Get to Vail for $129 inclusive on American

As of right now you have one less excuse to say you can’t afford a trip to the Rocky Mountains this winter to play in the snow!

One of the biggest expenses - the airfare just to get out west - is surprisingly cheap with a today-only offer from American Airlines.

The deal, a one-way rate of just $108 ($129 inclusive of all taxes, fees) to Vail-Eagle, Colorado, puts you right in the midst of the ski action. Vail has more than 5,200 acres of skiable terrain and trails for all levels of skill - from newbie to black diamond experts.

And let’s mention here that the weekend brought nearly two feet of new snow to the Vail Valley.

But back to that great airfare deal. To qualify, you’ll need to give a two-week advance notice of your trip. That’s about it other than you must finish your trip on or before April 6, 2009. That’s the last day of American’s seasonal service from Vail. American serves this destination with easy flight connections in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.

Grab up this bargain today at http://www.aa.com

Vail often gets rapped for being on the pricey side for budget skiers. But this year the deals are rolling out steadily and even through the peak season.

For instance, book a three-night or longer vacation at of the Vail Resorts this winter (Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone) and get up to $30 in dining credits per child - and an additional $15 dining voucher - to use at mountain eateries. Trips must be booked by Dec. 14, http://www.vailresorts.com

Visit this link for an online source for lodging deals and more - http://www.visitvailvalley.com

Click on the ‘Vail on Sale’ section for details of offers.

Need more incentive to go to Vail? Here’s a few money-saving reasons:

• Once you arrive you really don’t need a rental car - and that adds up to big savings. Vail-Eagle airport is 35 miles outside, but pay for shuttle service into town - or ask the resort or condo you book if they provide airport pick-up services. The village of Vail runs a free shuttle service around town up to 2 a.m. The town itself is compact and easy to walk around.

• Get yourself on the earliest flight departure to Vail and you’ll land at 1:45pm. Then, hit the slopes for some late afternoon skiing - free. The ‘Fly In Ski Free at Vail’ lets you show your same day airline boarding pass (showing you flew into EGE airport) at any Vail ticket window and schuss free that day. This offer is valid through April 19, 2009.

• Book your American Airline air trip along with lodging in a few easy steps at American Airlines Vacations - http://www.aavacations.com/deals.asp?ski-vacation-deals

• Restaurants in Vail can be on the pricey side, so consider booking condo lodging so as to prepare breakfast and backpack lunches on the cheap. One of the current deals at American Airline Vacations (see the link above) is a free third night stay at the Montaneros Condominiums in Vail.

More savings: More money-saving tips at Your Money.