Airfare Expert: Cheap flights to U.S. ski destinations
— -- After a dodgy early season, most U.S. ski resorts are now sporting nice coats of snow. So grab your board or skis and let's find you a deal.
Where should I go?
You have so many options - did you know there's great skiing in Michigan? Massachusetts? Oregon? But let's focus on three of the most popular American ski spots and ways to get there:
1. The Colorado Rockies
Plenty of world-class skiing among the majestic peaks here but Vail (about 100 miles from Denver) and Aspen (about 200 miles away) are standouts.
•Fly to Denver (DEN) - Denver International is served all U.S. legacy airlines and low-cost carriers like AirTran, Frontier, JetBlue and Southwest - plus several international airlines, too.
•Fly to Aspen (ASE) - Aspen/Pitkin County Airport may be tiny but it sees plenty of traffic (much of it from the private jets of celebrities). It also offers scheduled airline service from United, Frontier and American with direct flights from Denver, Los Angeles and Chicago.
2. New England
Winter in New England means picturesque resorts and Vermont has more than its share like Stowe, Stratton and Mt. Snow. And New Hampshire ski spots are right next door.
•Fly to Burlington (BTV) - Burlington International is small but flier-friendly, featuring flights from Delta, JetBlue, United and US Airways.
•Fly to Boston (BOS) - About 100 miles away from the Vermont state line, this largest airport in New England is served by major U.S. and international airlines as well as discount carriers like Virgin America. Plus it's a major hub for JetBlue.
•Fly to Hartford (BDL) - Connecticut's Bradley Field is just 80 miles south of Brattleboro, Vt., on I-91 and is served by all legacy carriers plus Air Canada and discounters Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest.
3. Utah and Wyoming
From glitzy Park City to the incomparable Jackson Hole, these central Rockies resorts are ideal for winter fun, both in and out of the snow.
•Fly to Salt Lake City (SLC) - Many of Utah's premier resorts are literally minutes from Salt Lake International which is served by all legacy carriers plus Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest and SkyWest. From here, Jackson Wyoming is a bit of a trek - about 280 miles - but it is one heck of a scenic drive. Or you can fly there.
•Fly to Jackson, Wyoming (JAC) - Jackson Hole Airport is small but beautiful - no surprise since it's located entirely within Grand Teton National Park. Airlines include American, Delta, Frontier, Skywest and on a seasonal basis, United. Fly direct to Denver, Salt Lake, Dallas, Minneapolis, Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.
What are prices like now?
Right now nonstop flights to Denver for March departures from New York are well under $300 round-trip and under $200 from Chicago and Los Angeles, and this includes all taxes and fees - a bargain indeed.
Salt Lake, on the other hand, is only a bargain (under $300) from New York and is 20% to 40% more from Los Angeles and Chicago, compared to Denver.
The real deal is Boston which is one of the cheapest cities to fly to in the country, but keep in mind you'll have a three-hour drive to reach the best New England ski resorts. Burlington typically costs about 40% more.
The bottom line is ticket prices to skiing locales are a relative bargain compared to most warm-weather destinations.
How do I find deals to these ski areas?
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