dcu ski trip 2022

It is once again Spring, which means it’s time to consider purchasing a season pass for the 2022-2023 winter season before prices begin to inch up. In the past, purchasing a season pass was a fairly simply ordeal: if you planned on skiing at one particular resort, it made sense to buy that resort’s season pass. But today the situation is more complex: many ski areas are grouped under single mega passes. For some skiers, this simplifies the equation, allowing them to hit all their favorite resorts for one single fee. But wading through all the options can be a challenge. In this story, we take a look at available options for the 2022-2023 winter season, with a focus on what passes might make the most sense for Mid-Atlantic skiers and boarders.

The Indy Pass is a fantastic option if you’d like to “taste test” a variety of smaller ski areas. For as low as $279 with some blackout days, you can ski 2 days each at 87 resorts across the country. (An Indy Pass with no blackout days runs $379.) Within the Mid-Atlantic region, participating resorts include North Carolina’s Cataloochee; Pennsylvania’s Blue Knob, Montage Mountain, Shawnee Mountain, and Ski Sawmill; Virginia’s Bryce and Massanutten Resorts; and West Virginia’s Canaan Valley and Winterplace Resorts. But the Indy Pass is also valid at ski areas scattered across the entire country. In early 2021, DCSki reader Woody Bousquet used his Indy Pass to piece together a road trip through the Southeast; he described his experience in this Firsthand Report .

The Indy Pass has also begun expanding into cross country. For the 2022-2023 season, all Indy Pass buyers will receive two daily trail passes each at six cross-country resorts, including West Virginia’s White Grass Touring Center. Or, cross country skiers can purchase a dedicated XC Indy Pass for $69, providing two days cross country skiing each at participating cross country ski areas.

If you plan on ditching the Mid-Atlantic next winter and focusing your skiing on distant resorts, you might consider the Mountain Collective Pass. The $539 pass provides 2 days skiing each at over 20 resorts. A bonus third day is available at one resort of the passholder’s choice, with 50% discounts on lift tickets beyond two days. Participating resorts include Alta, Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Snowmass, Big Sky, Jackson Hole, Snowbasin, Snowbird, Sugarloaf, Sun Valley, and Taos, among others. There are even participating resorts in France, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Chile. However, there are no participating resorts from the Mid-Atlantic region, limiting the appeal for the Mountain Collective Resort.

That brings us to the mega passes: the Ikon and Epic Passes.

The Epic Pass is offered by Vail Resorts, which now owns dozens of ski areas across the country, including many Mid-Atlantic properties. The Epic Pass comes in a wide variety of flavors, including the $841 unlimited Epic Pass, the $626 Epic Local Pass, the $385 Northeast Midweek Pass, the $145 Epic Military Pass, as well as multi-day Epic Passes that are similar to multi-day lift tickets. There is no Epic Pass focused specifically on the Mid-Atlantic region, or for individual Vail-owned properties within the Mid-Atlantic; instead, Mid-Atlantic skiers will want to choose between the unlimited Epic Pass, the Epic Local Pass, or the Northeast Value Pass.

For most skiers, the choice will be clear: the Epic Local Pass presents the most value for Mid-Atlantic skiers who plan to ski locally with the potential of adding trips to other regions. The Epic Local Pass provides unlimited skiing at all of Vail’s Mid-Atlantic properties, which has now expanded to include Pennsylvania’s Big Boulder, Hidden Valley, Jack Frost, Laurel Mountain, Liberty Mountain, Roundtop Mountain, Seven Springs, and Whitetail Resorts. But the Epic Local Pass doesn’t stop there; it provides unlimited skiing at properties across the country including Breckenridge, Keystone, Okemo, Crested Butte, and Mount Snow. It also includes non-holiday skiing at Stowe, Park City, and Heavenly, and up to 10 total non-holiday days spread across Beaver Creek, Vail, and Whistler Blackcomb. The Epic Local Pass is probably the best overall value in skiing today, but its popularity has led to some complaints of overcrowding on peak days.

Vail has also added the Northeast Value Pass as an option. At $514, it includes Vail’s Pennsylvania properties, and also includes non-holiday access to New England properties such as Okemo, Hunter Mountain, Mount Snow, and Stowe. If you don’t plan on skiing out west, you can save some money with the Northeast Value Pass.

Competing with the Epic Pass is the Ikon Pass. Ikon is a mega pass offered by the Alterra Mountain Company, another ski area operator that owns many resorts across the country. The Ikon Pass covers 50 ski areas, including Mammoth Mountain, Mt. Bachelor, Steamboat, Aspen Snowmass, Winter Park, Copper Mountain, Big Sky, Jackson Hole, Deer Valley, Alta, Stratton, Killington, Sunday River, Sugarloaf, and Tremblant. Within the Mid-Atlantic region, the Ikon Pass covers just one ski area: West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort.

