10 Ways to Save On a Family Ski Vacation

Oct. 9, 2009 — -- Ski vacations are pricey by nature, yet even in a tough economy, there's a lot of good news for snow-loving families.

Savvy parents won't have to pay full price for this year's family ski trip. Instead, they can save big bucks by knowing when and where to score a deal. Here are 10 ways to get more snow for less dough:

Book now. Every year, by the first day of October, fantastic early-bird ski deals start popping up all over. The catch is that you have to snap them up before the season gets underway. These act-quick opportunities will be a dime a dozen in the coming weeks, but they'll dry up by Thanksgiving. Here are some of the best we've seen so far this year:

Planning ahead pays off big at Copper Mountain, a family-friendly resort in the Colorado Rockies (see our review). Book two nights and at least one adult three-day lift ticket before Nov. 30 and your third night is free, plus you get a free kid's lift ticket for each adult ticket purchased. If you can book by Oct. 31, Copper will sweeten the pot with up to $25 a day in resort credit.

Book a four-night stay at Steamboat Springs by Nov. 25 and get 20 percent off lodging and lift tickets.

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Book before Oct. 15 at Mont Tremblant, voted the No. 1 ski resort in eastern North America by SKI magazine readers, and you can save up to 35 percent on a three-night stay, plus get three days of skiing for just $135.

Aim off-peak. Timing is everything. Depending on where you ski, the season can last anywhere from four to six months. Many resorts out West are open by mid-November and remain open through April. In general, prices at ski resorts are highest when there is a greater chance of snow (read: coldest months) and also during school breaks.

Otherwise, resort rates can fluctuate wildly throughout the season. To wit: At Smugglers' Notch, voted the No. 1 resort for family programs by SKI magazine readers (see our review), prices during SuperSaver Value Weeks are a full 50 percent lower than over the New Year or President's Week. Opting to ski before December or after mid-March can almost always save you a bundle.

Tip: If your travel dates fall on the fringes of ski season, it's wise to choose a resort with a reputation for good snow-making capabilities, in case Mother Nature doesn't oblige with a layer of the white stuff.