Ski During Spring Break – In the East and West

With lengthening days, a bit more warmth, and days off for spring break, many families turn to ski vacations. And why not? Rates at mountain resorts are less as the end of the season approaches and the snow quality is usually at its best. And, of course, falls on soft powder feel so much better than crashes into hard-packed snow. 

Joining in with up to 20% savings at select locations is the ski valet service, Black Tie Ski Rentals. Black Tie’s ski delivery (offered at more than 35 ski resorts around North America) is done by local experts who bring the rental equipment directly to each guest’s hotel room, condo, or vacation home for custom fittings — they’ll also bring in extra socks, goggles, hand warmers, lip balm or whatever else you may have forgotten to pack.

These resorts in Utah, Vermont, Colorado, California and British Columbia have irresistible offers for snowsports fans for spring 2014.

Utah Mountain Resorts

Those so-called bluebird days mean big values at Deer Valley Resort in Utah, the skier-only resort where award-winning accommodations cost a fraction of winter rates. New this year, is “Steeps and Stashes,” an adult co-ed specialty clinic for strong intermediate, advanced and expert skiers held on the mountain’s lesser known, off-trail terrain.

You can spread out in style at the large, ski-in ski-out rooms at the Stein Eriksen Lodge because late season rates are less, kids stay free, and there’s plenty of pampering and spa treatments for everyone in the family. (If you’re there, be sure to sample their Sunday Brunch.)

Another option is to let the kids participate in the “Family Value Package,” where up to two kids per room under 12 ski free and save 20% on lodging, lift tickets and kids’ ski rentals. With family-friendly amenities, including an outdoor pool and hot tub, breakfast buffet, and complimentary in-town shuttle all within close proximity to Snow Park Lodge and ski school, Lodges at Deer Valley and Silver Baron Lodge are a great choice. Package is valid March 30-April 6, 2014. Receive up to two complimentary child lift tickets per day and two Deer Valley ski rental discount vouchers for children 12 and under.

If you’re arriving before March 8th, save 15% on lodging and lift tickets now or from March 23-29, 2014. The purchase of four adult lift tickets is required for all offers. Minimum night stay is required and varies by property. And if you want to come back for more fabulous skiing, from April 6-13, a hotel room at Lodges at Deer Valley costs only $165/night and you can take 25% off lift tickets.

With so many options, you’ll want to speak with a Vacation Planner at 800/558-3337 or 435/645-6528 and visit Deer Valley.com for additional packages or promotions.

Vermont Mountain Resorts

Stratton Mountain in Vermont says that “snow is our number one product” and their unrivalled snowmaking offers a Great Snow Guarantee through closing day. Simply, if you’re unhappy with the conditions, you can return your ticket for another day. Of course, we wouldn’t recommend Stratton if it wasn’t a great family mountain resort as well. Deals include:

• “Stay for Free”: 3-day midweek (non-holiday) lift tickets and 2 nights of lodging at the Liftline Lodge, starting at $174 per person, are offered through mid March. Lodging upgrades available.
• “One Night Stay at Liftline Lodge”: one night stay for up to two persons at the Liftline Lodge, with price varying from $49 to $59. Please click on www.stratton.com and check the calendar for more details on prices for specific nights.

Visit Stratton for information on these and more vacation packages at Stratton Mountain.

Colorado Mountain Resorts

The Mountain Lodge at Telluride in Colorado is an exquisite, slopeside condominium property whose units have plenty of room to stretch out. For spring, they are introducing a package designed for snow-enthusiast couples who want one last chance to hit the slopes this season. Nestled high in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride has an abundance of both on- and off-the-slopes activities including an Olympic-styled terrain park, heli-skiing, backcountry skiing, tubing at Thrill Hill, snowshoeing and snowmobile tours. So you can consider this a parents getaway, or bring the kids along and know they will have plenty of fun.

“Romance in the Rockies” is the special package that Telluride promotes for lovers this spring.  In addition to two nights of rustic elegance in their spacious accommodations, the offer includes two complimentary 60-minute massages, a bottle of champaign and chocolate-covered strawberries. The minimum as well as the maximum stay is two nights, with the price starting from $125/night per person; available through early April.  To view more packages, visit Mountain Lodge Telluride or call 866/850-5286.

At all the Aspen-Snowmass resorts, kids stay, rent, ski and even eat free all March and April (as long as you book in advance and purchase lodging and a three-day adult lift ticket.) Their cool Treehouse Adventure Center is great by day, and at night the family fun shifts to the frozen Viking Ship at the “Ullr Nights” winter carnival held each Friday night.

California Mountain Resorts

With 15 world-class ski resorts, exciting nightlife and gaming, plus shopping, dining and more, Lake Tahoe (on the Nevada-California border) offers something for everyone. After an exhilarating day on the slopes, you can retreat to the lakefront, four-diamond Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino.

Experience the combination of rustic elegance, natural beauty, and modern resort amenities with the “Selection of Slopes Ski Package.” Located in one of the most densely concentrated mountain resort areas, this Lake Tahoe hotel package allows you to choose from 5 world-class ski resorts nearby, providing free shuttle services in Incline Village. There’s gambling for your over-21s and a 15% discount at their Stillwater Spa. For more fun stuff to do with the family, there are two whirlpools, three on-site fire pits for roasting S’mores, and many restaurants within walking distance.

For more information and packages, visit Lake Tahoe Hyatt.com

Canada Mountain Resorts

At Canada’s Whistler Mountain heaps of powder, groomed corduroy, untouched bowls and indescribable apres ski are all up for grabs. They’re yours to experience with Tourism Whistler’s “Winter Escape” package, which includes three nights’ accommodation and a two-day lift ticket, starting from $122 per person. Alternatively, a four-night package includes a three-day lift ticket to use with four nights’ accommodation, starting from $111 per person.  For more information, call 800-WHISTLER or visit Whistler.com.

Elsewhere in the Canadian Rockies, the very posh Fairmont Hotels & Resorts are offering great spring skiing deals.  At the The Fairmont Banff Springs, a “Luxury Ski the Canadian Rockies” package includes accommodations, parking, a total of two tri-area ski passes per room, per night (valid at Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Mountain Resort and Ski Banff at Norquay), shuttle service to the ski hill, daily à la carte or buffet breakfast, a daily access pass to the Willow Stream Spa and complimentary ski and snowboard storage as well as all gratuities. Available through April 30, 2014, rates start from $499 CAD. 

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise “Family Ski Experience” means a double room with two lift tickets, one in-room movie, and a $25 Deli credit for treats. Complimentary transportation between the ski hill and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is also included. Available through April 20, 2014, rates start from $359 CAD per night. At the even more remote (but gorgeous) Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge their deal includes a Fairmont Room, transportation to and from the ski hill, as well as family ski lift tickets for two adults and one child. Available until May 4, 2014, rates start from $339 CAD per night.