It’s that time of year again when ski bums all over the country are itching to get back on the slopes but dreading the costs that come with it. Not only are the passes and equipment enough of a dent in a bank account, but that’s not considering trips to new mountains, flights, or lessons. Unfortunately, skiing is one of the most expensive hobbies, and unless you’re willing to hike all winter, there’s going to have to be some money spent, but there are ways to still enjoy the slopes without breaking the bank! Here are some things to pay attention to this year:
7 Cheap Ways to Make the Most of Your Ski Season:
Buy your Lift Tickets in Advance (Now): Time is running out for the season pass and ski ticket package deals. The time to buy is now before the prices increase, come November. Follow your home mountain or resort on Facebook and Instagram to receive ticket price information and warnings. The cost of skiing isn’t likely to go down with time, and while this is your most expensive purchase, it is also the most important. If you’re a student or planning a trip to somewhere new, consider looking at ski package deals. Many resorts sell anywhere from 2 to 12-day passes. Many mountains also offer Spring Pass deals that are often worth the wait through the heavy snowfall months. This is also the least-traveled time of year, so you don’t need to worry about crowds. These tickets often go on sale in March, leaving (hopefully) a good 60 days of skiing, so keeping a close eye on the prices is essential. This way, you can hit a variety of resorts for multiple days without purchasing the dreaded season pass. You can also check out SkiCentral to see if discounted passes are available at your resort.
Try Avoiding Big-Name Ski Resorts: Some people are lucky enough to live near multiple ski resorts and save a lot more money than someone who has to travel. Day pass prices range drastically between resorts, and checking prices before going is always essential. Oftentimes, buying day passes online also saves a bit of money. If you have to travel to ski, consider staying away from big-name ski resorts and try some smaller mountains. Many offer a range of slopes and difficulty levels without all the people and hoopla that come with a big resort. Try heading to Idaho, Utah, or Vermont rather than Colorado. Day passes are much cheaper, and the mountains have a lot to offer for all degrees of skill.
Lodging: Luckily for all bums, the ski industry oftentimes offers a bundle of ski tickets and accommodation for ski trips. Ski.com offers a variety of deals, from ski and stay packages to contest giveaways for free skiing. Check out their deals page to keep up with their latest offers, and keep checking back to ensure you know all the deals. If you’re not lucking out with packages, try staying at resorts, hotels, or Airbnbs in neighboring towns. On Airbnb, you can rent homes or rooms for great deals rather than staying at an expensive hotel. Plenty of friendly skiers near resorts are willing to rent out spaces for travelers. Many nearby towns also offer low-cost buses and shuttles to the mountains, which run frequently. Ski-in ski-out resorts are a nice luxury but have a high price tag.
Try Renting or Buying Used Gear: If you still have growing kiddos who need new gear every season, buying used equipment or renting for a season is the way to go. There are many great sites like KitLender or Mountain Threads where you can rent gear. You can also rent in advance somewhere near the resort for a discounted price. Some rental shops even encourage visitors to rent gear in advance to avoid lines and day-of prices. If you spend your entire winter skiing or snowboarding, then it’s ideal to own your skis or board. You can buy used equipment almost anywhere: second-hand stores, thrift stores, ski shops, gear outlets, or online (SidelineSwap, Evo, GearTrade), depending on what you’re looking for. If you can make it through another winter with your board(s), try purchasing new gear at the end of the season or the summer, as those are where the vast discounts are, with shops selling last year’s items.
Need Lessons?: If you’re new to the slopes, lessons are always a great way to help you improve and show you around the mountain you’ll be skiing. Unless you have someone patient and willing to teach you all day, you’ll probably need some lessons, which, surprisingly, can be affordable. Luckily, most ski resorts offer packages or even discounted ski tickets after you complete the lessons. Check out the resorts near the area you would like to ski, as some offer free rentals and a free lesson with the price of a lift ticket. Call and ask ahead of time! They also have specific deals at certain times throughout the season for optimal lesson pricing. You can also sign up for programs at some resorts that offer certain ski passes (even season passes sometimes) after you finish the lesson package.
Take a Day off Work and Ski in the Middle of the Week: If you go to a ski resort during the week, everything will be cheaper. If you plan on lodging, it is important to consider that hotels are more affordable mid-week, so if your work allows for it (or not), take a sick day and head out on a Wednesday. There are also often discounted passes for night skiing at certain resorts, which is fun to look into, as the slopes will be quieter.
Bring Your Food and Beer–Start a Party: While this may seem like a small portion of your skiing season, the $20 burger and $12 draft beers every day at the lodge add up and are a total scam. Many resorts allow you to pack a lunch or even a tiny barbeque to grill up your food in the parking lot. Pack some lawn chairs if it’s a nice day, and enjoy the snow and sun. Plus, if you don’t want to take a break, a sandwich usually fits just fine into a ski jacket pocket!