The $1,179 Ikon Pass provides unlimited access to 14 destinations, with up to 7 days each at 35 additional destinations. The $869 Ikon Base Pass provides unlimited access to 13 destinations, with up to 5 days each at 30 additional resorts. Ikon also offers a 2, 3, or 4-day Session Pass. If you only plan to ski at Snowshoe Mountain Resort, you can purchase a season pass valid at Snowshoe for $549.

That’s an overview of available pass options for Mid-Atlantic skiers, but the devil is in the details: most of these passes include a range of price points depending on when they are purchased, as well as a range of options such as children’s pricing, options with different blackout dates, etc. Once you narrow down the passes to those that might fit your needs, you’ll want to explore all of the details specific to that pass.

While no single pass is best for every Mid-Atlantic skier, there are considerations that might steer you in one direction or another.

For skiers who primarily ski at Pennsylvania areas, there is a clear winner: the Epic Local Pass provides unlimited skiing at Big Boulder, Hidden Valley, Jack Frost, Laurel Mountain, Liberty Mountain, Roundtop Mountain, Seven Springs, and Whitetail Resorts. Add in the option to ski at world-class properties across the country, including up to ten non-holiday days at the flagship properties of Vail, Beaver Creek, and Whistler Blackcomb, and the $626 Epic Local Pass starts to look like an absolute steal. Or, if you don’t plan to ski out west but might make some trips up to New England, the $514 Epic Northeast Value Pass is a great option.

The value proposition for the Ikon Pass for Mid-Atlantic skiers is less clear. If Snowshoe Mountain Resort is your “home hill,” and you also plan to take a trip or two out west or to New England, then the Ikon Pass might make sense. But only one Mid-Atlantic resort is covered by the Ikon Pass, and for most Mid-Atlantic skiers, Snowshoe ends up being a destination trip as it’s not located near any population centers. From the Washington Baltimore metro region, it can take longer to drive to Snowshoe than to fly to Colorado, and that long drive can get you most of the way to New England areas. Ikon also costs more than Epic.

On the other hand, Ikon has a better footprint in New England than the Epic Pass. So if you plan on taking many trips to New England, the Ikon could be a better fit. Or, if you want to ski at destination resorts such Steamboat, Mammoth Mountain, or Aspen Snowmass, Ikon will be the way to go.

If you shy away from the major resorts and would like to sample and support smaller, independently-owned areas, the Indy Pass provides a great value. And multiple Mid-Atlantic properties participate in the Indy Pass. You can downhill ski at several resorts and even sample cross country skiing at White Grass. However, if you primarily ski at one local hill, the two-day limitation of the Indy Pass will be restrictive and might reduce its appeal.

The Mountain Collective Pass is perhaps the least compelling option for Mid-Atlantic skiers, as no Mid-Atlantic properties are included and the two-day limit at individual properties precludes its ability to be used for week-long destination trips at a single resort. However, for skiers wishing to take a road trip, hitting many resorts along the way, the Mountain Collective can be a good option. In fact, DCSki’s Editor did just that in 2018, using the Mountain Collective Pass to embark on an adventure that took him to resorts in Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah.

Finally, many Mid-Atlantic skiers will be happy to ski primarily at their local, independent ski hill. In those cases, buying an individual season pass — which, historically, used to be the only option (back in simpler times) could be the best and simplest choice.

Related Links

• Mountain Collective Pass

About M. Scott Smith

M. Scott Smith is the founder and Editor of DCSki. Scott loves outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, kayaking, skiing, and mountain biking. He is an avid photographer and writer.

Reader Comments

• From D.C., it takes longer to drive to Snowshoe than to fly to Colorado, and driving to New England doesn’t take much longer than driving to Snowshoe. 

Scott, the key point for me, at least, is that if you're on the Virginia side of the Potomac, then a weekend trip to Snowshoe is do-able (leave Friday afternoon, return Sunday night) but a weekend trip to Vermont is simply off the table. I guess a weekend trip to Colorado or Utah could be done (fly out Friday, get the redeye back Sunday night) but that's a much higher level of pain and expense than Snowshoe, in my book.

I'm standing by for people to tell me they've done weekend trips to Killington but I know I wouldn't be much good at work on Monday morning if I'd done that drive the night before. =D

My intent for next winter is to do two long "destination" trips out West and at least two shorter trips to Snowshoe. Thus, Ikon. 

That said, I'm not too thrilled that Ikon for three people was $839 in 2019 and $1,937 in 2022. Will probably look harder at Epic next year.

I'm up near BWI.

Snowshoe isn't a day trip for me. It's a weekend trip today's going to incur about 5.5 hours drive time, meals and hotel.

