Summary: Falling airfares and increased airline competition are widening access to premium U.S. ski destinations—Salt Lake City, Aspen and Vail—ahead of Spring Break 2026, while Tokyo, Paris, London and Rome also benefit from lower ticket prices. At the same time, award flight costs are rising, making careful comparison of cash fares versus miles essential.

As Spring Break 2026 approaches, a notable drop in airfares is reshaping travel choices. Ski resorts in and around Salt Lake City, Aspen and Vail are set to receive more visitors than in recent seasons because cheaper tickets are making these once premium destinations attainable for a broader range of travellers.

Why U.S. Ski Resorts Are More Accessible

Salt Lake City, Aspen and Vail have long been associated with premium winter experiences and vibrant après-ski scenes. The recent easing of ticket prices has reduced a primary barrier to visiting, enabling travellers who previously found these resorts cost-prohibitive to consider ski trips this spring.

Airline Competition and Exchange Rates

Industry observers attribute the airfare declines to heightened competition among carriers and, for international visitors, favourable exchange rates. These factors combine to reduce the overall cost of travel to both U.S. ski resorts and several major international cities for Spring Break travellers.

  • Destinations seeing price relief: Salt Lake City, Aspen, Vail, Paris, London, Rome, Tokyo
  • Primary drivers: increased airline competition and favourable currency exchange
  • Timing: trends emerging ahead of Spring Break 2026

For ski enthusiasts, the combination of world-class slopes and lower travel costs could make Spring Break 2026 one of the more accessible winter seasons in recent years. Lodging demand remains strong at these resorts, but cheaper flights are widening the pool of potential visitors.

Europe and Tokyo Also Benefit from Cheaper Tickets

Iconic European capitals—Paris, London and Rome—remain top choices for travellers, and falling fares are making them even more attainable. Tokyo, despite traditionally high demand during cherry blossom season, has also seen ticket prices soften this year, a change experts link to airline competition and exchange-rate advantages for foreign visitors.

Skiers descending a snowy run near Aspen resort with lodge buildings visible — ski resorts opening up to more travelers
Aspen and other U.S. ski destinations are likely to see increased visitor numbers as airfares drop ahead of Spring Break 2026

Award Flights Are Getting More Expensive

A countervailing trend is the rising cost of award tickets. Airlines are adjusting how they price flights booked with miles and points, which can erode the value of loyalty currency and complicate travel planning for frequent flyers.

  • Compare cash fares with award prices before booking
  • Be prepared for dynamic pricing of miles and points
  • Plan and book early where possible to maximise value

For those who typically redeem miles, the changing landscape means more work up front: travellers will need to compare options carefully to avoid overpaying with points when cash fares are competitive or cheaper.

Practical Tips for Spring Break 2026 Travellers

Flexibility and comparison shopping will be essential. Travellers should monitor fares, check multiple airlines, and weigh cash prices against award availability. Prioritise destinations like Salt Lake City, Aspen, Vail, Paris, London, Rome and Tokyo if lower ticket costs are a deciding factor.

So what? For travellers, the combination of falling airfares and tougher award pricing creates an opening to visit high-profile ski resorts and major international cities at reduced out-of-pocket cost—if they act strategically. For the travel industry, the shift signals intensified airline competition and evolving customer demand ahead of a key booking window.

Tip: Always compare cash fares and award-redemption costs before booking. If you plan to travel over Spring Break 2026, book early and stay flexible to capture the best deals.