Last year marked a record-setting ski season for U.S. resorts with 60.5 million skier visits, according to the National Ski Areas Association. "While ski vacations are more popular than ever before, the current economy presents new challenges for travelers on tighter budgets than in past years," said Heather Leisman, senior director of merchandizing for Orbitz. “We believe we have the insider advice to help people hit the slopes AND find great savings at the same time.”

2008/2009 ORBITZ INSIDER SKI INDEX

2008 Ski Destinations
Ranking*
1 Lake Tahoe ($116)**
2 Breckenridge, CO ($225)
3 Park City, UT ($239)
4 Vail, CO ($286)
5 Aspen, CO ($227)
6 Keystone, CO ($149)
6 Winter Park, CO ($193)
8 Whistler, BC ($292)
9 Banff, Canada ($189)
10 Steambt Spgs, CO ($225)

*Based on hotel and vacation package bookings from 11/1/08 to 4/30/09 for bookings as of 10/14/08.
**The figures in parenthesis are based on average daily hotel rates from 11/1/08 to 4/30/09 for bookings as of 10/14/08.



TIPS for SAVING MONEY
The Orbitz Insiders also pulled together their top tips for ski savings:
1. Consider lodging location. While slope-side "ski in/ski out" allows you to walk out your door and hop on the lift, opting for lodging a little further from the mountain can save you cash. And most ski resorts offer free shuttle services with stops throughout town, so getting to the lift is not a hassle.
2. Look for alternative lodging. For families and groups, alternative lodging like vacation rentals— homes, condos, cabins—can be much less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
3. Ski on off-peak dates. Busy holiday weekends, including Christmas, MLK weekend, and President's weekend, can be more expensive and very busy. If you want to save money and avoid long lift lines, think "off peak." And consider weekday vs. weekend trips to save even more!
4. Use less expensive lift tickets. If you know you'll be skiing at least a few days during your vacation, purchase lift tickets in advance. And if you are considering lessons, remember that at many resorts, beginner lessons typically include a beginner lift ticket in the price.