I can be in Vermont in 7, or Hunter in less. It doesn't make much sense to do to Snowshoe which is in the middle of nowhere and pretty much a 1 trick pony in the area (though its trick is good 😄) when I can drive a little further and have a lot more choice on a pass that costs a lot less.

I'd love for Ikon to pick up some resorts around here to make it worth it as it has more resorts I'd rather ski at, like Sunday River and the Cottonwoods. Problem is for me is that I'm more likely to use it during peak times so I'd have to buy the full-blown pass to have it actually work for me.

You have at least 8 resorts on Epic that can be day trips from the region. Ikon has ... none.

I ended up with the Northeast Value pass a it covers everywhere I'd go around here. It cost less than my Highlands Pass last year, and I at least have some options for New England, with NH being the most accessible

I think Ikon is going to continue to be a hard sell in this region unless you go north or west to get the value of if it or they pick up some resorts in the region.

I think the single resorts may have a harder time too after their early bird discounts run out. Some, like Wisp, are fairly reasonable. Blue Knob, on the other hand, is just smoking crack with their pricing.  They want $369 until the end of April. Full price is $699. That's insane. That's more than a Highlands Pass last year that gave you 3 mountains in the same area. And much more than even Epic's value pass. All on a mountain that has creaky infrastructure, terrible snowmaking, and never even came close to being 100% open on the runs that theoretically have snowmaking, let alone 100% at all. And they have been for a few years, with this season being a lot worse than last.

I know I've badmouthed Vail a lot, much of it deserved IMO. However, I know they'll at least be more reliable and have more open than BK will barring a lot of natural snow. I may get crowds, ave there may be issues this coming season, but I'll willing to gamble and at least try it for a season.  BK at $369 is a huge gamble, let alone $699. $249 would be a lot more reasonable, or even just buying day tickets would probably be better, especially with their low midweek prices.

With the condition BK's in right now, I think they have a lot of stones asking the prices they are. I love the place - you'd be hard pressed to find a better hill in the area when they have the snow. But I just don't see how they can justify their prices. What is management thinking?

I really wish someone like, Boyne, Alterra, or even the Perfects would buy it and make it shine.

Great and informative post Lou.  Epic is going to have to step up its East Coast game. 

I have only two consecutive days at Saddleback and it was ten years ago, but what blew me away was the beautiful scenery of Maine lake country and the Appalachian Trail going over the summit.  Happy it's made a nice comeback.

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VARSITY TRIP

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Varsity Trip is the annual ski and snowboard trip organised by, and for, Oxbridge students. Taking around 3000 students to the Alps, Varsity Trip has become more than the average ski trip. Known for its festival style parties and on the mountain après-ski, Varsity Trip has held host to a number of internationally renowned acts.

Skiers and snowboarders of all levels attend the trip with up to a third of participants being complete beginners. In recent years the destinations of the trip have included Val Thorens and Tignes. Varsity Trip gives the opportunity to attend an incredible week of snowsports, competitions and events, all at student prices.

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“Tis the season!”

An introduction to the 2022-23 ski season..

The most exciting time of the year is arriving! Whether you have been skiing by the time you could walk or you have never buckled into a ski boot, I hope you find this article helpful in preparing and getting you hyped for the 2022-23 season, get ready!

I had the privilege to grow up in the mountains of southwest Colorado, where I lived as soon as the first snowflake fell, skiing unfailingly moved to top priority on everyone’s schedules.

The ski community is beautiful and definitely a lot of fun, but most of all, it is welcoming. All experienced skiers want to help the inexperienced get on the slopes and feel the solitude of shredding the mountain. So if you are a first timer and feel lost or even nervous on how to get started, I am here to help. I will explain how to get to the mountains from campus, recommend necessary gear, list different ski clubs you could join, analyze different ski pass options, and list a bunch of other fun tips. To all, get excited, get hyped, and take notes, let’s go!

First , we are gonna lay out some opening dates, A.K.A. the best day ever. Due to weathers unpredictable nature, take into consideration these are all estimated dates from ressorts.

Second , you need a pass to ski, so let’s take a look at the options:  IKON, Epic and Eldora. 

There is a continuous debate whether the Ikon or Epic pass is better. Personally and according to majority skiers/snowboarders at CU Boulder, the Ikon pass is for the win. I compared the Ikon and Epic pass below for your own review. 

You can obtain a discounted Ikon pass as a Boulder college student from an abundance of clubs listed below. Click the links attached to some of the club names to find out how. 

