The Sooner You Book, the More You Save

While you’ll typically find the deepest discounts on ski passes in the spring, they’re usually cheaper if you book them in the fall vs. winter. The cost of the Epic Pass, for example, starts going up in September. And many passes include additional savings such as discounts on rentals, lessons, and more. Even if you opt for individual lift tickets, you’re more apt to score them at a lower price if you book in advance.

Expect to find better deals on ski lodging, too. Tivoli Lodge in Vail is currently running a promotion where you can save up to 30 percent on stays between November and April. Meanwhile, Utah’s Black Rock Mountain Resort has a “first tracks package" where you can save even more: up to 35 percent.

Early Birds Enjoy First Dibs

Not only is booking accommodations in advance typically cheaper, but it also means you won’t be stuck with slim pickings and end up in a room that’s less than ideal for your travel party. For example, Riverhouse Lodge, a perfect base camp for carving tracks at Oregon’s Mt. Bachelor has a select number of rooms with Deschutes River views AND a firepit. And if you want one of the highly sought-after spacious suites at Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa near Big Bear, or a coveted creekside king premium room at Wayfinder Bishop near Mammoth Mountain, you’ll have fewer other guests to compete with the further out you book.

You’ll also want to book early if you’re visiting a resort like Jackson Hole or Deer Valley which require reservations for pass holders. Deer Valley is debuting nearly 100 new runs this season, so if you want to lay first, first tracks, book now. Some mountains also limit the number of passholders who ski per day. If you don’t book early enough, your desired day may sell out. The same goes for parking spaces – some ski resort areas require you to book a spot in advance. If you can’t get a spot, you’ll have to take a taxi, rideshare service, or shuttle, all of which can be more expensive and less convenient.

Finally, if you’re renting equipment, you’ll usually get to choose from a wider selection if you book early. Plus, you’ll have a guarantee that it will be waiting for you.

Time To Get Gear, and Get Acquainted With It

If you’d rather purchase your own ski equipment, keep in mind that if you buy at the last minute at the pro shop, you’ll most likely pay a premium and feel rushed. Instead, keep your eyes peeled for pre-season sales, especially on last year’s models, and don’t make purchases under pressure. If you’re a really avid skier or snowboarder, consider applying for a pro deal to get further discounts. And while most diehards say you can’t break in a pair of new boots without skiing in them, they do agree that you can break in your feet and get accustomed to the fit by wearing them around the house. Who knows? You may need time to purchase insoles or figure out which socks are the most comfortable with your boots’ liners.

Every Second Counts (and Contributes to Your Happiness)

Anticipation may be the number one reason to book a ski trip sooner than later. Much like Friday is the light at the end of the work week tunnel, having something fun to look forward to in winter can be a total mental gamechanger. Dr. Matt Killingsworth, who holds a doctorate in psychology from Harvard and is the founder of Track Your Happiness, told National Geographic that research shows that having a positive experience on the horizon provides numerous benefits to our overall wellbeing and happiness. “As humans, we spend a lot of our mental lives living in the future,” he explained. And this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. “Since we know a trip has a defined start and end, our minds are prone to savor it, even before it’s started.”

Explore more ski and snow destinations across the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio, a collection of more than 50 distinct, independent properties by Pyramid Global Hospitality. Located in diverse destinations across the globe, Benchmark’s resorts and hotels reimagine immersive travel, inspiring guests to create memories born from meaningful exploration, authentic moments, and innovative experiences – no matter the occasion. Benchmark guests can earn complimentary gift cards, on-property perks, and destination experiences through the collection’s signature Mosaic Rewards program.