While skiing in North America is very expensive, there are ways to save even if you miss the chance to buy ski passes at a reasonable price.
Alaska Airlines has historically been friendly to snow sports enthusiasts, offering discounts on lift tickets, gear rentals and more when you book a flight with the airline. This year, the airline is back with a similar promotion under a new name: Atmos Rewards Alpine Getaways. Even better, these deals are available whether you book your Alaska Airlines flight with cash or Atmos Rewards points.
Here are six North American ski resorts where you can save money just by showing your Alaska Airlines boarding pass this season.
RELATED: Skiing in Europe is cheaper than in the U.S. — here’s how to use points and miles to make it more affordable
Alaska
Alaska Resort
Fly to: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
With an average snowfall of 669 inches, the Alaska resort outside Anchorage is one of Alaska’s most popular ski destinations.
Show your Alaska Airlines boarding pass and matching ID at any ticket office to ski for free the day you arrive. This offer is valid Monday to Friday from now until April 24th. Blackout dates include February 16 and March 9-13.
You can also save on accommodation if you book a room at an Alaskan resort and fly with Alaska Airlines within 48 hours of check-in. Use rate code “AKAIR” to get up to 20% off daily rates and present your boarding pass or flight confirmation at check-in.
arctic valley ski resort
Fly to: ANC
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This small, family-friendly resort has fewer crowds on powder days, lower prices and a more relaxed atmosphere. Additionally, the ANC is less than half an hour away.
From now until April 12, with no blackout dates, you can show your boarding pass and matching ID to get a free same-day lift ticket. You can also rent demo skis at regular rental prices.
Eaglecrest Ski Resort
Fly to: Juneau International Airport (JNU)
For the ultimate outdoor adventure with minimal lift lines, check out the remote ski resort of Juneau, a town connected to the outside world only by flights and ferries.
Show your Alaska Airlines boarding pass by April 12 and enjoy free skiing and snowboarding at Eaglecrest on the same day, with no blackout dates.
idaho
false basin
Fly to: Boise Airport (BOI)
Pseudo Basin is not your average hometown ski area. This nonprofit mountain recreation area also offers night skiing seven days a week, a giant tubing mountain, and 23 miles of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. Additionally, the resort is conveniently located just 16 miles from downtown Boise.
Your Alaska Airlines boarding pass entitles you to one free lift ticket (one ticket per boarding pass), as well as a Performance Ski Rental Package at the Basic Ski Rental Package price, if available. No blackout date.
Schweitzer Mountain
Fly to: Spokane International Airport (GEG)
Idaho’s largest ski resort is located in the northernmost tip of the state’s Panhandle and is actually closest to Washington State’s Spokane International Airport. This low-key Rocky Mountain resort is known for its vast terrain and small, if not non-existent, lift lines.
Your Alaska Airlines boarding pass allows you to ski at Schweitzer for free on the day you arrive in Spokane. However, the resort is less than a two-hour drive from the airport, so plan to arrive early to take advantage of this promotion.
Canada
Sun Peaks Resort
Fly to: Kelowna International Airport (YLW)
The third largest ski resort in British Columbia, it has 4,400 acres of skiable terrain spanning three mountain ranges and a European-style village filled with shops and restaurants.
Show your Alaska Airlines boarding pass at Guest Services and receive a free mountain lift ticket on the day of arrival or the next day, plus 20% off additional days. Alaska Airlines customers can also save up to 25% on nightly rates and receive free gear checking when staying at the Sun Peaks Hotel.
This offer is valid until March 31st; blackout dates include February 13th to 16th.
Other ways to save
Although Atmos Rewards Alpine Getaways are limited to the six ski resorts mentioned above, the savings can add up—especially considering the deals apply to both award and paid tickets.
You can save even more on your ski trip by booking your Alaska Airlines flight with Atmos Rewards points. For example, the program offers nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Anchorage during ski season starting at 10,000 points, plus $6 for a one-way flight.
Alternatively, you can fly from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Kelowna International Airport in Canada for just 4,500 points and $6 in taxes and fees each way.
You can earn more Atmos Rewards points by adding one of the following credit cards to your wallet:
Alternatively, you can transfer points from Bilt Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.
RELATED: The new Bilt 2.0 card has arrived: How to earn points on rent, mortgages, and more
bottom line
The cost of airfare, accommodation, baggage fees and lift tickets can add up quickly. But if you fly Alaska Airlines to one of the above destinations, you can save on lift tickets, gear rentals, and more, leaving more budget for après-ski snacks.
Looking for other ways to save? Check out our guide to budgeting a ski trip and how to book a ski trip using points and miles.
