February School Vacation Ski Deals In New England
School Vacation on the Slopes – Photo Courtesy of Sunday River
Skiing is expensive. Especially for families. But it is a popular activity during school vacation in February across New England. Believe it or not, while mountains and resorts generally increase their rates and put blackouts on their typical weekly specials during February vacation, it is still possible to take your family skiing for reasonable prices. There are of course the general ways to save that you should always look into:
- Buy Tickets Online – saving $2 – $10 per ticket
- Use Available Discounts – Military (15 – 50% off), Senior, Students and AAA (10% off)
- Transferable Tickets – allowing parents to share 1 ticket while caring for young children
But here are a few specific options to take advantage of to make that New England family ski adventure even more affordable – for a day, an evening or even a weekend.
MAINE:
Saddleback, Rangeley – If your child made the Honor Roll in the first semester in a Maine school, grades K-12, they are eligible for a season pass rate of only $49 through the PEAK Pass program. Cost for a 1 day Junior ticket is usually $39 so if you are planning to ski more than 1 day, the savings are great.
Shawnee Peak, Bridgton – On Saturdays, including during school vacation, families of 4 can ski all day for $159, provided one person is between the ages of 6-12 under the Best Deals Family Deal program.
Sunday River, Newry – If your child is a 5th, 6th or 7th grader in the Maine school system they can purchase the WinterKids Passport for $25. This Passport provides discounts to the child and family members at mountains across Maine. It would save a family of four (2 adults, 1 teen and 1 middle schooler) $55 off of Day skiing at Sunday River during school vacation. The child’s ticket is free and their sibling’s is half-price. Total expense would be $217. Order the WinterKids Passport now though – it takes up to 2 weeks to arrive.
NEW HAMPSHIRE:
Black Mountain, Jackson – If your child is a 5th grader – anywhere, not just in NH – they can purchase the SkiNH 5th Grade Snowsports Passport for $20. This Passport provides free lift tickets to each of 39 participating ski mountains in NH as well as additional bonus discounts. It would save a family of four (2 adults, 1 teen and 1 5th grader) $44 off of Saturday lift tickets at Black Mountain during school vacation. The 5th grader’s ticket is free and buy 1 adult ticket, get the 2nd adult ticket free. Total expense would be $84. Order the Snowsports Passport now though – it takes about 2 weeks to arrive.
King Pine, East Madison – A family of 4 can ski together from 4PM – 9PM Saturday night during school vacation for a total of $49 using the Moonlight Family 4-Pack deal.
Cranmore, North Conway – All ages ski for $29 each from 2PM – 8PM during Cranapalooza Wednesday, 02/17. Fireworks at 7:30.
VERMONT:
Sugarbush, Warren – You can save $12 off of the Adult 1 Day Holiday/Weekend ticket price by buying your ticket at one of over 60 offsite vendors throughout New England and the Tri-State regions. Offsite advance tickets are a flat $70 rate with no blackouts.
MASSACHUSETTS:
Catamount, S. Egremont – If your child is a 4th or 5th grader – anywhere, not just in MA – they can purchase the 4th & 5th Graders Card for $15. This Card provides unlimited free 8 Hour lift tickets to Catamount any day, excluding the MLK, Jr. holiday, provided a paying adult accompanies them. It would save a family of four (2 adults, 1 teen and 1 4th or 5th grader) $32 off of Saturday lift tickets during school vacation. The 4th or 5th grader’s ticket is free. Total expense would be $178. Order the Card now though – it takes about 2 weeks to arrive.
CONNECTICUT:
Mohawk Mountain, – If your child is a 4th grader in a CT school, they can purchase the 3 For 4 Card for $10. The 3 For 4 Card provides 3 free lift tickets for any day – no blackouts – provided a paying adult accompanies them. It would save a family of four (2 adults, 1 teen and 1 4th grader) $32 off of Saturday lift tickets during school vacation. The 4th grader’s ticket is free. Total expense would be $142. Order the Card now though – processing time not referenced.
Be sure to check ski location websites in the week leading up to Valentine’s Day/President’s Day weekend for promotional deals and late release ski & stay packages.
By Molly G. @ The Bumbles Blog