Ski Vacations

Planning a ski vacation? Try Lake Louise in Canada, Heavenly in CA (where the 5th night free at some places), and Sun Valley, ID. A must try is Jackson Hole, WY.

Get more for your money! Make sure that you ask about special rates or events. And, consider vacation packages that offer ski and snowboarding for that memorable trip or weekend getaway for the best value.

Alps Luxury Ski Vacation

For a luxury ski vacation look in the heart of the Alps famous peaks (such as Eiger, Jungfrau, and Matterhorn). Ski areas have long runs, beautiful scenery, consistent snow and some relentless challenges. Additionally, you get the beauty of Swtizerland and the benefits of visiting a gorgeous European country!

Once the lifts have closed the fun is not over—the entertainment begins with top ski bars with rocking music, excellent shopping, and quality European cuisine! Don't call it a night, get the most out of your vacation and explore all that your switzerland vacation rental offers.

Inexpensive Skiing Vacation

Looking for a cheap ski vacation? Try places like Copper Mountain, CO for around $277 which is complete with a fireplace and maid service. Still too high? How about Winter Park, CO for $120 with hot tub and microbrewery?

If you really want to pay the minimum and still get a nice ski vacation, try Sunday River, ME (about an hour and a half from Portland for $40 or $55 per night). This ski spot is great for beginners and to allows you to try your hand at tubing!

Ski Vacation Rentals

From New England to Nevada, cabins, condos, resorts, and villa rentals come in all shapes and forms. Try looking online to explore all of your options (there are so many available that there is no need to settle). If available, read reviews or renters' comments written about a rental before taking it on your self (this can save you a lot of trouble and disappointment).

Most accommodations for these and other snow or ski activities have all the amenities (full kitchens, spas, pools, hot tubs and more). Want a cheap ski vacation? Try discounting ski vacations rentals by directly contacting the owner.

Family Ski Vacations

Everyone knows about Vermont's Stowe and Smugglers' Notch for great skiing. What about Jay Peak or Bolton, located 20 miles from Burlington and Montpelier?

If you want the best, note that it is Bromley that is making the news. Best known in regards to a wonderful family ski vacation area, they were voted #1 in North America by Ski magazine this year!

Choosing a Ski Vacation Rental Destination

No two ski destinations are the same. Consider these factors when researching potential ski vacation rental destinations:

• Resort Demographics: Some ski resorts are family-oriented; others cater to singles and couples-only. Some ski destinations offer a bounty of attractions and activities off the slopes; others are all about the ski experience. Check the stats on current weather and ski slope conditions. It’s no secret that ski resorts are cold. However, some mountains are colder than others and some slopes require more endurance to rugged elements.
• Personal Ski Levels: Some ski resorts are not suitable for beginners; others are not challenging enough for expert skiers. If your ski group is mixed, opt for ski resorts that offer opportunities for all skill levels.
• Your Travel Budget: Like golf, skiing is not a “poor man’s sport.” That said, ski vacations run the gamut from luxury to affordable. Top-of-the-line ski equipment and the trendiest togs don’t come cheap, but there are ways to look the part without breaking your budget.

The best ski destination is one that matches your personal needs, expectations and budget. Continue on for more information on using these factors to plan the perfect ski vacation.

Researching Ski Vacation Rentals

The newsstands are filled with ski and outdoor publications like Ski Magazine and Skiing that are packed with information about various types of resorts for skiers, where to dine, what to do off the slopes and tips from the pros. There are also numerous books on skiing. For starters, check out The Best Family Ski Vacations in North America , Fodor’s Skiing USA and 100 Best Ski Resorts of the World. The Internet is also a great resource for researching potential ski destinations and ski vacation rentals. Narrow your search with phrases that incorporate your personal interests such as: “ Colorado vacation rentals” or “best family ski vacation destinations.” Finally, ask around. Veteran ski enthusiasts live for ski season. They’ve been-there, done-that and are happy to share their experiences. Enter search words “ski resort reviews” for hundreds of reviews on major online travel agency sites like: Travelocity, Travelzoo and Sidestep.

Saving Money on a Ski Vacation

If money is no object when it comes to ski vacations, skip this topic; however, if you want the best experience for the best price, read on for ways to save on and off the slopes.

· Choose a low-profile ski destination. If you have your heart on skiing with the rich and famous in a high-profile, upscale resorts like Aspen, St. Moritz or Mont-Blanc offer the height of luxury with a price to match. On the other hand, Copper Mountain and Winter Park are Colorado ski vacation rental locations where you can experience top-notch skiing at a reasonable price. In the northeast, check out ski resorts and vacation rentals in Maine, upstate New York and Vermont.

