Most travelers did not even consider planning their winter ski vacation until the "Top Resorts" issue of the ski magazines came out in late August. But the times are changing and this year there seems to be a change of heart. Many travelers who traditionally waited for FARE WARS and LAST MINUTE SPECIALS find themselves scrambling to book their flights and vacations NOW!
With gas prices climbing upwards, many families have to reevaluate their travel budgets. Although early season booking lodging discounts are plentiful, finding a CHEAP flight is proving to be a challenge. This week 3 major airlines announced that they were cutting back flights, reducing their fleets and lying off over 1,000 personnel per carrier. As a result, airports that use to have 4-6 flights per day on some routes are seeing reductions to 2-3. How will this impact the ski industry and what is a traveler to do?
The first thing is to determine your dates and start looking at flight availability TODAY! The longer you wait the more difficult is going to be to get the dates and flights you want, particularly if you MUST travel on Saturday or Sunday. Gone are the $300 fares from the East Coast to Denver and Salt Lake. Reports on all the major network news shows have shown that summer fares have increased by a minimum of $100 since last year. That $320 ticket from Atlanta to Denver last summer will cost you $450 this year. Add this increase to the revolving door of fuel surcharges and you will be looking at fares over $400 to destination airports like HAYDEN (STEAMBOAT) or BOZEMAN (BIG SKY).
Prices of airfare over the HOLY GRAIL Christmas vacation window of December 26 – January 2 are quickly climbing out of control. Of the 20 flights out of New York/LaGuardia to Steamboat/Hayden, only 3 were under $1000 with the lowest coming in at $720, well over last years average of $575-600.
With airfare of close to $800, the question arises – will a family of 4 shell out $3200 before the even get to their destination? We know everything has increased in price, but with the "BAGGAGE SURCHARGES" implemented in early May of this year, resort taxes ands fees closing in on 25% of the lodging total, many families may put their trips on the back burner.
Is it possible to travel over the holidays and get a deal? Unless you are willing and able to travel a week earlier (when many resorts are less crowded and offering lower prices on lodging) or visit a smaller destination (with less terrain, vertical feet and things to do when the slopes close), the answer is more than likely going to be NO. Even backing you vacation up 2 days and traveling 12/24-31 provides a minimal savings of $100 per ticket on flights that are not so kid friendly.
If you think these increases only apply to the Christmas Holiday, think again. Rates on prime 3-Day holiday weekends in January and February as well as the traditional SPRING BREAK month of March are showing less availability and higher prices than we have ever seen this early. Gone is the $999 SPRING BREAK packages, including air/lodging/lift ticket/transfer. If you are able to find one for under $1000 over President Holiday or $1500 over Spring Break, you had better move fast. Waiting will only drive the air portion of your trip higher.
Thinking about cashing in all those airline frequent traveler miles or points with your credit card company? Well, you had better move fast. Several carriers have already increasing the number of miles required to book a seat making it less likely that you will be able to cash in for multiple tickets on the same flight.
So as we ease into summer when we would normally dream of warm weather and cool ocean breezes, STOP! It’s time to THINK SNOW! The knowledgeable sales staff at SKI THE ROCKIES is available to help you find the best VALUE on a WINTER VACATION package to the destination YOU want to visit this year. Call us at 800-291-2588 or visit or website and check out some of the GREAT WINTER VACATION SPECIALS NOW!
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