• CU Backcountry
• CU Anschutz Shrederzz
• CU Anschutz Student Senate
• CU Boulder Freeride
• CU Freeskiing Team
• CU Skiers and Snowboarders
• CU Snowboard Team
• Naropa Ski and Ride Club
• Red Rocks Adventure Program
• Young Life College at CU Boulder

There is also the option for a 10% discount when you type in “Colorado University of Boulder” at checkout in the “Waivers & Access” step – ( https://verify.sheerid.com/ikon-pass-student/ )

The discounted pass versions of Ikon and their prices are below. The “Ikon Pass” is most recommended for its value. But, make sure you read about each version to decide what appeals most to you.

This pass includes discounted food/beverage, retail and lodging. Plus, discounted tickets for your friends and family and Adventure Assurance if you were to get hurt or COVID-19 related closures occurred.

PRICES WILL INCREASE STARTING NOVEMBER

There are no discounts available through the school when purchasing the Epic pass. Overall the College Epic pass is cheaper but keep in mind it does not include Eldora mountain- local to Boulder! Yet, the Epic pass does include the amazing Crested Butte resort!

This pass includes “Epic Mountain Rewards”: 20% off food, lodging, lessons, rentals and 50% off tune-up and one free wax at select locations. Plus, discounted tickets for your friends and family and Epic Coverage if you were to get hurt or COVID-19 related closures occurred.

The finale of the EPIC vs. IKON pass:

We asked CU Boulder Students on Instagram, here is what they have to say…

Eldora’s Alpine Season Passes include friends & family discounts on full-price day tickets (10 days at 25% off the window ticket rate, pass holder must be present), and 15% off food, beverage, retail, and gear rentals.

*The Indy Pass is also worth checking out especially if you prefer to cross country/nordic ski.

Third , it’s now time to discuss all the ski transportation options available to CU Boulder students.

Ticket price: $20 ($10 for subscribers to the HLC email list ).

There are a limited number of Ski Bus tickets available for each trip. Trips will often sell out far in advance. Some standby tickets are available for purchase on the morning of each trip (even on sold-out trips).

Rotating cast of resorts, including Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper, Winter Park, Beaver Creek, and Vail.

When activated for the 2022-23 season check out this link to purchase/learn more about the tickets.

ONLY RUNS ON WEEKENDS

Williams Village 6AM

Kittredge 6:15 AM

Franklin Field 6:30 AM

 View this link to see where the bus stops are located. 

Board the Ski-n-Ride Route NB/NB1/NB2 to Eldora from the Downtown Boulder Station at 14th and Walnut.

Winter Park Express transports skiers and snowboarders from Denver Union Station to Winter Park Resort.

Snowstang provides 40 days of service to four ski areas: Loveland Ski Area, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin, and Steamboat Resort and Howelsen Hill in Steamboat Springs. The bus service runs on Saturdays and Sundays, plus the Martin Luther King Jr. and Presidents Day holidays. Passengers can board at Denver Union Station or the Denver Federal Center. Ticket Price = $25

Summit Express is Copper’s official ground transportation provider. This shuttle service provides daily service to and from Denver International Airport .

GROUP ME/GROUP CHATS: Consider joining the GroupMe chats of CU Boulder ski clubs. Often people going up to the mountain will post a chat offering a seat in their car to anyone. This is also a great way to try and find a group of ski friends!

TREADSHARE:  Colorados Carpooling App aims to reduce traffic clogs and help the environment! This app designed by Erwin Germain aims to reduce Colorado’s mountain traffic during winter. ThreadShare connects drivers and passengers heading the same direction so that they can share a route and split the associated costs.There is no extra fees, you are just dividing the cost with the driver and/or other passengers. Prices are set below the IRS mileage reimbursement rate- below $0.56 per mile. Trips must be at least 23 miles but this minimum is waived for trips that begin and end at a ski area. Any trip must be posted by a driver and booked by a passenger roughly 2 hours before. You can drive to ski at a cheaper cost or just catch a ride!

UBER- Uber is always an option. Split the cost with friends but make sure you are scheduling a car equipt to fit all your bulky gear!

Fourth , there are so many stellar ski clubs promising fun and begging you to join, let’s check some out! 

• CU Backcountry Club
• Boulder Freeride
• Backcountry Squatters
• Freeskiing (recreational)
• CU Ski and Snowboard Club
• Boulder Nordic Ski Club
• Colorado Biathlon Club
• CU Alpine Club
• CU Snowriders
• CU-Boulder Snowboarding Team
• SheJumps at CU

Fifth , gearhead time! Where you find the cheapest rentals in Boulder and some recommendations if you wanna purchase your own skis this year.

Sixth , Free Eldora pass anyone?

Working at a ski resort is one of the best decisions I ever made. I was a ski technician at my local mountains rental shop during my four years of High School. I worked with my best friend and when we were not attending customers we were shredding on the new ski demos next door, watching ski movies with fellow employees while eating waffle fries and discussing each other’s upcoming ski trips while scrolling through new gear drops. 

