Affordable Ski Lodgings in Winter Park, Colorado Are Plentiful

Heading to the ski areas in wintertime can be expensive, to say the least. Certainly you can choose to blow it all out and have an expensive, and indulgent, time. But for a simple weekend getaway to the slopes, you might have something a bit more, ahem, frugal in mind.

In Winter Park, Colorado, there are many options for affordable lodgings. You need not spend an arm and a leg just to rest your slope-weary bones here.

For a European feel in a small hotel, consider Gasthaus Eichler. There are only 15 rooms here, but they are all styled in the elegant yet simple style of European ski lodge rooms. Rates range from $127 to about $270, but in the winter will likely average around $160 for a queen room.

Gasthaus Eichler presents itself as a bed and breakfast type of establishment, so you get a full breakfast each morning to get you fueled for your day on the slopes. Breakfasts usually include a hot entrée like French toast or pancakes, some fruit, a meat product and juice, coffee and tea. Cold cereals are also provided.

Gasthaus Eichler is located right on Highway 40 and there's a ski shop adjacent. The inn also features a full-service restaurant for lunch and dinner and on Friday and Sunday evenings there's live piano music to soothe you, though the newly added outdoor hot tub might also do that.

For reservations, call the lodge at (800) 543-3899.

Another popular option for lodging in Winter Park is Olympia Lodge, a motel lodge located in the center of town. Rates here range from about $100 a night to $150 a night, even in the peak winter ski season. Rates include a continental breakfast and a shuttle stops outside that can take you right to Winter Park for skiing.

Olympia Lodge offers an interesting promotional deal in the winter - reserve three nights and get the fourth free. If you purchase three days of lift tickets, you get the fourth day free.

Call the lodge at (800) 548-1992 for reservations.