It’s time for the spring thaw again, but you don’t have to give up winter sports entirely, not just yet. Many ski resorts still have plenty of snow in the springtime, and the conditions are often more comfortable than in wintertime. Here’s some ways you can find great deals on spring skiing:

Hotels and Accommodations

Find the best deals on hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts near resort towns by visiting their web sites. Many offer special deals this time of year in order to fill their unused inventory of rooms. For maximum cost savings, try to avoid booking around holidays like Easter and most weekends. You will get the best rates during the week in the springtime.

Lift Tickets

Not only hotels, but also lift tickets often have their prices slashed or offer better rates than during the winter months. Check out web sites for the resorts you are headed to find current deals. Less people on the slopes means less lift ticket sales, so they naturally cut the rates during these times that are considered the last of the season or the off-season.

Package Deals

One of the best ways to get maximum savings is to go for an all inclusive package deal. These packages typically include airfare, hotel and even meals and lift tickets. Poke around ski resort web sites, the big travel bargain sites and check with your travel agent to see what’s on offer.

Transportation

Flying to a winter destination in the spring is often cheaper than in winter, due to less people booking during these times, of course. Like with hotel deals, you’ll want to check the rates for midweek arrivals and departures as they will be less expensive than weekend travel. Also, check out sites that offer last minute bargains. A last minute airfare can often be less than 50% of the original price. Don’t forget about checking the ski resorts nearest to you. While they may not have the famous name or the plethora of activities as some far away destinations, your local ski resorts will certainly be much cheaper and faster to travel to. Many even offer special prices just for locals.

Holiday Specials

While a ski vacation is understandably more expensive around holidays, if your only vacation time is around a holiday such as Easter or St. Patricks Day, then look for specific deals based on these holidays. Some holiday deals can even include more value, like special activities based around a holiday. With these holiday specials, booking farther in advance is the best way to minimize the cost.

Shop Till You Drop

In the springtime, many stores are clearing out their winter clothing, ski accessories, even ski equipment like skis, bindings and boots. Take advantage of the clearance pricing to upgrade your winter clothing and ski equipment. You can literally get all your gear and a new outfit at huge discounts at this time of year. Use your new buys on the slopes in the spring or save it for next winter.