How to Find Discount Ski Lift Tickets in Colorado

In Colorado, discount lift tickets are available for many ski resorts. With a little effort, you can avoid paying full price to access some of the West's finest terrain. This is especially beneficial as lift ticket prices at many Colorado resorts near the $100 mark.

Instructions

    • 1

      Do your homework. Call the chamber of commerce, ski shops, and even the resorts themselves in the area you will be visiting for the latest insights on deals.

    • 2

      Scout out the discounts. For many of the ski resorts in Colorado's Front Range (especially those in Summit County) you can purchase discount tickets at grocery stores in Denver, such as King Soopers and Safeway. Many ski shops along Interstate 70 also sell discount lift tickets. Some of these stores even have automated kiosks that enable you to use a credit card to make your purchase. In Downieville, take Exit 234 to purchase discount tickets at Empire Sports (next to the Burger King). If you miss the turnoff for Empire, make your way to Exit 241A for discount tickets at Maison de Ski in Idaho Springs. Upon exiting, go two blocks past the McDonald's and then turn right into the parking lot next to the Sinclair gas station.

    • 3

      Consider a Colorado Gems Card If you are interested in skiing throughout the state. These discount ski cards are designed to encourage skiers to visit Colorado's smaller ski areas, affectionately referred to as the "gems" of the state. For a small fee ($10 for the 2009-2010 season), you can purchase a card from the Colorado Ski Country USA website, ColoradoSki.com. This card enables you to receive deals ranging from discounted prices to free lift tickets. It is best to purchase a Colorado Gems Card in the fall, as they often sell out by December.

    • 4

      Purchase a season pass at a discounted rate if you intend to ski for more than a week at the ski resorts in Colorado's Front Range. These rates are available throughout the fall when passes are purchased in person at the resort or ski shops throughout Denver and the Front Range.