Travel: Spring's In The Air, But Deals Are On The Slopes

                                                                          (Image credit: Johner Images/Getty Images)

Don't trade your ski gear for resort wear just yet. There's still a few weeks of ski season left and the deals are abundant. Warmer-than-usual weather in much of the country means many travelers have beaches, not snow, on the brain. And that translates into plenty of availability and wide-open trails for spring vacations.

In Colorado, the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain will launch a 31 percent off the best available rate deal Wednesday March 14,  in conjunction with the 31 days left of ski season (Beaver Creek closes for skiing on April 15). The deal will be offered on the resort's  Facebook page and has to be booked before Friday, March 16, at 5 p.m.

In Aspen, skiandsnowdeals.com is highlighting a "Kids Stay and Eat Free" deal for April. It must be booked by March 16.  Children ages 7-12 will ski, stay and eat for free with comparable adult four-or-more day lift ticket and lodging purchases. The package also includes one group ski or snowboard lesson. Lift tickets are good at Aspen, Apsen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass resorts.

In Sun Valley, Idaho,  the Spring Ski Package includes one night's lodging and one lift ticket per person, double occupancy, for $79 per person ($123 single occupancy). The package begins April 1 and runs until the last day of the ski season: April 8 for Dollar Mountain and April 15 for Bald Mountain. Accommodations are Sun Valley Lodge or the Sun Valley Inn.  Sun Valley closes for skiing April 15.

In McCall, Idaho, the Shore Lodge Spring Ski Package is priced from $179 per night, including weekends. It includes accommodations for two and two lift tickets to Brundage Mountain. The lodge Shore Lodge has a Ski Concierge to help with arrangements and storing of skis, plus the resort offers free transportation to and from the ski area.

In Oregon, Mt. Bachelor ski resort offers  free lift tickets for kids up to 18 years old, setting it apart from kids ski free deals that typically cut off at age 12. Parent must purchase an adult multi-day ticket.  The mountain is projected to be open for skiing until May 27.

In Utah, kids under 12 stay and eat (breakfast and dinner) free at Alta Lodge April 8 - 15. A four-night minimum stay is required. The lodge is ski-in, ski-out, has a free kids program with shuttle to ski school and complimentary wine and apps three nights a week for the adults. Weather permitting, they'll also be offering complimentary lunch picnics on the ski slopes. Alta is open daily through April 15 and then for three-day weekends through April 29.

Also in Utah, Brian Head has extended its season from April 8 to April 15.  Now through April 14, 2012, Cedar Breaks Lodge and Spa is offering 25 percent off winter room rates and discounted lift tickets. The discounted room rate is $80 weekdays and $93 Friday and Saturday, including tax, for a newly-renovated Junior Villa, which has two queen beds and a kitchenette. For its guests, the lodge has full day all-age lift tickets for $25 Monday-Friday and $39 Saturday and Sunday. Regular lift ticket are $49 for adults and $35 for  kids 12 and-under and seniors 65 and over. There's a free shuttle to the adjacent Brian Head Resort ski area. Must book directly with lodge at 435-677-3000 and mention "spring break" to receive these prices.