· Rent ski gear. If this is your first ski trip and you are not sure skiing is for you and your family, rent ski equipment. Research rentals online at your ski destination to avoid having to juggle the logistics of travel with ski gear. (Note: Renting ski gear for young children is always smart move. They almost always outgrow last year’s gear before the next ski trip.) Spend a few dollars more for the latest equipment; it’s safer and easier to use. Take out damage insurance for adult and kid’s gear…just in case something goes awry. If you must have your own gear, look at secondhand gear from a reputable sports equipment retailers.

· Book accommodations at a ski vacation home rather than a pricey resort. A vacation rental cabin, chalet or condo is ideal for a family or group of friends. No sharing a single room. No waiting for the bathroom. Two families or a group of friends sharing the cost of a ski vacation home average saving 30% or more on accommodations alone. A day on the slopes builds big appetites. Save more by stocking up on snacks at a local grocery and preparing your own meals in a fully-equipped kitchen. Picture the fun of gathering around the cozy fireplace to rehash the day and plan tomorrow or soaking away aches and pains in a steamy hot tub under the starlit sky.

· Avoid high demand ski times. Plan your ski vacation rental for off-peak times at the beginning or end of the ski season for discounted prices. Ski mid-week for discounted lessons and lift tickets. Check for online lift ticket specials. Multi-day sky lift tickets are less than purchasing on a daily basis. Search Convention and Visitors Centers at your destination for online local discounts and promotions.

Tips on Ski Lessons

Ski lessons are a necessity for first-time skiers. Professional ski lessons teach the basics and vital safety guidelines. Research ski lessons online before booking a ski vacation home rental. Some destinations offer more ski school options than others. The Internet is great for research, but when it comes to ski lessons, call the resorts you are considering and ask these questions:

• Are lessons private or group lessons? Most ski resorts offer both private and group lessons. If you are comfortable learning with others, group lessons cost less and are fun, especially for children. Ask about class sizes. It is hard to get any personal attention in classes with over six students.
• What is included with the lessons? Do they include ski equipment and lift tickets?
• Are instructors certified? Look for instructors who specialize in working with children.
• Can classes be booked in advance? Ski lessons at popular resorts fill up fast.

Colorado Ski Vacation Rentals

Colorado offers some of the best ski resorts in North America and plenty of choices for skiers of all levels. Colorado is home to high profile ski destinations like Aspen, Breckenridge and Vail.

Aspen Snowmass is actually four resorts in one - Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk. Each mountain has advantages. For instance: Buttermilk is geared towards beginner and intermediate skiers with wide-open trails while Aspen Highlands is the extreme skiers dream. Vacation home rentals range from an affordable cozy studio for two across from the gondola in the heart of town for as low as $450 per week to living like the rich and famous in a grand estate featuring five or more bedrooms and loads of amenities for $25,000 per week.

Breckenridge has a lot of terrain for beginners to pros and plenty to do on and off the slopes. It is also part of the Vail Resorts 5 mountain season pass that allows locals to ski at five resorts for the season for $369 (Unlimited skiing at A-Basin, Keystone, Breckenridge and 10 days at Vail/Beaver Creek).

Vail offers a complete ski experience on and off the slopes. As the “grand daddy of Colorado ski resorts,” Vail is consistently named one of the top resorts in the U.S. Picture a ski-in, ski-out luxury vacation rental three-bedroom condo (sleeping nine) with all the first-class amenities for a perfect ski vacation. Travelers considering a Colorado vacation rental should also take a look at these somewhat less acclaimed, affordable and often less crowded ski resorts: Arapohoe Basin , Arrowhead Ski Area, Beaver Creek, Berthoud Pass , Copper Mountain , Crested Butte, Durango Mountain Keystone, Loveland , Monarch, Powderhorn, Sunlight, Telluride and Winter Park .

Ski Utah Vacation Rentals

Within 60 miles of the Salt Lake City International Airport, 11 world-class ski resorts offer a not-to-be-missed ski experience. With over 152 flights arriving in Salt Lake City before noon , you can fly in the morning and be on the slopes by afternoon. Alta, Solitude and Brighton are all within half an hour of Salt Lake City and offer uncrowded skiing for the whole family. Snowbird’s famous tram whisks 125 skiers to the top of Hidden Peak in six minutes. It is also the location of the first ski tunnel in North America . Book a vacation ski rental in a luxury three-bedroom condo in Salt Lake City for as low as $1,000 for a week. Save even more with a Salt Lake Super Pass with discount skiing at multiple resorts. The Pass can be loaded with one to six days of skiing and redeemed for an all-day lift ticket at Alta, Brighton , Snowbird or Solitude. It also includes round-trip transportation on UTA city buses, ski resort buses and TRAX light-rail. Park City is just 35 minutes from the Salt Lake City Airport and is home to three more world-class resorts: Deer Valley , The Canyons and Park City Mountain Resort. And when you have your fill of the action on the slopes, explore the history and charm of this silver mining community. From ski-in, ski-out luxury condominiums to cozy cabins for two to chalets for ten or more, Park City offers all the comforts of home and more in ski vacation rental choices.

