| Tip 1: Get discounted lift tickets | | | | Buy in the off season when there are substantial |
| There are many ways to save money on lift tickets. | | | | savings and before you are desperate for gear |
| Here are a few: | | | | Buy equipment at consignment stores and ski-swaps. |
| Look for season passes before the real season | | | | Some Ski Retail stores even offer special lease and |
| begins (season passes are often sold months in | | | | buyback programs for kids |
| advance as well as multi-visit passes and online | | | | Borrow from friends whose kids have outgrown their |
| tickets). These passes are typically only available in | | | | skis or boards |
| person over the summer, but after you get one, you | | | | Small property management companies can often |
| can renew online. A summer trip to Colorado can pay | | | | offer discounts on rental equipment because of their |
| for itself by buying season passes for your family! | | | | local business relationships. Plus they don't make |
| The best place to buy single day tickets is at a local | | | | money on the rentals, so they want you to get the |
| grocery store like King Soupers or Safeway or | | | | best deal possible. |
| Albertsons. There are kiosks in the stores with the | | | | Tip 4: Educate your children on the Responsibility |
| latest prices. | | | | Code for the Mountain |
| Skiing in off-peak times (any time other than over | | | | Regardless of the ability level of your children, they |
| the holidays and from mid feb - march) can often | | | | should always show courtesy to others. Familiarize |
| save you money as well. | | | | them with the "Your Responsibility Code" which has |
| Discounted lift tickets are often provided when you | | | | been endorsed by the National Ski Areas Association. |
| sign up for lessons | | | | Many accidents can be avoided by adhering to the |
| Perhaps the best way to obtain discounted lift | | | | Code. |
| tickets is to purchase them when you also purchase | | | | Always stay in control. |
| lodging through one of the smaller, more personalized | | | | People ahead of you have the right of way. |
| property management companies. These companies | | | | Stop in a safe place for you and others. |
| are motivated you to save money on lift tickets to | | | | Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and |
| make your trip more affordable. | | | | yield. |
| Tip 2: Save on lodging and accommodations by | | | | Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment. |
| sharing or by renting privately and through smaller | | | | Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed |
| property management companies | | | | trails. |
| The large ski resorts offer premium pricing on their | | | | Know how to use the lifts safely. |
| lodging because of their monopoly in the resort area. | | | | Tip 5: Have a plan in place in the event you become |
| There are many other options to paying premium | | | | separated |
| dollars: | | | | Having a plan in place in the event your family |
| Book through smaller property management | | | | becomes separated can prevent so much worry: |
| companies in Keystone other than the resort itself. | | | | Establish a meeting place before you begin skiing. The |
| Smaller companies spend comparatively very little on | | | | information booth or a particular chair lift is a good |
| advertising and are closer to the condo owners and | | | | idea |
| are able to pass on the savings to you. | | | | Have your child carry a note in his or her pocket with |
| Are your dates flexible? look for last minute deals for | | | | your home, cell phone and lodging phone number |
| condos between other rentals. | | | | Consider purchasing a family walkie-talkie set. The |
| Look for websites where you rent directly from the | | | | prices on these devices |
| owner like Craigslist, vrbo, zipvacations and Tip 3: Buy | | | | A family ski vacation can be one of the most |
| Used Gear | | | | memorable and enjoyable vacations together. By |
| Children outgrow their equipment so quickly that it | | | | planning in advance, you are ensured a more relaxed |
| rarely makes sense to buy new gear. There are | | | | and peaceful time. |
| many alternatives that can save you money: | | | | |