119/night (vs. $152 mid-winter) at Lakeside Village Condominiums through mid-December. Book lift tickets before Nov. 1 to score discounts there, too. And if you have little skiers or snowboarders, children ages 12 and under can hit the slopes for free with a stay of two nights or more. Plus, the resort hosts tons of activities during its Kidtopia Holiday Spectacular from Nov. 24 to Dec. 24.

Breckenridge: Book a stay at Breckenridge Mountain Resort by Nov. 1 to score nightly Win at Winter rates as low as $149 (vs. $219–$298 in mid-winter) at the Village at Breckenridge, or $249 (vs. $599–$798 in January and February) at the upscale ski-in, ski-out condominium One Ski Hill Place through mid-December. Book ski rentals and ski lessons for additional savings.

Beaver Creek: Book a Winter’s Extraordinary Start package at Beaver Creek Mountain Resort by Nov. 1, and you can score midweek rates for $149/night in early December (vs. up to $450 mid-winter) at The Pines Lodge, a Rock Resort, which offers ski-in, ski-out access. Local events include the annual Tree-Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 23 and Beaver Creek FunFest on Dec. 8.  

Vail: Book an early Seize the Season stay by Nov. 1 at any participating Vail Mountain resort property (including The Lodge at Vail), and you could get a room for as low as $179/night through mid-December (vs. up to $694 mid-winter). Or book the You S’now It package at Vail Marriott Mountain Resort before Dec. 15 to lock in a 30-percent discount throughout the season — rates dip to just $211/night during the first two weeks of December (vs. $408 in January and February) — and get two free passes to the Oxygen Bar. Vail Snow Days, featuring live music and after-dark parties, takes place Dec. 13–16.

Aspen Snowmass: To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk, Aspen Snowmass is offering $60 lift tickets (with a minimum two-day purchase) from Nov. 22 to Dec. 21. Book lodging now to save throughout the season, but those who stay between late November and mid-December can find rooms for up to 60-percent cheaper than in mid-winter. For instance, the Westin Snowmass has rooms for as little as $148/night (vs. $253) and the Aspen Meadows Resort for $125/night (vs. $296–$314).

Utah

Easy access from Salt Lake City makes Park City’s ski mountains a great quick getaway option.

Park City Mountain Resort: With the Book Winter Early deals at Park City Mountain Resort, reservations made before Nov. 1 can snag you a room just after Thanksgiving through just before Christmas at Silverado Lodge in Canyons Village for as little as $111/night (vs. $202 in January and February). If you book now for a minimum three-night stay after Dec. 1, you’ll also get a $300 Delta Air Lines gift card.

All-Access Season Passes

If you’re a winter weekend warrior who wants to test new runs around the country in 2018-2019, these two season-long passes are valid at dozens of ski mountains. But hurry — the offers expire in mid-November. 

The Epic Pass: The $949 adult Epic Pass ($499 for kids) from Vail Resorts allows unlimited season-long access to 65 mountain resorts, not only in Vail and Beaver Creek, but also in Breckenridge, Keystone, and Crested Butte in Colorado; Park City in Utah; Heavenly and Kirkwood in Lake Tahoe; and Stowe and Okemo in Vermont — plus unlimited access at Telluride and Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia.

Ikon Pass: With the Ikon Pass, currently $1,049, you can ski at more than 30 destinations throughout the 2018-2019 season, including Aspen Snowmass, Deer Valley, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Stratton, Killington, and Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows.

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