Planning a ski trip to Colorado is an exciting adventure, and one of the most common questions travelers face is whether to buy ski lift tickets in advance. With stunning mountain ranges like Aspen, Breckenridge, and Vail calling your name, securing your tickets early can significantly enhance your vacation experience. Here’s what you need to know to decide if advance purchase is the right choice for you.
Why Buying Lift Tickets in Advance is a Smart Move
Colorado’s ski resorts are world-renowned, which means they’re also incredibly popular. Purchasing lift tickets in advance offers several key benefits:
Save Money with Early-Bird Discounts
- Resorts like Beaver Creek often offer significant discounts for tickets bought online ahead of time.
- Same-day lift ticket prices at the window can be up to 30-50% higher than pre-purchased rates.
- Multi-day tickets purchased in advance often come with bundled savings, reducing your overall cost.
Avoid Sold-Out Days
- Peak ski season (December to March) attracts large crowds, especially during holidays.
- Resorts may sell out of lift tickets on high-demand days, leaving you without access to the slopes if you wait to purchase at the last minute.
Skip the Lines
- Pre-purchased tickets can often be loaded onto RFID cards or scanned directly at the lifts, saving you time at ticket windows and letting you hit the slopes faster.
What If You Don’t Buy in Advance?
While buying in advance has many advantages, there are some considerations for waiting to purchase lift tickets:
Flexibility in Planning
- If your travel dates or resort choice are uncertain, waiting to buy tickets offers more flexibility.
- For last-minute weather changes or unforeseen events, you avoid potential cancellation fees.
Special Promotions or Packages
- Some resorts offer same-day deals or special promotions for walk-up customers, though these are less common during peak season.
Risk of Higher Costs
- Same-day lift tickets are significantly more expensive, especially at top-tier resorts like Beaver Creek.
- You may also face limited availability, particularly during weekends and holiday periods.
Tips for Buying Lift Tickets in Advance
If you’ve decided to purchase tickets ahead of time, here are some tips to maximize your savings and convenience:
Check Resort Websites
- Visit the official website of your chosen resort for the best prices and deals.
- Many resorts offer discounts for booking directly online.
Look for Multi-Day Passes
- Multi-day passes can offer excellent savings compared to buying single-day tickets for each day of your trip.
Consider an Epic or Ikon Pass
- If you plan to ski multiple resorts in Colorado (or even out of state), investing in a season pass like the Epic Pass or Ikon Pass can save you money.
Bundle with Lodging
- Some vacation rental companies, like The Charter in Colorado, partner with resorts to offer discounted lift tickets as part of a lodging package.
Monitor Weather Conditions
- While advance purchase is usually smart, keep an eye on snow forecasts to ensure optimal conditions for your trip.
How The Charter Vacation Rentals in Colorado Can Help
When booking your stay with The Charter in Colorado, you gain access to local expertise and insider deals. Many of their rental packages include discounted lift tickets, shuttle services to and from the slopes, and personalized recommendations for the best times to visit. Their team can also help you navigate resort-specific options, such as Epic or Ikon passes.
Buy in Advance for a Stress-Free Trip
For most travelers, purchasing ski lift tickets in advance is the best option. It saves you money, guarantees access to the slopes, and eliminates unnecessary stress during your vacation. Whether you’re hitting the iconic slopes of Beaver Creek or exploring the family-friendly runs in Winter Park, planning ahead ensures you can focus on enjoying the incredible skiing Colorado has to offer.
Book your lodging with The Charter today and let us help you plan the perfect Beaver Creek ski getaway—complete with early lift ticket savings!
Call us at 866.282.7056 or email charterres@eastwest.com for help planning your next trip.