Spring Skiing - Web Deals

Just about every ski area in North America has a web site and I list them all by state. The usual model will give mountain facts, directions, snow conditions, events and activities, ticket prices, and, most important this time of year, ticket and lodging deals. If you live in any region with relatively close ski areas you can drive for a day of skiing, and you will most likely find some skiing deals this spring. However, you should check the web site before heading out, since some bargains are web specials and won't be advertised at the area, or you may need a web generated coupon to bring along.

As we enter spring, you'll start to see a lot of weekend entertainment moving outside on the deck area, and many times these mini-festivals offer food and drink specials. Also, there are "bring a friend" and "family specials" like Mom and/or Dad ski free one day specials, as well. These offerings are designed to keep your attention on skiing and off other recreational activities such as spring golfing.

Another thing to look for this time of year, especially at your favorite resort, is the early prices for next year's Season Pass. Many areas let you ski free for the rest of this spring if you buy that Season Pass now. Or, another twist is a Spring Pass good until closing day, but you can deduct the price of that pass from the 08-09 Season Pass.

If you look around the web sites for other areas that you might like to also ski, beside your Season Pass resort, you may very well find a cheap partial pass that will give you a little variety next year. For example, if you ski a lot during the week you might want to consider a cheap midweek only - no holidays - pass at a smaller area in addition to your no blackout Season Pass. This works out well for parents that cover kids that can only ski on weekends at the favorite resort.

There are so many marketing deals available you should be able to shop around local resorts to hardly ever pay full prices, especially in the spring.

Spring Skiing

• Season Pass Deals
• Ski Resort Spring Events
• Spring Skiing
• Spring Skiing Tips
• Men's Spring Skiing Jackets
• Women's Spring Skiing Jackets

_{Photograph Copyright Mike Powell/Getty Images Sport}