As a ski resort employee you earn access to a variety of opportunities. Some examples specific to Eldora include a free season pass, 50% off food, 40% off retail, pass vouchers for friends and families, “real deals” A.K.A free day passes to 16 other resorts, free beginner lessons, end-of-season bonuses, free employee transportation, access to pro deals via exclusive aps, free tune ups/wax, and for year round employees- medical, dental and vision insurance! Not to mention you meet the coolest people who also love and admire skiing or snowboarding as much as you. If you want a free season pass while earning some cash, be sure to check out this link , ski resorts almost always have open positions available. 

IGNITE ADAPTIVE SPORTS

Do a good deed, get those volunteer hours, and earn a season pass to Eldora. For prospective volunteers, attending one session of the Volunteer Orientation and Training is mandatory. At orientations you will learn the amount of volunteer sessions you need to complete before earning your ski pass (could vary between 5 to 12 days depending on their layout for the 2022-23 season).

Orientation Times/Dates:    Tuesday Oct. 29th 6-8pm

        Wednesday Oct. 26th 6-8pm

        Saturday Oct. 29th 10am-Noon

This is such a great opportunity to help those with disabilities experience the beautiful sport of skiing/snowboarding. Ignite Adaptive Sports states: “ Our mission is to ignite personal growth, independence, and confidence in people with disabilities on the Front Range, and in surrounding mountain and Northern Colorado communities, by providing caring, safe, and fun adaptive winter snowsports opportunities”. 

Make sure to check out this amazing opportunity!

Ignite Adaptive Sports Webpage

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Your Ski Vacation

Whether all your fun is on the black runs or you’re only in town for the bars, there’s a ski vacation package for everyone. Right here in the US, we have some of the world’s most pristine powder. For alpine adventurers with the whole fam in tow, you want the wonders of a Windham ski vacation . Nestled nicely in New York State, Windham has trails and slopes for all ages and abilities, along with a tubing and skating park the kids love. If you’re feeling something more adventurous, how about you hop on a French Alps ski vacation . There’s plenty of pow on offer. Chamonix, Val-d'Isère, Tignes—and we’ve barely scratched the snow-topped surface.

What do ski vacation packages include?

You can tailor your ski trip package to wherever you choose to swoosh. If you can’t stand a second away from the slopes, go for a ski in ski out package that puts you at the heart of action. If budget has a bearing, stay a little further back from the lifts and relax in a chalet away from the hustle and bustle. Be sure to bundle your airfare, accommodation, and car rental, too, for an even better deal.

Top destinations for Ski Vacations

Embark on a ski vacation to Colorado

Take to the peaks of Colorado with incredible skiing opportunities among the Rockies. You'll find a variety of slopes available with ramps, rails, and other obstacles if that's what you're looking for. Local ski vacations let you explore it all with convenient accommodations that can cater to beginners and experts alike.

Explore your options for a ski vacation in Telluride

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Telluride, where you'll find the ultimate ski vacation with character and charm you can always enjoy. It's located among a massive concentration of peaks, so you can enjoy a variety of slopes and a picturesque mountain village that are connected via a free gondola.

Discover a ski vacation in Utah

Enjoy some of the best snow on Earth with the slopes of Utah. With 15 ski resorts to choose from, and 10 of those within an hour of Salt Lake City, enjoying a ski vacation has never been easier. Whether you're skiing or snowboarding, you'll find plenty of beginner and advanced slopes to enjoy.

Find fun with a ski vacation to Lake Tahoe

The Lake Tahoe area has far more to offer than just the water. Around the lake, you'll find towering mountain peaks with brilliant opportunities for skiing. Not only will you find thrilling snows to conquer, but you can do it all while enjoying the picturesque eponymous lake in the background on an unforgettable ski vacation.

Hit the slopes with ski vacation in Vail

Embark on a ski vacation that emphasizes convenience. Vail is not only known for its thrilling slopes but for its charming mountain town with shops, restaurants, and cozy lodgings. You can put yourself in the center of the action downtown or book something a bit more isolated among the mountains themselves.

Enjoy a ski vacation in Vermont

With a name deriving from the concept of a green mountain, you'll find plenty of snowy peaks in Vermont during the winter that are perfect for skiing. The picturesque sights here may warrant more than just a ski vacation, with hiking being popular as well. Plus, the local ski resorts tend to offer plenty of hiking excursions during the off-season.

Experience thrills with a ski vacation to Breckenridge

Enjoy the world-class skiing offered at Breckenridge, which has been home to a state-of-the-art ski resort for decades. Take a ski vacation here, and you can enjoy easy access to the mountain with room for all skill levels. You can shred advanced courses or you can take beginner lessons here.

