Scoring deals for ski trips out West

[jhiestand]

We'd like to start looking into a January or March ski trip to CO, Tahoe or Utah and I'm not sure where to look for the best deals. Flights look to be pricey from Ohio so figured I'd see if anyone had advice as to where to look? I guess package deals that bundle flight, lodging & tickets would probably be the most convenient thing, but if I could save some skratch by purchasing them separate I'm fine with that.

Are internet deals the best to do? Travel agents? Should I go through resort sites, or airlines? Help?

[Flux]

RE: Scoring deals for ski trips out West

Go right after the big holidays. Like if you go in January, go a week or two after new year's. March is a spring break month, so be weary of that as well.

Pick the resort you want and google "**** condos" or "**** Lodging" and you will get alot of private rental stuff that is off the main resort website. Better deals tend to lie in these. Resort owned rentals and slopeside stuff will have set package discount times, usually you can score tickets with your package. Best just to shop around. being early never hurts.

[mopowpow]

try www.snow.com or 1-800-355-6721 for Vail's resorts. I have had very good luck with them setting up my vacation packages. Usaully the best price I can find. I just saved $400 using the 800 number vs. booking on-line. There ski free/stay free packages are usually the best deal.

[jhiestand]

I didn't really consider the private condos and stuff -- good call!

I figured checking into it earlier would help so at least I can baseline pricing.