Colorado is a premier ski and snowboard destination in the world. Vail Associates is possibly the most famous ski resort in America. This resort is comprised of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone. Boasting a title such as this generally means that everything about the location will be expensive. From airfare to hotels to lift tickets and food, prices will be first rate. If you know about the area though, and actually like being hidden away in the mountains, your winter getaway may be much cheaper than you think possible. Take some advice from someone who grew up in this area and you will have the locals' know-how.
Getting there can be pricey and difficult. Tickets into the closest aiport, Eagle County Airport located in Eagle can easily exceed $1000 from Los Angeles. Prices are especially high during the peak season near Christmas and New Years. Flying into Denver International Airport can be expensive as well and there is also the added complication of traveling around 100 miles to reach the mountains on some of the most dangerous roads in the country (especially Vail Pass). They are often closed during the winter as well due to numerous accidents and treacherous conditions overall. The cheapest option is to fly into Grand Jucnction on Allegiant Air. Tickets usually range from $100-$300 and are readily available. The only problem is that you will need to drive around about 120 miles to reach the ski resorts. The roads are generally much safer than when traveling from Denver, though. Take the long, but safer drive to save the most money.
Tickets to Vail Associates resorts are now $105 per day, which is the highest price in the country. What's not well known is a great ski resort that's overshadowed by Vail Resorts named Cooper Mountain. Cooper is known for the fact that they do not use any man-made snow. They're also known for costing about half the price of Vail Associates lift tickets. This year, a full day lift ticket to Cooper will be $44. It's hidden away in the mountains past a few old mining towns, nearly 30 minutes from Vail and Beaver Creek. And, it's always guaranteed to have more powder than any of the surrounding resorts.
After airfare, lodging will be your greatest cost. Hotel rooms in nice areas in the town and/or near the slopes will be very expensive. The minimum price will be $500 and most other basic hotel rooms will fall to the rock bottom price of $225. If you choose to ski at Cooper Mountain, you'll probably want to stay near there rather than paying a fortune for a hotel room and making a long drive each day. This is the smarter, more secluded option as well. Rooms under $200 and cabins are available as well. If you want to stay in town, avoid Vail, Avon, Beaver Creek, Edwards, etc and opt for Eagle. Eagle is a little bit of a further drive, but the price will be much lower. You must book hotels early in town though, because they will fill up quickly. Lodging at Cooper Mountain and surrounding accomodations will last much longer, because not many people consider them.
Lastly, when you are looking for food, don't dine in Vail Village or Beaver Creek Village. You will only be met with overpriced food and haughtiness (with few rare, unknown places). No matter how delicious the food may be, the prices will be dramatically inflated. I know this, because year in and year out, I've seen prices jump and fall between winter and summer in restaurants of these villages. Go to restaurants in Edwards, Avon, Leadville and other towns near Cooper Mountain. Restaurants near Riverwalk in Edwards are usually affordable during the ski season rush and there are smaller, more down-to-earth places in Eagle, Gypsum and the surrounding areas of Cooper Mountain.
On top of these costs, you will need a ride. You can rent a car at a few places, the most notable is the Eagle County Airport. If you don't want a car (not recommended), consider getting a ride to and from the airport on Colorado Mountain Express (CME).
Save yourself hundreds, if not thousands, to spend your vacation wisely and more enjoyably. Avoid the rude tourists, the overpriced souvenirs, meals and everything else and just get away in the mountains like you really want to.
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