See towering peaks with a ski vacation to Switzerland

Switzerland is known for its towering mountain peaks, and you can ski along some of the best when you visit on a ski vacation. Resorts are popular throughout, and skiing is available longer than what you find in the typical ski areas in America. The Matterhorn is an especially popular mountain to ski.

Take an Austrian ski vacation

Immerse yourself in European old-world charm when you book a ski vacation to the country of Austria with its snow-covered peaks and cozy alpine villages surrounding them. You'll find some of the steepest slopes in the world in Austria, along with gentle runs that are suitable for more inexperienced skiers.

Planning your ski vacation

Where are some of the best places in the world to go on a ski trip.

The best thing about ski-tripping across the world is it’s always a winter wonderland somewhere. Stay close to home at Snowmass —the powder-covered jewel in Colorado’s crown. Venture further afield to Japan ’s dramatic and underrated slopes. Or for an alpine adventure with hot chocolate and cheese fondue aplenty, head high into the Alps in Switzerland .

How can I find an affordable ski vacation?

Flexibility is fundamental to a cash-friendly ski vacation. Embrace an escape a little further from the slopes, stay outside high season, or book your flights, accommodation, and car rental package well in advance. With so many great ski resorts in the US , you can save by skiing closer to home too.

What are some of the best ski vacations to take in the US?

Ignite your snowy imagination with our pick of the best ski resorts in the US. If you’re just learning to snowplough, Jackson Hole is the perfect place to practice. But it’s all hail Vail for those wanting fresh powder, snow parks and epic, challenging terrain.

How can I find the best family ski or snowboard packages?

A click of the finger is all it takes to build family ski packages tailored to your tribe. Choose a spacious chalet with room for the whole clan, or an amenities-packed hotel with a kids club and pool. Remember to look out for luxuries that’ll make life easier too—lessons, a slope-side location and amazing après.

When is the best month to go skiing?

Ski season is in full swing between December and April in the US and Europe, with best deals often found at the start and end of season. If you’re looking to travel a little further, you’ll find snowy spots open year round.

How can I get the best deals on ski vacation packages?

Straightline your way to the best ski vacation package deals with Expedia. Just enter your chosen destination and sort your results by deals. You can also filter by budget to be wowed by the powder at a price you’ll love.

Can I book a ski vacation package with airfare?

Snapping up your airfare and accommodation as part of a package is an awesome way to keep costs down. Book the whole kit and caboodle—flights, car rental, lift passes and accommodation—in one easy process.

Can I book a ski trip with free cancellation and/or flexible dates?

Choose from ski trips with free cancellation for total peace of mind. Buy now, pay later options are available on some trips too, so you’re covered if plans change.

Why should I book a ski vacation with Expedia?

Carve your way through incredible ski trip deals in just a few clicks. With the world at your fingertips, it’s easy to build and book a snowy vacation that you’ll cherish forever.

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ASM Global, the City of Worcester, and DCU – Digital Credit Union have announced that an agreement has been reached to extend the naming rights partnership of the DCU Center arena and convention center through the end of June 2027.

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Moscow in Winter: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

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Travelers who enjoy bundling up for a snowy climate will appreciate all that Moscow has to offer, come winter. This ornamental Russian city shows its vibrant cultural heritage when temperatures plummet and the snow starts falling on Red Square. Unlike other cities, whose residents scurry away to hibernate in December, the people of Moscow embrace their sub-zero climate in style. They don their furs and ushanka hats (traditional hats with earflaps) to peruse Christmas markets, dine out at restaurants, and attend the opera.

In winter, Moscow's scenery looks awe-inspiring under a dusting of snow. There's something undeniably charming about seeing historic sites like the colorful, tented rooftops of Saint Basil's Cathedral capped with a layer of icy frost. The food here is warm and comforting, and the cultural winter events are not to be missed. Plus, it's cheaper to visit Moscow during the winter and it's far less crowded with tourists.

Moscow is not where you go to get a suntan over the holidays. In fact, the Moscow winter is enough to chill any hearty tourist to the bone—but that's all part of the fun. The average high for December, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is 27 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 2.7 degrees Celsius); for January, it's 23 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 5 degrees Celsius); and for February, it's 26 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 3.3 degrees Celsius). Take these average temperatures with a grain of salt, however, as it certainly isn't abnormal for the air to dip into the teens.

The Moscow cold is often accompanied by generous amounts of ice and snow deposited by frequent winter storms. The city goes unfazed by these storms—cars still drive around and people in boots trod through the snowpack. You'll see thick icicles growing on roof overhangs, so be sure not to linger underneath them while you're out touring the area's magnificent cathedrals.

Lastly, don't be surprised if your flights in or out get canceled or delayed. This can be one of the drawbacks to traveling in the winter, in general.

