Ski Vacations On The Cheap Side

8217;s face it; skiing is not one of your moreYes, there’s nothing like a condo at the ski
inexpensive hobbies. It’s not like hiking whereresort where you can practically begin skiing from your
you can buy a pair of hiking shoes, perhaps a walkingback door. But, talk about sticker shock! Lodging at ski
stick, and just start hiking a trail. With skiing you haveresorts can be expensive. Try staying at a hotel or
your special clothes, your special equipment, lessons,motel a few-minutes-drive away. Or, cheaper yet,
accommodations, lift tickets, etc. It can get quite pricey.consider staying at a ski hostel.
But, you’d be amazed at what a little scalingThere’s an abundance of hostels across
back or research can save you. What are some ofAmerica near popular ski resorts at incredibly low
the ways you can cut down on the cost of your skiprices. While it’s true many of the rooms are
vacation?dorm rooms with shared bathrooms, if it’s a
Locationcheap ski vacation you want, hostels are the way to
Let’s start with the location. You don’tgo. And, with many hostels, you can have family
have to go Aspen. You don’t have to go torooms or private rooms for a few extra dollars.
Park City. You don’t have to go to Tahoe. IfHostels allow you to go to the prime ski areas on the
skiing’s what you really want to do, try skiing incheap. For example, if you want to take a Ski
your own back yard and save some change. ThereVacation to Breckenridge in Colorado, but can’t
are numerous lesser-known ski areas in many statesafford the expensive lodging, you can stay in the
that don’t have the bells and whistles or thedormitory at the Fireside Inn Bed & Breakfast
status attached to them, thus they’re cheaper.(970-453-6456) for only $36 per person.
And, if you can drive to them you can save yourselfYou’re only 5 minutes from the Breckenridge
costly airfare.ski area, and 20 minutes to Keystone. And, during ski
For example, if you live in Southern California, saveseason, the bus to Breckenridge peaks stops at their
money by going to one of the fine ski areas withinfront door. Not bad for $36 a night. If dormitory
driving distance, such as Mountain High in Wrightwood,life’s not for you, you can spend $80 for a
just a 90-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles, orprivate room with bunk bed.
just over 2 hours from San Diego. That’s right;How about a ski trip to Taos? You might want to
you can ski all day in the mountains, and have dinnerconsider the Abominable SnowMansion, a 60-year-old
on the beach. Another close ski area is Mt. Baldy. Andadobe lodge with dorm rooms, private rooms with
that’s just a 45-minute drive from Los Angeles.shared baths and private rooms with private baths.
PackagesYou can have a bunk and a breakfast for only $20
Scour the internet for ski vacation packages thatper person or $36 per couple. A private room with a
include your lodging, lift tickets, lessons, rentals, and, ifshared bath can be had for only $45 per couple or
possible, some meals.$33 for a single person, while a private room with
Mealsprivate bath goes for $52 per couple or $45 for a
Yes, it’s really nice to ski all day and feast atsingle person. You can call them at 505-776-8298 for
night on filet mignon and a nice bottle of Cabernet.more information.
However, if you’re on a budget and you justThese are just two examples of hostels near great ski
gotta ski, skip the expensive meal and go for aareas. There’s sure to be one near your
cheaper diner or fast-food restaurant. You canfavorite ski resort. A quick search of “ski
probably pick up a tasty burger for the cost of the tiphostels” will reveal many inexpensive lodging
at the fancy restaurant. And, if you want anchoices.
inexpensive bottle of red wine to go with that burger,Taking an inexpensive ski vacation often times
try picking up a less-expensive bottle of wine at homerequires a little thinking and a little sacrifice. But, the
and bringing it with you.experience of skiing down a mountain makes it all
Lodgingworth it.