Cheap ski vacations: Book early and save big on ski packages

Summer may be just starting to fade away, but with those very first leaves to change, I am already thinking about the upcoming ski season. Blame my Colorado roots and ski racing past, but as soon as Labor Day has come and gone and the first signs of fall start to appear, I start getting antsy for the first snow and ski season. As it turns out, being impatient for ski season isn’t necessarily a bad thing—as booking a ski vacation early can help to save you some big bucks later this winter.

Great Deals at Jackson Hole

When it comes to finding good ski deals, it’s never too early to plan. In fact, the New York Times is reporting that you can now take advantage of a 4th flies free deal , being offered up by Jackson Hole Wyoming. In an effort to attract more ski vacationers in a down economy, Jackson Hole is offering possible ski vacationers a free plane ticket when you purchase 3 tickets to Jackson Hole. According to the NY Times, this means you and friends could take a 5-night ski vacation for as little as $142 per person each night, including airfare to Jackson Hole and lift tickets. (Grand Targhee ski resort close to Jackson is also ranked as one of the best 12 ski resorts in North America)

If you are looking to get a deal on a cheap Jackson Hole vacation rental to match the great prices on lift tickets and your free flight, the Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa in Jackson is offering a 15% discount if you pre-pay for your rooms. If you are planning to stay over the holidays, you can also get a 5th night free at the Lodge.

As it turns out, Jackson Hole isn’t the only ski town or resort that’s offering up some big savings for this winter. With many resorts hurting in the down economy (there are both fewer out of towners booking ski vacation packages and fewer locals hitting the slopes), ski areas around the west are rolling out special offers to encourage ski travelers.

Ski Deals in Colorado

If you are headed back to my home state of Colorado this winter, Vail is now offering cheaper adult ski lessons and value priced lunches at their resorts. In addition to the under $10 lunches being offered at the lodges, Vail is also holding pricing on 2008-2009 for its ski passes.

For those who are lucky enough to live close to a ski resort or area will also be happy to know there are plenty of great deals out there for locals too. The Associated Press is reporting that ski resorts are cutting prices in order to lure locals, including some Colorado resorts offering payment plans for passes and new season ticket packages at reduced prices.

Other Ski Deals: