Travelers should plan ski trips at least two months in advance

Save by visiting underrated resorts, skiing in the spring, and using vacation home discounts

Today, Vrbo released the Key to Ski, a data-driven travel guide to help winter travelers plan trips to the mountains this season.

“Nearly one-third of mountain travelers are choosing cabins, chalets, and vacation rentals for their ski trips because of the extra space and value,” said Melanie Fish, Vrbo’s travel expert. “What’s new this ski season? Big Sky is seeing a surge in vacation rental demand, and spring skiing is popular for people who like warmer and cheaper ski trips -- travelers can enjoy great conditions without letting their budget snowball.”

Trending ski destinations

Colorado resort towns dominate vacation rental demand among this season’s most popular ski destinations on Vrbo:

• Breckenridge, Colo. (includes Keystone and Copper Mountain)
• Park City, Utah
• Vail and Beaver Creek, Colo.
• Steamboat Springs, Colo.
• Palisades Tahoe, Calif.

This year, Keystone Resort made headlines as the first ski resort in North America to open. While Colorado reigns as the most popular ski state in the U.S., Big Sky, Montana – one of Expedia’s 2026 Destinations of the Year - has emerged as Vrbo’s fastest-growing ski destination, with a 20 percent year-over-year increase in demand for vacation homes this ski season.

How to plan the perfect ski trip

• Choose a destination that suits your ski trip. For beginner skiers and snowboarders, Steamboat Springs, Colo.; Park City, Utah; and Liberty Hill, Pa., offer plenty of beginner-friendly spots and gentle slopes. For travelers interested in more than winter sports, Breckenridge, Colo.; Stowe, Vt.; and Jackson Hole, Wyo., have vibrant town squares and lively après-ski scenes.
• Book your trip at least two months in advance. Lock in your vacation home at least two months in advance to secure the cabin you want. Homes with popular amenities — such as equipment storage, hot tubs, and proximity to resorts — tend to get booked first. Select homes on Vrbo also offer discounts to guests who book over 60 days in advance. Plus, lift ticket pricing is dynamic, often favoring advanced reservations.
• Avoid peak periods to skip the crowds. Weekdays and non-holidays are the least crowded times on the mountain. Christmas week and President’s Day are shaping up to be the busiest times for ski destinations. Vrbo reports that half of the homes near Breckenridge, Vail, and Beaver Creek, Colo., are already booked for Christmas week.
• Stay close to the action. Ski-in/ski-out accommodations offer maximum convenience, but many resorts and villages offer free shuttles to the lifts, so you can avoid driving altogether. Use the “Ski-in/ski-out” search filter on Vrbo to find homes near the slopes.

How to stretch your ski trip budget

Winter sports travelers spent an average of $2,888 last year. Ski vacations can add up quickly with transportation, lodging, gear, and lessons. Here are Vrbo’s top tips for saving money this season:

• Try spring skiing. Snow often lasts well into spring, when mountains are less crowded, with the exception of Spring Break. Enjoy warmer weather, longer daylight hours, and discounts on lift tickets and more affordable Vrbo rentals.
• Ski at smaller resorts or local hills. Deal hunters can often find lower-priced vacation rentals and lift tickets in under-the-radar areas such as Boone and Avery, N.C.; Brian Head, Utah; White Mountain, N.H.; the Poconos, Pa.; and Bend, Ore.
• Score savings with a discounted stay. Over 40 percent of mountain travelers say they choose vacation rentals for better value. Many Vrbo properties offer discounts for weeklong stays, early bookings, or last-minute trips. Use the search filters under the “Discounts” section on Vrbo to easily find homes with deals.

Frequently asked questions

Which ski destinations are the most popular this season?

Breckenridge, Colo.; Park City, Utah; Vail and Beaver Creek, Colo.; Steamboat Springs, Colo.; and Palisades Tahoe, Calif.

What’s new for ski travel this season?

Big Sky, Montana, is Vrbo’s fastest-growing ski destination, with a 20 percent year-over-year increase in demand. Spring skiing is also gaining popularity.

When should travelers book their ski vacation?

At least two months in advance to secure preferred vacation homes and take advantage of better lift ticket pricing.

What are the busiest times for ski destinations?

Christmas week and President’s Day weekend are expected to be the most crowded periods for ski destinations.

How much do winter sports travelers typically spend?

On average, $2,888 per trip, including lodging, transportation, gear, and lessons.

What are some tips for saving on a ski trip?

Consider spring skiing, smaller resorts, and discounts on Vrbo vacation rentals for weeklong stays, early bookings, and last-minute trips.

How do you choose a high-quality vacation rental?

Use Vrbo’s “Loved by Guests” and “Premier Host” filters. Loved by Guests means near-perfect reviews for cleanliness, location, and listing accuracy; Premier Host indicates the rentals are managed by reliable hosts with zero cancellations. Check verified reviews and guest photos, and book with confidence knowing every Vrbo stay is backed by VrboCare for protection against cancellations, denied access, fraud, and misrepresentation.

Notes to the editor:

• Data based on analysis of Vrbo bookings made in mountain destinations for the previous and present ski season (December-March).
• Survey of 1,987 qualified U.S. leisure travelers who had traveled to a winter/ski/snow or mountain/hiking destination offering skiing during winter. Fielded between February 11 and February 26, 2025.
• Analysis of over 2 million guest folios transacted via the Inntopia Commerce booking engine across mountain destinations between January and December 2024. Findings were supplemented with lodging performance data from the DestiMetrics reporting set.

About Vrbo

Since 1995, Vrbo® has been the go-to place for families and groups to find the perfect vacation rental for their next getaway — whether it’s a beach house, cozy cabin, city condo, or spacious villa with room for everyone.

Vrbo has grown into a trusted global vacation rental marketplace, connecting guests with dedicated hosts around the world. Offering high-quality stays and 24/7 live support, Vrbo helps guests spend less time worrying about trip planning and more time making lasting memories together.

Vrbo is part of Expedia Group and offers hosts exposure to nearly 1 billion average monthly searches on Expedia Group sites.

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