DENVER — Ski season still might be several weeks away, but now is the time to buy if you want to save some cash on lift tickets.
However, that’s easier said than done. There are so many offers, finding the best deals can be a little daunting.
The FOX31 Problem Solvers spoke with the experts at Ski Colorado to learn the secrets to scoring the best deals.
Their first advice? Don’t wait to shop. Most of the best deals out there are actually going to end in the next couple of weeks.
“If you wait to buy a ski pass it’s kind of like going up to the airline counter and buying a flight right there. You’re guaranteed to pay more than you have to,” said Jen Rudolph with Ski Colorado.
Second, do your research. The cheapest deals out there may not actually be the best deals.
“Don’t just go to the first flash in the plan. Make sure you really look into what the product allows, what it provides, when you can use it,” Rudolph said.
For example, many of the best deals have blackout dates during popular weeks. Also, some passes are nontransferable, meaning you can’t share them with friends, kids or spouse.
“The devil’s in the details,” Rudolph said.
It’s even harder comparing deals when you have children. Some resorts might not offer the cheapest deals, but they offer free skiing for kids and cheaper lesson prices.
Kids younger than 5 or 6 years old can ski for free at many Colorado resorts. Children 5 and younger can ski for free all season at Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain, Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort, Loveland, Ski Granby Ranch, Steamboat, Sunlight Mountain Resort, Telluride, Ski Cooper and Winter Park.
Children 6 and younger ski for free all season at AspenSnowmass, Crested Butte and Monarch.
Also, if you won’t realistically hit the slopes more than about 10 times this winter, skip the season pass and purchase smaller packages. Some of the best deals include:
- Loveland 4 Pack: $139
- Eldora 4 Pack: $159
- A-Basin 4 Pack: $169
- Copper Mountain 4 Pack: $169
- Winter Park 4 Pack: $179
- A-Basin/Keystone 4 Pack: $199