The deal
While the sagging economy may have us thinking twice about a pricey mountain vacation in the Alps, there are plenty of fantastic ski deals available on the home front, and enough snow "dumpings" to keep us schussing down U.S. and Canadian Rocky Mountain slopes, as well as the East Coast's Green Mountain trails, through winter.
We've rounded up our favorite affordable getaways to winter resorts in Jackson Hole, Tahoe, Banff and more, including a five-night, five-day lift ticket package in Killington, with ski lesson, from $62/night.
For solid New England skiing and snowboarding, we favor Killington for its more than 190 diverse terrain trails that include wide runs, wooded glades and six different terrain parks. You’ll need more than a few days to fully explore the resort’s seven mountains, so we suggest the Five-Day Killington Ski Week package. Early- and late-season packages start at $62/night per person and include five nights’ lodging in a one-bedroom condominium, a five-day lift ticket from Monday through Friday, along with one free adult afternoon group lesson; mid-winter rates start at $82/night.
Jackson Hole boasts some of the best skiing in the country, and it’s also a good destination for beginner and intermediate skiers, thanks to soft powdery slopes and wide open bowls. Located in the heart of Wyoming’s white winter hills, the Snow King Resort offers family-friendly ski accommodations, just a short walk from the Jackson town square. The pet-friendly lodge has rooms ranging from studios to suites and offers babysitting or childcare. Rates start at $179 per person, and with the hotel’s wallet-friendly winter promotion, guests who book two consecutive nights through March 14 will receive two extra nights at no additional cost.
The Green Mountain Inn, located in Stowe, Vt., offers guests 107 rooms, suites and townhouses elegantly decorated with hand-crafted Vermont furnishings. After a day of skiing or snowboarding, be sure to check out the Inn’s two highly praised restaurants and unwind with a dip in the Jacuzzi. For real savings on your winter ski vacation this year, don’t miss the Inn’s Free Ride Home Package, which includes two nights’ lodging, daily breakfast and a $50 gas card. Rates start at $218 per person for a standard room.
Offering luxury condo-style accommodations just a few blocks from downtown Aspen, The Gant is a clutch hotel for convenient access to the area’s four world-class ski resorts of Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk. The chic mountain resort has two pools and three hot tubs and each room features a balcony or patio, a full kitchen and a wood-burning fireplace. Take advantage of the special three-night air-inclusive package on offer from Orbitz, available from just $384 per person.
This magnificent five-star European-style resort in Canada’s snow-capped Rockies affords a luxurious stay amidst what is arguably some of the world’s most majestic surroundings. Designed after a Scottish castle, Fairmont Banff Springs offers guests 778 beautifully appointed rooms that range from cozy and petite unites to sprawling suites. Rates start at $598 and guests who book a four-night stay through March 31 will also receive a fifth night free.
Located next door to Vail, in posh Beaver Creek, this first-class condominium lodge, just 100 yards from the base of the Beaver Creek Ski Resort, offers enchanting mountain views and slope-side accommodations that range from lodge rooms to five-bedroom condominiums. Ski-in/ski out facilities, hot tubs, and a spa are some of its other highlights. Spend four nights here before March 29 for just $734 per person.
Offering 89 ski trails spread across 2,904 acres of diverse terrain, the North Star resort is an excellent destination for all types of winter sports lovers. A great family destination, the resort offers units ranging from hotel-style rooms to three-bedroom condos and amenities like a health club, sauna, swimming pool and hot tub. Book your stay and your airfare together and you’ll save up to 20 percent this winter through Travelocity. Starting at just $665, the offer includes four nights’ accommodations and round-trip flight from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
Skiers and boarders searching for heaven on earth may find it in the coastal mountains of British Columbia. Canada's top winter resort boasts truly tremendous powder, which is why Whistler is hosting most of the ski events during 2010's Winter Olympic Games. Nestled at the base of the pristine hills, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is a lavish world-famous resort and this winter, you’ll get a free night here if you book a three-night stay through March 23.
The dollars
Based on double occupancy. Taxes and fees are additional.
The catch
Hot cocoa not included.
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