In the travel industry there are so many weird little ways to save money on your travels and adventures. One of the ways I can afford the trips I take is by doing research and finding all those little tricks and stacking them up into one amazing, inexpensive trip. This style of travel is commonly referred to as “Travel Hacking”. A fitting name in my opinion. I will cover this topic more in the future, but I did want to share one money saving method I just found out about. And let me tell you, as a fellow skier who lives in the northwest of the United States I am stoked about this one. In this blog post I’ll mostly be referring to this official page on Alaska Airlines Website. Click Here

Many of us in the northwest have flown Alaska Airlines before. But, did you know that you can get free lift tickets at eight different resorts by just showing them your boarding pass and a valid ID? I’m dead searious. This seems like a to good to be true senerio. But, It’s a real thing.

Here is a list of the resorts that you can get free lift tickets at with your boarding pass. And the conditions.

1. Alyeska Resort

Fly into Anchorage, Alaska (ANC) for this trip. And head for the mountains.

Bus: 45 Minutes

Train: 1.5 Hours

Car: 1 Hour

Alyeska Resort is a super cool ski spot in Girdwood, Alaska. It's the biggest ski resort in Alaska and has tons of gnarly terrain to explore.

They've got 1,400 acres, with 73 named trails, and a drop of 2,500 feet. You can hit up two terrain parks, a tubing park, or even go on a backcountry adventure. It's open from November to April, but that can change depending on the weather. And get this Alyeska boasts an average 669" of annual snowfall at the summit.

But the best part? You'll be staring at some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. And you got your lift ticket for free.

Ski Free the day of arrival

Must present same-day boarding pass and ID

Valid Monday to Friday between January 10, 2022, and April 30, 2023

Blackout Dates:

MLK Day: Jan 16th 2023
President’s Day: Feb 20, 2023
ASD Spring Break: March 10-17, 2023

2. Bogus Basin

Fly into Boise (BOI)

Car: 50 Minutes

Bogus Basin Resort is a casual, laid-back ski resort located in Boise, Idaho. The mountain offers a range of terrain suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, from easy green runs to challenging black diamonds. The resort has several chairlifts, including one that takes you to the top of the mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding area. The lodge has a relaxed atmosphere, and the food and drinks are reasonably priced. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy off the mountain, such as tubing, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides. Bogus Basin is a fun and low-key resort that's a great choice for a weekend getaway or a day trip with friends and family.

Ski Free the day of arrival

Must present same-day boarding pass and ID

Blackout Dates/Times:

Saturdays and Sundays before 3:00 pm
November 25-28, December 26-31, 2022
January 1, 15-17, 2023
February 19-21, 2023

3. Eaglecrest Ski Area

Fly into Juneau, Alaska (JNU)

Car: 19 Minutes

Eaglecrest has a reputation for being a hidden gem with great skiing and snowboarding terrain. The resort offers a variety of runs for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, from easy bunny slopes to challenging black diamonds. The views from the top of the mountain are breathtaking (Like every ski area in Alaska), and the snow is often deep and powdery. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming. Overall, if you're looking for a fun and memorable ski trip, Eaglecrest is definitely worth checking out.

Ski Free the day of arrival

Must present same-day boarding pass and ID

4. Red Lodge Mountain

Fly into Billings, Montana (BIL)

Car: 1 Hour

Red Lodge ski resort is a total gem! It's got everything you could want for a sweet day of skiing or snowboarding. The slopes are legit and the mountain is big enough to keep things interesting, but not so massive that you'll get lost or bored. You can see all the way to Yellowstone from the top of the mountain. The vibe is super chill and the locals are friendly as all get out. Definitely still has that small ski town feel. The town recently got a massive amount of flooding damage so do keep that in mind. There might be a lot of places closed down or under construction.

