Yes, it’s still summer, but not too early to start planning for the 2010-11 ski season.
Why?
By getting a head start before most skiers and snowboarders, you can snare the best deals, find the best equipment/rentals and book lodging on the dates you want … at substancial savings.
BOOKING A ROOM FOR A SKI VACATION:You can get the best rates and on the dates you want if you book soon. That includes the popular holiday weeks like Christmas/New Year’s, Martin Luther King weekend in January and President’s Week in February.
Okemo in Vermont has already rolled out its early booking discount. The details, book by: Sept 1 and receive 15% off most holiday periods, excludes Feb. 18-20; Oct 1 and receive 20 percent off weekends; Dec 1, get 30 percent off midweek. Click here for more details
Okemo fine print: “Valid for most unit types in most locations, based on space available and subject to normal holiday and minimum night guidelines. Due to limited unit type availability, Jackson Gore Penthouse and loft units are not available. Reservations must be confirmed with the normal 60% down within 5 days of booking or by the early action date (whichever comes first).”
Stratton in Vermont has its “Best Early Booking Offer.” Book any winter 2010-2011 lodging by Oct. 30 and save 30 percent off midweek, 20 percent off weekends and 10 percent off holidays. Also get special savings on lift tickets, snow school and rentals too. Also includes price protection and a relaxed cancellation policy.
It’s “Easy Package” includes lodging at the Inn at Stratton Mountain and select condominiums, a lift ticket, lunch and rentals all at $89 per person / per night (double occupancy) and available midweek and select weekends. That’s a savings of $75 a day, based on a la carte pricing. Add the kids for just $40 per child/per night. (Two night minimum) Details here.
Stowe in Vermont is offering discounts if you book early. Stowe Mountain Lodge has launched a Countdown to Winter sale, where travelers will save more the earlier they book.
30% off best available rate for all reservations made by Sept. 30
25% off best available rate for all reservations made by Oct. 31
20 % off best available rate for all reservations made by Nov. 30
The fine print: “For stays from November 24 – April 10. 2 night minimum stay required. Blackout dates include Dec. 24- Jan. 1, Jan. 14 – 16 and Feb. 18- 26. Reservations can be made at stowemountainlodge.com using the promotion code SKISTOWE.”
In the least, this is a good time to start talking to friends and family about when and where you want to go skiing and snowboarding.
EQUIPMENT:If you’re looking to buy some new equipment this season, start shopping around. Like last year, many snowsports shops will not overstock their inventory. So If you’re were looking for a particular kind of ski or snowboard realize the supplies will be limited. The same is true for boots. After Christmas, the stock should be pretty much picked over. The downside: don’t expect any big price breaks. But do shop around; I found the same type of ski last season that was more than $100 less than another shop.
Now’s also the time to start thinking about rentals. Don’t run out now, but start to look around by late September. Again, the rentals will be picked over if you wait when the season starts.
TICKETS/PASSES: If you’re thinking about buying a season pass, you already missed the best prices that ended in the spring. But there’s still time to grab some decent prices at the larger resorts in the north.
Discount cards that knock off up to $30 off a lift ticket are a good choice, especially Stratton Vermont’s X2 card, that costs $69 (until Nov. 23 when it costs $10 more). With the card you get a free day of skiing or snowboarding. Visit www.stratton.comor call 1.800.STRATTON to purchase your X2 Card and free day of skiing.
This is just the tip of the the iceberg. I’ll file most posts on the best early season deals as I get them.
Got a question or tip? Feel free to contact me at jshay@ctpost.com