What to Pack

Stuffing your suitcase with bulky (and heavy) winter clothing can be frustrating and expensive, which tends to deter Moscow winter travel altogether. A trip to the city between early December and late February requires enough accessories to cover the extremities: wooly hats, cold-weather socks, knit scarves, and a good pair of gloves. Also pack a coat that falls below the hips, weatherproof boots, and ski pants, if you have them. Remember, fashion is second only to avoiding hypothermia in this polar city.

The Moscow winter calendar is brimming with cultural events for travelers to attend each winter. Many events take place during the Christmas holiday; then, the city caps off the winter with a farewell festival, come February.

• The annual Russian Winter Festival , which spans an entire month starting mid-December, takes place in several locations throughout the city. Head to Izmailovo Park or Revolution Square to see everything from over-the-top ice sculptures to traditional dance performances. Watch the professional ice skaters and visit food trucks that serve traditional fare.
• Moscow's New Year’s Eve celebration is one of the city's biggest events of the year. Tens of thousands of people spend it in Kremlin—Moscow's central complex—watching the Kremlin tower strike midnight, while fireworks crack in the background. Others attend the Christmas tree light show at Red Square.
• Christmas in Russia falls on January 7, and the week between New Year’s Eve and Christmas Day is a time for Russians to relax. Families focus on spending time together at home, preparing traditional foods like ukha (fish soup) and sauerkraut. Tourists can use this uncrowded time wisely by seeking out the city's culinary gems. Make sure to check the hours of operations on restaurants, shops, and other businesses before visiting them during this week. While much of the city's businesses might be closed, you might get special treatment at the places that stay open.
• Maslenitsa , Russia’s farewell-to-winter festival, occurs in late February or early March. This pagan celebration is marked by games, contests, and cultural traditions. It’s held in the Red Square area every year and draws crowds of Muscovites and visitors alike.

Winter Travel Tips

• In order to obtain a Russian travel visa, you'll need to be invited by a relative or friend who is a citizen or a hosting tour company.
• Traveling to Moscow in the winter helps you avoid the summer crowds; however, flight delays due to weather are common. Plan an extra day on either end of your trip in case you get held up.
• If you plan to visit a Russian banya, a Slavic steam bathhouse, take note that most people bathe in the buff. However, most bathhouses are separated by sex.
• Plan alternating indoor and outdoor activities so that you don't get too cold. A visit to the Tretyakov Gallery, the State Armory Museum, or the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts provides a nice respite from the frigid temperatures.

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Moscow Travel Guide

• Guide to Russia
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Why travel to Moscow

Contrasts: 12th century monasteries and some of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe can be found side-by-side in this complex and captivating city. The diversity of this mega-city is astounding. Only a few steps away from the solemn red facade of the Kremlin and the sounds of righteous church bells, a buzzing night scene and alternative-fashion boutiques can be found.

Culture: In Moscow only the best goes. Be it a theatre, restaurant or gallery, the standards are certain to be world-class. The Bolshoi ballet company is reputed to be even better than the Mariinsky’s and “MMOMA” (Moscow’s museum of modern art) exhibits works of art as profound as any that could be found in the famed MOMA.

Convenience: Unlike the rest of Russia, it’s easy enough to get by with just English in Moscow and, driving excepted, it is surprisingly safe: the murder rate is lower than in some of America’s major cities.

Top Sights in Moscow

St. Basil’s

Novodevichy Convent

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Why visit Moscow

It would take more than two days to walk around the perimeter of the biggest city in Europe, Moscow. Many of its inhabitants barely know what’s beyond the few blocks around their flat and there are so many attractions that it’s almost impossible to know where to start. If there is such a thing as an antidote to boredom, Moscow City is it. The mind-boggling range and diversity of things to do, places to eat, parks, historical monuments and more means that a vacation in Moscow has a wealth of activities to offer for every type of traveler, from young families to retirees.

Reasons to Vacation in Moscow in 2022

The Bolshoi theatre is familiar to almost everyone as Russia’s grandest theatre, but what people don’t know is that there are many more bolshoi (big) sites in Moscow that are worth travelling all the way to Moscow to see. For more than 100 years, the world’s biggest bell has been hidden behind the Kremlin’s walls and inside Moscow’s main park (which is bigger than some countries!) there is the world’s largest outdoor ice-rink. Travelers that visit Moscow can stay at the Izmailovo, Europe’s biggest hotel, then eat at the largest and most historic McDonald’s in Europe and after that have fun at the largest European indoor theme park!

