Ski vacations in renowned resorts are, without doubt, expensive. But, like all types of vacations, there are ways and means to stretch your money and still enjoy the vacation.

When embarking on such vacations, try to avoid staying in hotels and reserve your place by talking directly with property owners. Directly contacting the homeowners and small tour Companies will definitely save you money by doing away with the commissions that need to be paid to the agents.

Generally these home owners do not charge anything like the non-refundable 10 percent you need to shell out as hotel tax. In addition to that, the rates are quoted for the maximum accommodation capacity of the property, and not on a ‘per person’ basis. You may opt renting a condo instead of hotel accommodation. This presents you with the option to cook your meals, thereby saving a hefty sum on restaurant bills. And, such types of accommodation provide one with free parking, unlike hotels that charge fees as night parking fees.

Usually, the rates of vacation packages vary depending on the season in which one wants to avail of these services. Adjusting the time you intend to go on vacation by a week or two might save you hundreds of pounds. Also, plan your skiing or riding-start day on some day of a cheap price season at some unbelievably low prices. Check whether there are any promotional offers going on so as to reap more savings; and if possible go for early booking to avail of such discounts also.

Sometimes lofts and dens serve as comfortable bedrooms for people looking for cheap accommodation. For instance, by booking a 2 bed room and a loft home instead of a 3 bedroom accommodation, one could save thousands in terms of rental. Consider staying in some place not very far from the ski destination instead of a slope- side accommodation. In most of the places, free shuttle system is made available which connects all areas of the village with the popular base. In that case, you will end up paying very less and at the same time can stay close to everything. You might get a property with more amenities at the same rate, if you opt for such places.

It is to be remembered that slope side locations are expensive only when there is sufficient snow for various activities. If you are planning to share a big property by staying with your friends and relatives or even another family, you will get the opportunity to stay in a posh property without adding to the cost of accommodation, by spreading out the cost. This can be made to happen when the cost of accommodation in the larger property is almost the same as that of the smaller one. If you intend to rent a vehicle, and you are on vacation with a short group, share a limo or charter a van. This will work out cheaper as the cost of transportation is divided among the people in the group.