Maximize Your Ski Vacation: Top Resorts You Can Book with Reward Points

As ski season kicks off, avid skiers and snowboarders are ready to hit the slopes. If you’re planning a ski getaway, you might be wondering how to make the most of your travel budget. One often-overlooked strategy is booking your stay with reward points, allowing you to save significantly while enjoying prime locations and amenities. Here’s a guide to the best U.S. and international ski resorts where you can redeem points for your accommodations, along with tips for getting the most out of your credit card rewards this winter.

U.S. Ski Resorts You Can Book with Points

Booking ski hotels on points is one of the best ways to enjoy peak season without the high price tag. Here’s a look at top U.S. resorts where you can use points for a luxurious and convenient ski experience:

1. Everline Resort & Spa, Palisades Tahoe (Hyatt)

• Cost: 35,000-45,000 Hyatt points per night
• Highlights: Located at the base of Palisades Tahoe, Everline Resort & Spa offers ski-in/ski-out access, a full-service spa, and cozy dining. It’s an excellent option for Hyatt loyalty members seeking convenience and a relaxing retreat after a day on the slopes.

2. The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe (Marriott)

• Cost: 78,400 Marriott Bonvoy points per night
• Features: With luxurious accommodations and a premium location near Northstar Village, this resort is perfect for skiers who want to enjoy upscale amenities like a state-of-the-art spa, fine dining, and ski valet services.

3. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Tahoe Ridge Resort (IHG)

• Cost: 35,000 IHG points per night
• Family-Friendly Perks: This resort offers ski-in/ski-out gondola access to Heavenly Mountain, making it ideal for families or groups looking for comfortable, accessible lodging without breaking the bank.

4. Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa (Hyatt)

• Cost: 35,000-45,000 Hyatt points per night
• Unique Features: Offering luxurious touches like a heated outdoor pool, spa services, and ski-in/ski-out access, this is a great spot for those looking to relax in style. Located in Colorado’s Beaver Creek Village, it provides everything you need for a memorable ski experience.

5. W Aspen (Marriott)

• Cost: 60,800 Marriott points per night
• Vibrant Atmosphere: Known for its trendy decor and lively vibe, W Aspen provides slope-side access to Aspen Mountain. This resort is a fantastic option for those who enjoy a stylish setting with easy access to the slopes.

International Ski Resorts to Book with Points

For those looking to travel beyond the U.S., several international ski resorts offer opportunities to redeem points, giving you access to some of the world’s top slopes without the high lodging costs.

1. Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa, Canada

• Cost: 55,000 Hilton points per night
• Prime Location: Situated in Whistler Village, Hilton Whistler is a favorite among skiers thanks to its convenient location, ski storage, and relaxing spa amenities. It’s an ideal base for exploring the extensive terrain at Whistler Blackcomb.

2. W Verbier, Switzerland (Marriott)

• Cost: 88,000 Marriott points per night
• Luxury with Accessibility: Known for its Swiss alpine charm and exceptional luxury, W Verbier offers ski-in/ski-out access and various dining options, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking for both convenience and high-end accommodations.

3. Six Senses Residences Courchevel, France (IHG)

• Cost: 334,000 IHG points per night
• Exclusive Experience: Located in the heart of Courchevel 1850, this ultra-luxurious property features apartment-style residences. While it requires a significant number of points, it provides unmatched access to the renowned slopes of the French Alps along with spa services and gourmet dining options.

How to Maximize Your Points for Ski Vacations

Booking ski hotels with points offers great value, especially during peak seasons when prices are typically high. Here are a few tips to make sure you’re getting the best deal:

1. Leverage Transferable Points: Credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and American Express Membership Rewards offer flexible points that can be transferred to hotel loyalty programs. This flexibility allows you to choose the hotel chain that offers the best value for your points based on availability and location.
2. Use the Right Credit Cards for Booking: Specialized hotel credit cards, like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, World of Hyatt, IHG One Rewards Premier, and Hilton Honors American Express Surpass, offer additional points when booking within their respective hotel networks. Check for any travel promotions these cards may offer during the ski season to maximize your rewards.
3. Plan Around Dynamic Pricing: Many hotel programs use dynamic pricing, which means the number of points required for a night can fluctuate based on demand. To get the best value, consider booking during off-peak times within the ski season or looking at mid-week stays, which can often save points compared to weekend bookings.
4. Consider On-Site Amenities: Ski hotels with extra amenities like spas, pools, and restaurants can elevate your experience. Points bookings often give you access to the same perks as paid stays, so be sure to take advantage of these features to enhance your vacation without additional cost.

Credit Cards to Boost Your Points Balance for Ski Travel

For those looking to earn points quickly, here are some of the best cards to consider for ski travel bookings:

• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless and World of Hyatt Credit Cards: Great for earning points directly with hotel partners.
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Earn IHG points faster with a focus on high-value redemptions.
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass: Ideal for building up Hilton points to redeem at popular ski destinations like Whistler.
• Transferable Points Cards: The Chase Sapphire Preferred and American Express Membership Rewards cards allow you to transfer points to multiple hotel partners, giving you the flexibility to book the best option available.

Final Thoughts

Using reward points to book ski resorts is a smart way to make the most of your credit card benefits, especially during high-demand periods when lodging prices soar. By planning strategically and choosing the right credit cards, you can unlock exceptional ski experiences at top resorts without overspending.

Whether you’re heading to the scenic slopes of Palisades Tahoe or the charming Swiss Alps, redeeming points can help you enjoy a memorable ski trip without the hefty price tag. So, dust off your skis, check your points balance, and start planning an unforgettable winter getaway!