Ski Free the day of arrival

Must present same-day boarding pass and ID

5. RED Mountain Resort

Fly into Spokane, Washington (GEG)

Car: 2 Hours 39 Minutes

Shuttle: 3 Hours

RED Mountain is like a big snow-covered playground for grown-ups who love skiing and snowboarding. It's located in the mountains of Rossland, British Columbia, surrounded by beautiful trees and nature.

The slopes are awesome and there's something for everyone, from beginners to advanced skiers. You can spend the day cruising down wide-open runs or challenge yourself with some steep and gnarly terrain. There are also some sweet tree runs if you're feeling strong.

The vibe is pretty chill and laid-back, which is perfect if you're not into crowded and touristy resorts. You'll find friendly locals and staff who are always ready to help you out. And the views? Absolutely breathtaking!

Ski for free anyday this season

Your boarding pass must be be between December 10, 2022, and April 2, 2023

Lift ticket valid any time between December 10, 2022, and April 2, 2023

Must present same-day boarding pass and ID

6. Schweitzer Mountain Resort

Fly into Spokane, Washington (GEG)

Car: 1 Hour 43 Minutes

Schweitzer Mountain Resort is like a super chill winter wonderland, man. It's got some sick runs, amazing views of Lake Pend Oreille, and a village with killer restaurants and bars. The locals are all super friendly and down-to-earth. So if you're looking for a laid-back and fun winter getaway, Schweitzer is totally the spot.

Ski Free the day of arrival

Must present same-day boarding pass and ID

7. Ski Marmot Basin

Fly into either Edmonton (YEG) or Calgary (YYC) in Canada

Car: Both approximately 4 hours 45 Minutes

The mountain has a great mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, with some sick powder stashes for the more adventurous types. The views are unreal, with the surrounding Rocky Mountains providing an epic backdrop. The resort has a laid-back, friendly vibe, with some cool places to grab food and drinks after a long day on the slopes. All in all, a solid choice for a winter getaway. You can’t really go wrong skiing in the Rockies.

Ski free within 21 days of arrival

Must present same-day boarding pass and ID

Purchase a 3-consecutive day lift ticket for the price of a 2-day lift ticket

Valid from December 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023.

8. Steamboat Ski & Resort

Fly into Steamboat Springs/Hayden, Colorado (HDN)

Car: 45 mins

Shuttle: Available 45 mins

Steamboat ski resort is like hitting the jackpot of winter fun. You've got these epic views of the mountains, the snow is fluffy and deep, and the runs are just begging for you to carve down them. Plus, the whole town has this cozy, rustic vibe that's just so darn charming. And the people? They're super friendly, like the kind of folks who will give you a high five in the lift line or buy you a beer at the end of the day. It's just a place that makes you feel alive, you know?

Ski free on your day of departure

Must present boarding pass for travel from Steamboat Springs airport to Seattle or San Diego and a valid ID

Via the power of travel hacking, you could definitely find a way to get an almost free or at least very very cheap midweek ski trip by using miles to pay for your Alaska Airlines flight, then going skiing for free, and using some hotel points for an overnight stay. You could even use an Alaska Airlines companion pass and bring along a friend for $99 + Taxes and fees. (If you use the companion pass you can’t also redeem miles) but still, it’d be a really good deal.

You don’t need the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card to get these free lift tickets. But having it will help turbocharge everything else, such as free flights. The sign-up bonus at the moment is a whopping 70,000 miles. (Which is craziness!). That will absolutely cover your flight to one of these places. Plus you’ll also get that companion pass I mentioned earlier. Oh, and did I mention on Alaska Airlines they consider your skis/snowboard, poles, and boots as a checked bag? Which, with the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card you and up to 6 additional guests get your first checked bag free. So you don’t need to pay some dumb fee to ski with your own gear.

Conclusion

Skiers rejoice! This added bonus to flying Alaska Airlines is amazing. And I am just pumped to share this tip with you all. Definitely find a way to take advantage of this, and let me know in the comments if you ended up taking a trip using these tips. Alright, bye now see you on the slopes.