The Best Affordable Skiing and Snowboarding Vacations in Colorado for Singles

Most single ski vacationers don't view ski vacations as budget-friendly or affordable, especially skiing in Colorado. From frequent personal experience while skiing and snowboarding across Colorado, I've found this perception just isn't accurate.

I've learned how to save money on solo ski trips to destination ski resorts while skiing and snowboarding around Colorado. After 20 years of budget ski vacations, these are the best money saving ski and snowboard trips in Colorado for single skiers and snowboarders.

Winter Park Ski Resort

Winter Park Ski Resort is the most affordable destination ski resort in Colorado for skiing and snowboarding. A budget ski vacation that includes airfare, transportation, ski lodging, ski lift tickets and food is easy for singles at this Colorado ski resort.

Bargain ski flights into Denver, Colo., can be found on Southwest Airlines and Frontier from both East and West Coast cities for around $79 one-way. Southwest doesn't charge for ski bags so they are the better option. Sign up as a Facebook fan on their sites and you'll find out about their money saving ski flights when announced.

There are many inexpensive transportation options to reach Winter Park Ski Resort. The least expensive is to take a local RTD bus from DIA to Union Station in downtown Denver. At Union Station, catch the Greyhound bus to Winter Park Resort at 11 a.m. daily for about $17 one-way. If you get to Union Station before 8 a.m., ride the Amtrak California Zephyr to Fraser, Colorado for about $20. On select weekends, catch the Rio Grande Scenic Ski Train direct to the Winter Park Ski Resort base area for $44. For a long ski train trip, take the California Zephyr from Chicago to Fraser for around $108 one-way.

Once in Winter Park/Fraser, Colorado head to the Rocky Mountain Inn & Hostel. It's on the free Winter Park Resort bus system and is a short walk from the train station in Fraser. Budget-friendly shared rooms with bunk beds can be reserved online for $30.00/night. The Rocky Mountain Inn also offers discounted ski lift tickets and discounted ski rentals to save money on your ski trip.

Discounted ski lift tickets can be bought on Liftopia before you leave or with a Entertainment Book. Affordable ski rentals can also be found at the Ski Broker across the street from the Rocky Mountain Inn. For budget-friendly dining, buy groceries at the Safeway across the street from the Rocky Mountain Inn. The Inn has a full, clean, modern kitchen that you can cook your meals in to help you save money on your ski trip. You can store your groceries in the designated pantries and refrigerator. Mark your items with your name.

Take the free town ski shuttle to the Winter Park Ski Resort base. When you are through skiing and snowboarding, head to the apres-ski specials at Lime or the Cheeky Monk. The free ski shuttle system runs late so one can stay and enjoy the atmosphere. Once back on the bus, tell the driver to drop you off at the hostel. Repeat until your ski vacation is over.

Breckenridge Ski Resort

When people think of skiing and snowboarding in Colorado, most think of Summit County Colorado ski resorts. Budget-friendly ski vacations are also possible at Summit County ski resorts. Here are my favorite ways to save money on a ski vacation to Breckenridge Ski Resort.

Book a flight into Denver, Colo., on Southwest Airlines or Frontier Airlines when they are on sale for your ski vacation dates. Again, try for Southwest Airlines flights to avoid charges for skis or snowboards.

There are many inexpensive options available to reach Summit County without renting a car. Greyhound offers DIA to Frisco Transfer Station for $14.50. Once in Frisco, take the free Summit Stage system to Breckenridge. The bus can drop ski vacationers off two blocks from the best budget ski lodging in Breckenridge.

Once in Breckenridge, check into the Fireside Inn Bed & Breakfast and Hostel. A budget-friendly dormitory bed can be reserved for between $38-43/night. They have free wireless Internet, a refrigerator for your food, and a microwave to heat it up. Groceries stores are available within walking distance in this pedestrian-friendly ski town.

Discounted ski lift tickets can be bought in grocery stores down in Denver before heading up on the bus or buy a three to five day ski ticket good at Keystone and Breckenridge for $213-295. Those riding six or more days should buy the Epic Pass online before the season starts. The Epic Pass offers unlimited skiing and snowboarding at Breckenridge, Keystone, A-Basin, Vail, Beaver Creek and Heavenly ski resorts.

Discount rental equipment can be found at a variety of Breckenridge ski shops. Ask around at the hostel to see who is currently offering the best money saving ski and snowboard rentals.

When your ready to go skiing or snowboarding, walk out the door and take a short walk to the Breck Connect gondola to Breckenridge Ski Resort. When you are ready for some apres-ski, walk to the Breckenridge Brewery or one of the many other Breckenridge hot spots.

Aspen/Snowmass

When people think of an affordable ski vacation, they rarely consider Aspen/Snowmass ski resorts. Nothing could be further from the truth! With a little time and planning, anyone can have a budget-friendly ski vacation at one of the Aspen ski resorts.

Cheap flights can be again be found on Southwest Airlines or Frontier Airlines. Once on the ground, if you can make it to Union Station before 8 a.m., jump on the California Zephyr to Glenwood Springs for around $38 one-way. Once in Glenwood Springs, either make it a ski base or jump on a RFTA bus to Aspen for $7.

If you decide to stay in Glenwood Springs, ski vacationers can ski or snowboard at nearby Sunlight Mountain Resort or at any of the Aspen ski resorts. Check into the Glenwood Springs Hostel for a bunkbed in a shared room for a budget-friendly $16/night or $48 for four nights. Groceries, dining, and ski rental shops are within walking distance.

Ski lift tickets to Sunlight can be bought at Liftopia.com or buy a Colorado Gems card for $10.00 that allows one to buy ski lift tickets for a money-saving $38. To get to Sunlight, take the resort shuttle from town. It costs $5.00 each way but a season pass can be purchased for $75.

Ski vacationers can take the daily morning express RFTA bus to Aspen or one can check into the St. Moritz Lodge in Aspen. The St. Moritz is five blocks from the downtown ski gondola and serves a free continental breakfast in the morning. A bunk bed in a shared room is a budget-friendly $38-57/night. Store groceries in the in-room refrigerator. Once in Aspen, the city buses and ski resort shuttles are free.

To save money on this ski trip, buy your ski lift tickets seven days in advance online at the Aspen/Snowmass website. A lift ticket good for five days can be purchased for $395-415. It can be used at Aspen, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Ski and snowboard rental equipment can be found slope-side at the D&E Ski & Snowboard Shop in Snowmass.

It's possible to heat food in the St. Moritz's dining area microwave or go explore Aspen's fine dining on the cheap. Eat in any restaurants bar area and get your food at significant discounts. Boogie's Diner has great food at affordable prices. I get the open-face turkey sandwich every time I'm there.

There's plenty of nightlife in Aspen. It can go from one extreme to another. Decide what you want and then ask around. Repeat daily until your ski vacation comes to an end.

It is possible to have a budget ski vacation while skiing and snowboarding in Colorado. Single skiers and snowboarders can save money and have a fun time at Colorado destination ski resorts. Make Colorado ski resorts part of your budget ski vacation this season.

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