Ski vacations are a fun and exciting way to enjoy old man winter and get some hearty exercise at the same time. They also represent a great opportunity to get in some quality time with your children. And even though transportation, clothing, lift tickets, lessons, and ski rentals can add up to a sizeable amount, planning ahead and shopping around can save you as much as 50% of the costs associated with a ski vacation.

If you live north of the Mason/Dixon line, chances are there is a ski resort within driving distance of your home. And for those of you living in warmer areas of the country, there are many types of Ski-and-Stay packages that even include round trip airfare, and shopping for a discounted package can provide you with a real bargain.

See below for a few tips to save your family up to 50% on your next ski vacation:

• Do Your Research: The internet is a great tool for finding great deals on ski vacations. Most major ski areas have comprehensive websites that offer a wide array of discounted vacation packages for the smart shopper. Additionally, travel-oriented discount websites such as Orbitz, Expedia, and Priceline are a great resource for ski vacations.
• Book Off-Mountain Lodging: Although booking slope-side accommodations makes for a scenic and convenient stay, these types of lodgings generally come with a hefty price. Look for a nearby hotel to save considerable amounts on your room. These off-mountain facilities typically offer free shuttle service as well, making transportation to and from the ski area a breeze.
• Look for Alternate Ski Resorts: Major, internationally-renowned ski areas, such as Aspen, Vail, and Crested Butte, tend to charge premium rates for lift tickets, lodging, and equipment. Smaller, more obscure ski areas on the other hand, usually offer cheaper rates than the big boys. These smaller resorts are usually less crowded as well, meaning more time on the slopes and less time standing in line.
• Plan Your Vacation Early: Ski areas are constantly battling each other for their share of the winter ski bonanza, and they typically offer discounted rates for packages booked well in advance to ensure they are filling their rooms and slopes. Once you have selected a resort for your vacation, call or go online to see if there are any deals for booking early.
• Ski Off-Season: Most resorts charge less for off-season vacation packages. Depending on the resort’s region and snowfall, peak ski season is generally from late December to late March. Many ski areas, however, still offer great skiing well before or well after these dates. Research your desired resort to see when their off-season rates are available to save additional money on your trip.

Planning early and doing your research can provide your family with an affordable and fun winter getaway. And who knows? Maybe America’s next Olympic champion will be learning how to do the snowplow on your next ski vacation.

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