For many enthusiasts, skiing is not just a hobby, it's a lifestyle. What better way to ensure that you'll always be able to incorporate this favored sport into your lifestyle than a vacation home in your favorite ski locale? A ski-resort timeshare will ensure you prepaid, weeklong accommodation on or near your favorite mountain every year or every other year. Timeshares are a convenient and cost-effective alternative to renting a hotel room because the shared ownership that distinguishes timeshares from other lodging options helps to greatly reduce the cost of the accommodations. Many travelers might be intimidated by the idea of timeshares, but the concept is really quite simple. In fact, it's all in the name.

When you buy timeshare, you're actually purchasing a share of time, annually or biennially, at the resort of your choice. Resorts generally sell timeshare in increments of one week annually, but their inherent flexibility allows owners to select the usage most appropriate to their lifestyle. For example, if you foresee being able to take two weeks every year for your vacation, you might want to purchase a larger share (2/52 or 3/52) while less vacation availability might mean biennial or even triennial usage.

And you can save even more money with your timeshare because, once you buy your property, you'll never again be at the whim of the frequently fluctuating lodging market. Especially in highly coveted and particularly seasonal destinations like ski areas, prices for accommodation can vary greatly. However, when you buy timeshare you'll lock in one rate that you can confidently budget for. And once you own your timeshare outright, you'll only ever have to pay an annual or biennial maintenance fee (respective to your usage) to secure luxurious ski vacations for you and your family.

You can find great deals on your timeshare purchase when you buy resale. Purchasing your timeshare resale means that you will be buying from a previous owner rather than directly from the resort. As such, you won't have to sit through any of the aggressive sales pitches that many resorts employ when they sell timeshares. And perhaps the biggest benefit of buying resale is the thousands of dollars you'll save.