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All You Need to Know to Have the Best Ski Vacation Every Year

September 29, 2022
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Have you always wanted to try skiing or snowboarding, or maybe just want somewhere new to travel to? Well, don’t worry because you are in the right place, this post will tell you everything you need to know before you go on your ski vacation.

Now probably, one of the main things going through your mind is, how much is this going to cost? Well, good for you, there are TONS of affordable ski vacation packages for families, for friends, and/or for yourself. In this post you will find, the best deals, a ski vacation packing list, cheapest airfare and lift tickets, which resorts have the best all-inclusive deals, and much more.

I am an avid skier myself, thus, I know a thing or two about where to go, what to bring, and how to save money. Also, I have been to a fair amount of mountains, both on the east and west coasts. Therefore, in this post I’m also going to share my tips and tricks with you, that I’ve learned along the way.

After reading this post you will know how to plan a ski vacation, a packing list, different ski vacation destinations, affordability, and more!

Here are all the things you need to know to have the best ski vacation every year.

Ski Vacation:

1. Ski Vacation Packing List

Okay, I’m sure if this is your first ski vacation, one of your first thoughts after, how much is this going to cost, is what to bring/pack. Well, don’t worry, because below you will find everything you need for your ski vacation, with links on where to buy/find the items you need.

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2. How to Pack

Now, as you can see, the above list is missing one REALLY important piece of equipment. Your SKIS (or snowboard). If you are FLYING, I DO NOT recommend bringing your skis. Because almost EVERY mountain will have a rental shop or a discounted one nearby. Thus, you can DEMO (amazing new skis/snowboards) or RENT (if beginner skier). If you fly with your skis/snowboard, you risk the potential of losing them and they are a PAIN to carry in and out of the airport.

However, if you are flying and you do want to bring your own skis/snowboard, they do have different carrying bags, that you can put your skis/snowboard in. But you will still have to check your skis at the airport. Now, if you are DRIVING to your destination, BRING your skis.

Now, how to pack all that LUGGAGE! Previously, when I have flown to ski, I have checked my boot bag, and carried on my luggage (carry on-sized suitcase, 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches). All my skiing gear I will pack in my boot bag, and pack socks and underwear into my ski boots. Then I will put all my regular clothing and toilet trees into my carry-on suitcase.

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{Related Post: Best New England Weekend & Ski Resorts USA}

3. Lift Tickets

Alright, I know lift tickets can be EXPENSIVE. So, here you will find how to save money/the best deals for lift tickets.

In the past, when my dad and I have skied in Colorado for a couple days, we have always bought 2 day, 4 day or however many days we were there, lift tickets. However, since the Epic Pass (operated by Vail) and the Ikon Pass have taken over a HUGE portion of ski resorts in the USA and now other countries, it does make more since to buy one of them, if you’re skiing somewhere for more than four days or so.

The typical cost of a one day lift ticket at any big resort is about $100-$120. In contrast, with the Epic pass, you can customize a 2-day, 3-day, or 4-day pass, as well as, have access to 40 different resorts. A full epic pass for the Rockies is $814 (a regular pass is $999). Where a 2-day ticket is $86-$183, a 3-day ticket is $126-$267, and a 4-day ticket is $162-$347. Where as at a resort that isn’t operated by the Epic Pass, a 1-day ticket is about $100-$120, a 2-day is about $130-$250, a 3-day is about $180-$300, and a 4-day pass is about $250-$400.

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Likewise, you could get the Ikon Pass which covers about the same amount of resorts, but it is about $100-$200 more expensive (for a seasons pass) than the Epic Pass. A full Ikon Pass is $1,179, and includes 14 different resorts (on the west and east coasts), no blackout dates, and 7 days at 37 other resorts. A 4-day Ikon Pass is good at any of their 38 resorts and is $449. Again, without an Ikon Pass, a 4-day lift ticket ranges from $250-$400.

I would buy your lift tickets based on the different ski resorts you plan on skiing/snowboarding at, and see if they are included on the Epic or Ikon pass. And based off that, determine if you should buy an Ikon or Epic Pass. Or maybe just buy a 2,3,4,5 however many days you are there, lift ticket. I would really only purchase the Ikon or Epic Pass if you ski at one or more of the Epic or Ikon owned resorts for more than 7 days. Otherwise, I would pay the standard lift ticket prices without the Epic or Ikon Pass.

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4. Ski Vacation Packages

It use to be, that booking a ski vacation in Europe (Alps) was cheaper than in the United States (the Rockies). Based on where you go, some resorts in the Alps are cheaper than some US resorts. The average lift ticket in Europe runs about $67 US dollars, compared to the US Rockies, which is about $110 US dollars a day. Also, Europe also offers a 10-day pass for only about $580.

Now, even though the lift tickets are cheaper in Europe, you still have to book your flight, which can sometimes be the most expensive part of your ski vacation. It is common knowledge, that the farther you travel (mileage/kilometer wise), the more expensive your flight will be. Thus, when you’re booking your trip and you you think the flights are really expensive, just remember it’s probably because of the distance. Now, once you get your flight, hotels/AirBnBs and renting equipment are pretty comparable to what it is in the US.

So, really booking a ski vacation in either the US or Europe, can be pretty equal (cost wise), depending on the resort and distance you travel, and if you live in either North America or Europe. The list below has the best ski vacation packages around the US and Europe. The resorts listed below have the best deals, based on lift tickets, easy travel, cheapest flights, and cheapest places to stay.

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5. Ski Vacation Destinations

Alright, there are SOOO many different ski vacation destinations to choose from. So, here you will find the best ski vacation destinations, throughout the US, Europe, and the world.

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{Related Post: Steamboat Springs + Vail)

And that wraps up everything you need to know to have the best ski vacation every year! I hope this article was helpful for you and you learned some great new ski resorts to travel to and tips for your next ski holiday.

This post was all about everything you need to know to have the best ski vacation, including a ski vacation packing list, how to pack, lift tickets, ski vacation packages, and the best ski vacation destinations.

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