Ancient Past & Stunning Architecture:

As those who travel to Moscow will see, just because Moscow is a city of record-breaking, glitzy high-rises doesn’t mean that there is no history. On the famous Arbat street, time-worn, wooden storehouses and century-old churches are squashed up against grey, soviet blocks which are then towered over by 21st century office-blocks. Unlike its much younger sibling, St Petersburg, Moscow’s roots stretch way back to the 12th century. Within the walls of the Kremlin, the city’s oldest building the Cathedral of Assumption can be admired in all its 500+ years of age.

Culture & Convenience

For a foreigner who has never visited Russia, Moscow is the perfect stepping stone into this great land of mystery. From the country’s best classical ballet troupes to snow-white troikas trotting through the parks, all the highlights of Russian culture can be had in Moscow without any of the complications that would be expected in other, less developed regions of Russia.

Cheap as Caviar

In Moscow, everything is bargain when with the current foreign exchange rates being what they are. Even caviar doesn’t seem so dear when the exchange rate is at 60rub to the dollar, so go on indulge yourself! Take your 2022 vacation in Moscow and have the best of both worlds, with European luxury at very affordable prices.

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

We had a great time both in Moscow and St Petersburg. Your travel agency was excellent in coordinating the whole trip. Everything worked like clockwork. The guides assigned to us were very nice and friendly. They had a great knowledge of their subjects. The cars and the drivers were great. The hotels were good and the itinerary was good. All in all, it was a wonderful experience. It was nice dealing with you and your company. Thank you very much for a great Russian experience. Have a great future ahead

• 31 reviews of Express to Russia Moscow Tours in Moscow

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Moscow Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 60 most popular moscow trips. compare tour itineraries from 45 tour companies. 308 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating., popular moscow tours.

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Winter

• Explore the majestic St Petersburg & Moscow on private city tours
• Admire the rich Russian history, art and architecture
• Travel to Moscow on a highspeed train
• Enjoy the local cuisine in stylish restaurants

Lower Volga Voyage

• Visit magnificent Red Square and Kremlin and examine the collection at theKremlin’s State Armory.
• Experience Russia’s diverse musical traditions at lively folk music performances
• Explore Volgograd, the site of the decisive battle of World War II’s eastern front

Volga Dream Russian River Cruise

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Summer

White Russian - 7 days

• Discover Moscow's UNESCO-listed Red Square, home to spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum and the historic GUM Department store
• Explore the grounds of Moscow's mighty Kremlin, with its numerous governmentbuildings, gold-domed cathedrals and the giant tsar bell
• Celebrate New Year's Eve in Moscow!
• Take in the highlights of St Petersburg including a guided tour of the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the remarkable Hermitage Museum at the Winter Palace

Vodka Shot - 6 days

• Explore the beautiful city of St Petersburg, including the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt
• Marvel at the dazzling array of art and exhibits in the world-famous Hermitage Museum, at the Winter Palace in St Petersburg
• Discover a lavish residence of the tsars on a day trip to Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo (winter: mid-October to April) or Peterhof Palace and gardens (summer: May to mid-October)
• Take in the highlights of the capital on a walking tour, visiting Moscow's famous Red Square, home to the historic GUM Department Store, Lenin’s Mausoleum and spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the Moscow Kremlin, Russia’s political power house. Stroll around the grounds of this fortified complex, visit the Kremlin's cathedrals and see the mighty Tsar Bell

Route of the Romanovs - 10 days

• Learn about the last days of the Romanovs in Yekaterinburg, visiting the sites where Tsar Nicolas II and his family were assassinated and buried
• Straddle two continents at the famous obelisk Europe/Asia border marker in Yekaterinburg
• Experience the Trans-Siberian railway on an overnight train journey from Moscow to Yekaterinburg

New Year's in Moscow - 9 days

• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo on Christmas Day and marvel at the incredible Amber Room
• Spend a night in Novgorod, an ancient city by the Volkhov River - explore the kremlin, cathedral and other sights and enjoy a traditional Russian banya (sauna)

All Moscow , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Moscow

Small Group Moscow Tours

Back in the USSR - 7 days

Russian Revolution - 9 days

• Visit historic Novgorod, an ancient city which straddles the Volkhov River. Explore the attractive riverside kremlin and experience a traditional Russian banya (sauna)

The Snowball - 6 days

• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo and marvel at the incredible Amber Room

Mood for Moscow - 4 days

• Head underground to visit a Stalinist-era Soviet Bunker on an optional excursion
• Stroll to the vibrant Izmailovo Market, which lies behind the walls of an ancient Kremlin, and shop for an array of souvenirs

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Trip reviews, capitals of the north.

some hotels could have been better

It was jam packed with every place I wanted to go and see. I especially love my photo of us setting out on the night time river cruise in St Petersburg and the Peter...

I really did not buy much and what I did buy was small gifts for others .

Johanna-Marie

Good hotels, some better than others. Interesting itinerary

Too rushed. Optional tour rather too short

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