Think you can't afford Aspen? Think again. Two of the most elite hotels in town are offering can't-miss winter season packages that include free ski passes.

Did I stutter? Nope. It's part of a "ski free" promotion designed to draw visitors back to the Rockies after last year's notoriously dry winter. Happily, this year looks good, as I can attest from an Aspen visit earlier in the week, and the town is buzzing with holiday festivities.

Local favorite The Little Nell is offering two separate packages for skiers. "Ski Free" gives guests who stay three nights or longer up to two free lift tickets (by comparison, a two-day, seven-day advance purchase adult pass will run you $202, high season) per day. The "Ultimate Ski Free" package: Stay four nights, and ski gratis at all four mountains of Aspen/Snowmass (Aspen, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, and Buttermilk), on top-of-the-line demo equipment. A full-day private lesson is also included.

The newly revamped, groovilicious Limelight Hotel is doing its own "Ski Free" special, in addition to offering complimentary snowshoes to all guests. The ski package includes up to two free lift tickets per day (good at all four mountains), with a three-night minimum stay, based upon availability; some blackout dates apply.

[Photo credit: Aspen/Snowmass]

Filed under: Skiing, North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Travel Deals, Luxury Travel