Here are some ways to ski affordably – and even free – in Colorado this winter

Colorado’s premier ski resorts may charge $300 for walk-up lift tickets, but there are secrets to still skiing affordably. Skiers and snowboarders who want to hit the slopes this winter should start planning now.

Skiing and snowboarding at an affordable price can be achieved by planning ahead and buying ski tickets early in the season, prior to the snow falling.

According to Sarah Beatty, Colorado Ski Country USA’s director of communications, 21 resorts in the state are represented by the association.

During the early part of the season, Beatty said, the most buy-now, ski-later packages are available. CSCUSA’s suite of family passes is likely to only be available until January.

Ski Passports – which Beatty calls the “best deal in town” – offer kids in 3rd-6th grade 80 days of skiing (four days each at 20 resorts) for $67. It costs $199 for a Gems Teen Pass for twelve to seventeen-year-olds that grants them two days at 11 different resorts.

Parents can purchase the Gems Parent Pass for $325 per household for those same 22 days of skiing. Beatty suggests checking out the resort’s website now to look for deals and discounts if you plan on skiing there this season.

If you plan ahead, you can even save at big-name ski areas. Alterra’s Ikon Pass is $549 ($137 per day) for a four-day pass, while Vail’s Epic Pass is $108 per day.

As the season progresses, those prices increase, and passes become unavailable.

The cost of admission on a beautiful, snowy Saturday or Sunday in January, February, or March is not going to be affordable for a lot of families,” said Beatty.

In Colorado, you can actually ski for free. There is no reservation required for skiing at Howelsen Hill, which is the oldest ski area on the continent.

A free snowcat ride on the Continental Divide is available at the Loveland Ski Area. On Fridays, Grand County Schools students ski for free.

Granby Ranch is currently offering a weekend season pass for $369. During Thursday ski days at Eldora and Copper Mountain, some of the proceeds benefit local charities.

The season pass at SkiCooper costs $45 for adults and $35 for children – and $30 on some Thursdays if you buy two days in advance.

Skiing on weekends is a little bit of a secret, where you can find some of those deals throughout the season,” said Beatty. Hence, if you’re flexible, [weekdays] are the best days to look for good deals.”

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Beatty explains that resorts are working hard to challenge the perception that snow sports are exclusive. In its rolodex of Colorado ski resorts, CSCUSA claims that there is “a mountain for everyone.”.

In other words, “there is a ski area somewhere in Colorado that you can enjoy skiing, that you will have a fantastic time,” she said. “Whether it is an approachable mountain from a skill standpoint, whether it is an affordable pass price, whether it is a mountain where you can get together with your friends who ski there – we have it all.”

As a result, many resorts have consciously chosen to host events that are inclusive. Some examples include Aspen and Telluride hosting annual gay ski weeks, and Keystone has hosted a gay ski weekend.

Ski groups are available for people from various backgrounds as well. Video player below features the BIPOC Mountain Collective.

As a result, there are a variety of projects, groups, and events to make sure you find a place where you’ll feel welcome and where you’ll meet people from the same background, whatever it may be,” Beatty said.

Skiing in Colorado can be affordable if you go in the early (November) or late season (April). Many resorts offer discounted lift tickets during these times to lure more visitors.

Many resorts, like Arapahoe Basin and Loveland, offer lower rates during these “shoulder” seasons. While conditions may vary, there are still plenty of runs to enjoy.

In Colorado, certain resorts offer free lift rides on certain dates during the season. Cooper Mountain and Echo Mountain, for example, offer free lift tickets on occasion.

To be able to take advantage of these free skiing opportunities, it is essential to stay in touch with their websites and social media channels.

Multiple resorts can be accessed at a significantly lower price per day when you have a multiday pass, such as the Epic Pass or Ikon Pass.

Vail, Beaver Creek, and Keystone are included in the Epic Pass, while Aspen Snowmass and Winter Park are included in the Ikon Pass.

The versatility of these passes makes them a great investment if you plan to ski a number of resorts throughout the country over a number of days.

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Colorado Gems Card offers discounted lift tickets at smaller but equally enjoyable resorts, such as Loveland, Eldora, and Monarch Mountain, as part of its budget-friendly program.

A significant savings is available with this card, since participating resorts offer two-for-one lift tickets or half-off options.

Smaller, lesser-known resorts offer cost savings without compromising on the quality of the experience.

You’ll find affordable lift tickets at places like Sunlight Mountain and Monarch, and the slopes are less crowded.

Lift tickets are often sold at a discounted rate by wholesale clubs like Costco. Your ski trip can be significantly cheaper if you purchase these in advance. Ticket packages to popular Colorado resorts can be found at substantial discounts.

Locals and military personnel can take advantage of discounts at many Colorado resorts. Colorado residents can take advantage of special rates at Steamboat Mountain and Copper Mountain, while active military and veterans can get discounts at Winter Park.

Skiing in Colorado doesn’t have to be a costly adventure. Colorado’s stunning slopes can be enjoyed without overspending if you plan strategically and explore affordable options like multi-day passes, night skiing, and local discounts. These tips will give you the opportunity to have a fun and affordable winter wonderland.

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