Contact Form
The Sun & Snow Staff always wants to hear from you. Whether you have a question about our products, an inquiry about recreation in the Ann Arbor Area, or a suggestion for our store or website, please use this form to drop us a line.
How to Plan a Trip on the Cheap
In my opinion, skiing and snowboarding are most unique family sports in the world. Think about it… name one other activity that can draw a family as close together; one other sport that gives you an excuse to stand atop a mountain during the coldest months of the year; one other sport that creates an addiction so strong it becomes a lifestyle. There isn’t one.
It’s no wonder skiing & snowboarding are growing as fast as they are. In 2006, U.S. resorts hit a record 59 million visits in a single season, according to National Ski Areas Association statistics.
Unfortunately, skiing and snowboarding can get pretty pricey if not planned ahead of time. By the time you add up the airline fares, $3.00/gal gas prices, lodging, lift passes and resort-priced food, you could be looking at a very steep bill. However, there are ways to save!
First, timing is everything when you’re looking for a bargain. Skiing early or late in the season can save you a bundle, and better yet cut down on the lift lines. The highest priced times of the season are around the holidays when kids are out of school and demand for accommodations is high. Check resort calendars for their off-peak specials and take advantage of them early.
Lodging
Instead of
choosing the ski-in/ski-out, opt for a privately owned home or condo. If you are booking last minute, owners may be
more apt to take a discounted rate as opposed to no rental income for the week,
and you won’t have to pay for the inflated rates the resorts charge as
management fees. Try www.vrbo.com (vacation rentals by owner) as a
starting point.
If you do
plan to stay at the resorts, ask if they offer Lift/Lodging packages which can
save quite a few bucks per day.
Another
great way to save is to try and book early-bird specials that many resorts will
offer before the start of the season. It
may be tough to plan in advance, but booking by the end of October can be well
worth it.
Finally, ask your local ski shop for discount coupons or offers they may
have. Many resorts team up with the
local ski shops to draw crowds to their slopes.
Even if there are no discounts for the resort you have in mind, they may
have something for a different resort in the same area.
Save on Ski Rental
Many
people rent from the resorts because they think it’s the only place to go, or
because they don’t want to travel with the gear. This can cost a pretty penny, and you may not
get the best equipment. Resort rentals
are often pretty beat up from daily use, and they charge substantially more
because of the “captive audience” factor (think buying a Coke from Cedar Point).
Many local ski shops offer Better quality equipment at nearly HALF the cost of resorts. It's well worth the mere 6 cubic feet of packing
space in the car.
Save on Car Rental
If you
plan to stay at a resort with shuttle service, by all means take advantage of
that! If not, there are a few ways to
save some dough on the car rental. Start
by searching sites such as Priceline.com.
You can also use the rental company’s own site and request a vehicle one
step lower than what you need. Rental
car companies often offer an upgrade at the counter for a much cheaper rate
than you’d get booking that level in advance.
Airport rental locations usually have the largest inventory and the best
deals as well.
Eat Fresh
Eating out
at a restaurant every night adds up quickly.
Try to stay in a condo with at least a kitchenette and purchase your
food from a local grocery store. You’ll
have better bonding time with the family, and save a substantial chunk of change.
Ask An Expert
Shop owners & employees eat, sleep and
breathe skiing and snowboarding. Don’t
be afraid ask them for advice! There’s
no better source in the world for insider tips and reviews, and they’re extremely
passionate for making sure you have the most incredible time of your life when you
go!
- Rob Parent, Co-Owner of Sun & Snow Sports (email me: rob@sunandsnow.com)
Write a comment
Posts: 2
Reply #2 on : Wed January 02, 2008, 20:16:56
Posts: 2
Reply #1 on : Thu November 29, 2007, 18:30:56