December Lift Ticket Deals That Won’t Bust Your Holiday Funds

By Eric Wilbur, Boston.com Staff

Did you read the recent CBS report asking if skiing has become too expensive?

Hogwash.

The truth is that if you look hard enough (and frankly, it really isn’t all that difficult), skiing and riding doesn’t have to force you into your child’s tuition savings (though if it does, we won’t judge). As long as you’re flexible with days and destinations, you can find deals everywhere to fit your style.

Here are some of the best bargains on lift tickets to seek out in New England during December:

Sunday River will host its 15th annual Santa Sunday on Dec. 7, offering free skiing and riding to anyone dressed as Ol’ Saint Nick and with a charitable donation. The list is limited to 250, and you must pre-register at noon on Dec. 1 at www.sundayriver.com. Spots normally are filled within five minutes, so if you don’t make the cut, take your suit up to Bolton Valley, which will hold its Santa Sunday on Dec. 21. Simply arrive at the resort in full Santa attire – no skimping – by 10 a.m., and receive a complimentary lift ticket for the day.

Also on Dec. 21, Cranmore Mountain will be offering free lessons to skiers and riders ages eight and older. The deal includes equipment, a lower mountain lift ticket, and a 90-minute lesson. Advanced reservations required. Call 603-356-5544, ext. 333. Availability is limited to 50 students, so call soon.

Mount Snow will celebrate Founders Day, its 60th anniversary on Dec. 12 with $12 advance purchase lift tickets. The party continues all weekend with parties, live music, and lift line giveaways. Grab tickets at www.mountsnow.com/events/calendar/founders-day.

On Dec. 5, Ragged Mountain will hold its annual benefit day to help support CHaD (Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth) with $25 lift tickets.

Bromley Mountain will be holding Family Fridays through December, when every full-price adult can purchase up to three teen or junior tickets for only $20 each. Two-for-one Tuesdays begin at the mountain on Dec. 16.

Pico Mountain is offering Pico Packs through Dec. 23. These packs come in three, four, and five-ticket amounts and start at less than $40 per day. Bonus: The five-day packs include a lift ticket to Killington as well.

On Christmas Day, Bretton Woods offers lift tickets for only $25 with a later start than usual (10 a.m.).