Pay Less To Stay At Slopes In Rockies Early

Sun Valley set to go with early discounts. (Sun Valley/Facebook)

Once the snow begins to fly, skiers and riders make plans to get up into the hills as soon as possible – and stay there as long as possible. As a result, many Rocky Mountain resorts lay out early season ticket and lodging deals.

Here’s a SnoCountry.com sampling of chances to save a few bucks before the Christmas onslaught arrives:

Sun Valley. Spend the four-day Thanksgiving weekend at the iconic inn or lodge at the Idaho resort and, for one price, get lodging, lift tickets and a turkey buffet dinner. Or enjoy discounts on room rates and tickets through Dec. 20.

Steamboat. A three-night minimum stay at the Steamboat Grand Resort comes with discounted room rates, free tickets for two days (and free for kids if adults buy a ticket), plus discounts on rentals (again, kids rent for free). Good through early December.

Aspen. The St. Regis Aspen Resort kicks off the season with connecting rooms for families and daily discounts for the Discovery Kids Club, other activities and the spa. Children under 12 stay and eat for free.

Alta. Historic Rustler Lodge opens its doors on Nov. 21 with discounts off room rates for early-season skiers who show up before Dec. 13.

Park City. Wyndam Vacation Rentals has set up two-night minimum deals in its properties for early birds who hit the slopes at Park City Mountain or Deer Valley before Dec. 22.