In this season of fabulous early-bird ski deals, here's the latest: Steamboat Springs has just launched a "Ski Free Lodging Package" that includes free lift tickets for two adults when you book a stay of three or more nights between opening day on November 26 and December 25. The deal also gives you a 30% discount on ski equipment rentals. Since our recession travel rule no. 1 is to always do the math, let's see how much you would actually save with this deal:

This package gives you lift tickets for one day less than the number of nights booked. So if you booked a four-night stay during early season (until December 19), you would get three days of free skiing or boarding for two adults. Adult tickets cost $73 a day, so that's a savings of $438 ($73 x 3 days x 2 people). You would still need to buy lift tickets for your kids. Teen tickets for kids 13 to 17 cost $57 a day; youth tickets for kids 6 to 12 cost $42 a day; kids 5 and under ski free. The "Ski Free Lodging Package" beats Steamboat's famous "Kids Ski Free" package that lets kids 12 and under ski free when parents book a five-night stay, because the adult lift tickets included in the new deal are worth considerably more than youth tickets. 

Not sure you can mobilize for this deal? There is zero risk to plunking down your $50 deposit, which is 100% refundable with a four-day advanced cancellation notice. Book online or call 877/783-2628 before November 26.