European Ski Vacation Rentals

For a luxury ski vacation look at famous Alps peaks like: Eiger, Jungfrau and Matterhorn. Switzerland vacation rentals offer the advantages of skiing long, scenic runs combined with snowshoeing, snowboarding, dog sledding, tobogganing, ice climbing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Take advantage of winter discounted airfares and treat the whole family to an Alpine ski vacation at a ski-in and ski-out fully-equipped Swiss Ski Lodge.

Ski Austria. An Austria vacation rental offers magnificent mountains, music, arts and architecture and a thriving nightlife. Reserve a breathtaking view with your Austria vacation rental in Innsbruck, combining Old World charm with modern day skiing for all levels of ski enthusiasts. Ski with the rich and famous at one of the most famous ski resorts in the world, Mont-Blanc.

Ski Italy. The Aosta Valley contains the most mountains in all of Italy. Hop abroad a train and extend your ski vacation to Tuscany wine country, see the glories of Rome and Florence or fall in love with Venice .

Canadian Ski Vacation Rentals

Canada is a skier’s Mecca and ski vacation rentals are as diverse as ski venues. Choose your experience from beginners and family skiing, to challenges best suited for experts. In Alberta, Banff National Park is home to the Banff /Lake Louise/Sunshine Village ski area. The park is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is no wonder that the area is consistently rated by major ski magazines as having some of best scenery in North America. Nearby, Canmore is known for some of the best cross-country skiing and the wildest skiing in Canada. Jaspar/Marmot Basin offers 84 named trails for downhill skiing. The terrain is designated 30% for beginners, 30% intermediate and 40% expert.

In British Columbia , Whistler/Blackcomb’s majestic mountain scenery and spectacular array of ski and non-ski activities draw visitors from around the world. Whistler/Blackcomb offers over 8,000 acres of terrain with more than 200 marked trails. The resort is known for a top-notch ski school with group and private lessons for all skill levels, including specialty classes for disabled skiers. Looking for high adventure and rugged skiing? Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in the Purcell Range of the Canadian Rockies (two and a half hours west of Calgary ) is surrounded by six national parks and offers some of the exciting and challenging skiing in North America .

Summer Ski Vacation Rentals

Ski destinations aren’t just for winter. Summer at ski destinations brings a bounty of activities and affordable off-season vacation rental rates. Check out these family favorites destinations for your summer vacation:

Sun Valley,  Idaho is a premier winter ski destination, but summer provides plenty of nature to explore. Learn the intricacies of fly fishing or experience the thrill of rafting along the Salmon River . Hike flower filled mountain and valleys. Rollerblade along the Wood River Trail System. Recapture the gracious lifestyle and romance of bye-gone eras in a luxury chalet sleeping eight at 50% off ski-season rates. Breath-taking scenery is perfect for hiking, rock climbing, biking, golf, tennis, fishing, rafting, horseback riding, year-round ice skating including performances by Olympic and World Champions, shopping, fine dining, live theater, and more.

Telluride, Vail and Aspen are known for serious winter skiing in Colorado, but summer brings a different kind of family fun. The surrounding peaks are ideal for hiking and biking and summer festivals and special events provide entertainment for all ages. Summer is the perfect time to reconnaissance potential winter ski destinations. Save 50% or more on Colorado vacation home rentals. Enjoy the outdoors and special events and check out area resort ski packages, lessons and accommodations for a winter ski vacation.

Ski Resort Fun for Non-Skiers

Not everyone enjoys the exhilaration of flying down a ski slope. If the whole family or all of your friends dream of a ski vacation, take heart. The key to fun for a non-skier is choosing a ski vacation rental with non-skiing and in-door entertainment options.

• Snow tubing is one of the latest rages at resorts. Instead of perching on a pair of skis, lower your center of gravity and whisk down the slope seated. Everyone can do it...no lessons needed, no expensive equipment to purchase...just have fun!
  
• Bundle up the gang for an old-fashioned sleigh ride complete with hot chocolate or hot buttered rum.
  
• Just not the outdoor type? Opt for pampering at an area day spa, shop ‘til you drop at outlet malls, galleries and specialty boutiques.
  
• Curl up by the fireplace with that novel you haven’t been able to find the time to start. Make new friends in the ski lodge. There are always non-skiers hanging out and camaraderie makes for interesting conversations.
  
• Many resorts offer culinary classes and wine tasting. For instance, some Vermont ski resorts offer maple sugaring classes, antiquing excursions and art classes. And, when everyone else comes off the slopes, you’ll be rested and ready for a night on the town.