Can't Afford Aspen this Winter? Colorado Ski Vacations on a Budget

As winter quickly approaches, the prices to vacation in Aspen rise to the occasion. If you make six figures a year, a vacation in Aspen, CO may not be an issue for you. On average, a condo for two adults, two children, and a dog costs $850.00 a night! Aspen is well-known for their powder covered slopes, but the majority of the smaller, low-cost resorts and lodges have been forced out-of-business due to the real-estate price increase.

Beaver Creek, CO

If Aspen is not within your price range, do not drop your winter vacation plans. Colorado boasts numerous mountains that are just waiting for you to glide your way down. You may not be able to afford a room or condo directly off the slopes or in the ski resort, however most lodges offer a shuttle to the local ski resort. For example, in Beaver Creek, Colorado between December 29, 2011 and January 2, 2012 you can rent a room at Inn at Riverwalk for $195.00 a night. This lodge is within driving distance of Beavercreek Resort, and this rate is for two adults and two children age 12 and under.

Visit Vail

For a seven night stay in Vail, Colorado, you can sleep up to six people for $3,819.97. This includes 2 outdoor pools and hot tubs, and a bus that will transport guests the 1.5 miles to Vail Village or drop them off at the lifts. These condos are located at the Breakaway West, and at this price it would only be $636.00 per person to enjoy a week’s winter vacation in Vail.  Call a few friends and start making plans!

Traverse Telluride

Having visited family in Telluride, Colorado, I have personally had the opportunity to enjoy the slopes. Hailing from Pennsylvania, the powder slopes of Telluride are a wonderful alternative to the ice capped mountains in Central Pennsylvania. Falls are less frequent as the soft snow provides an opportunity to slowly cut your way down the mountain. For beginners, the supple snow provides a soft landing, a chance to learn how to control your skis or board, and the children’s lessons are great as well.

Telluride is a great destination for couples or families. It may be more affordable for a couple at $116.00 a night for a one bedroom one bathroom townhouse rental. It may also be affordable for a group of four couples at $500.00 a night for a four bedroom, four and a half bath condo right off the mountain. You don’t have to catch a shuttle bus or load all your gear on the roof rack of your car. Just slip your way down the slopes or jump on the nearest lift to reach your favorite starting point. Telluride also offers all day ski and snowboard lessons for children. If both you and your child are learning how to meander your way through the snow covered mountains of Telluride, ski/snowboard school is the perfect opportunity to do so. Once you and your children have mastered carving and cutting the mountain, you can leave your mark by doing so together.

More than skiing and snowboarding

Although partial to Telluride because of its beautiful landmarks, lavish restaurants and shops, and powdered mountains, there are over 20 mountains to visit in Colorado. Some more of the popular winter vacation destinations include Loveland, just outside of Denver, Steamboat, Powderhorn, and Snowmass. If winter sports are not your thing, all of the mountains have quaint little towns where you can enjoy shopping, nightlife, or getting to know some locals at a tavern. If you don’t feel like venturing into town, you can relax at one of the bars at the mountain ski resort. Grab yourself a hot tottie, kick back, and relax by the fire.