Brains
The holidays are here, and it’s the time of year when many people are being frugal with their money and trying to cut costs where possible. Everyone knows that skiing and snowboarding can be expensive, but with smart planning and budgeting, there are ways for significant savings for your next ski season. The biggest decision is where you want to make cuts to save money. Does a skier or snowboarder need new gear every season? Is it necessary to eat on the mountain for every meal, or can you pack a meal for lunch instead? Some of these money-saving decisions can be made during the season, while others should be made ahead of it.
Here are the top hacks to help you save money during ski season.
#1 Buy Lift Tickets in Advance
Waiting until the last minute to buy a lift ticket can cost you. Of course, many people like the flexibility of scouting out the best conditions as they happen or need to coordinate schedules with family and friends. It can be tricky to purchase a lift ticket weeks or even months in advance, but there are deals for those who choose to do this. Skiers and snowboarders can buy local season or multi-resort passes like Epic Pass, Ikon Pass, and Indy Pass. For those who will be spending more than 10 days out on the mountain, this option would be well worth it, with some ski resorts charging over $200 a day for a lift ticket. If you plan to ski multiple days, look into multi-day passes; they often provide significant daily savings.
#2 You Don’t Have To Ski The Biggest Ski Resorts
Bigger is not always better; finding smaller resorts can be much more budget-friendly. Find a resort that offers everything you are looking for but is less overrun. Sure, there are pros to going to big resorts, but that does not mean you cannot have as much fun at smaller independent resorts as well. There are great “Mom and Pop” ski resorts throughout the country that offer that old-school vibe and atmosphere. These resorts are usually a lot less expensive than the bigger resorts with regard to lift prices, parking, lodging, and food. These hidden gems can offer the same great conditions at a fraction of the cost and are usually less crowded as well.
#3 Rent Your Gear Off The Mountain
Renting equipment directly from the resort can be costly. Instead, rent your gear (skis, poles, boots, snowboard) from rental shops off-mountain or use local rental services that offer online booking discounts. You can also look for rental shops offering package deals if you rent for multiple days. Some services also allow you to rent gear for the entire season if you plan on skiing frequently. It is also much cheaper for people just starting out in skiing to try out gear to see if they enjoy it enough to keep going. Buying all the equipment needed to go skiing or snowboarding before you even try it can be a very costly mistake if you decide it is not for you.
#4 Consider Ski and Stay Packages
Many resorts offer ski-and-stay packages that combine lodging with lift tickets at a discount. Even if you don’t plan to stay directly on the mountain, these packages can save you a lot of money. If you plan on staying for multiple nights, bundling accommodation and lift tickets can give you better rates than booking them separately.
#5 Buy Your Gear During The Off-Season
If you plan on buying new gear before the next season starts, getting it before it begins is best. At the end of the season, a lot of gear and equipment goes on sale. Manufacturers and companies want to offload that inventory and start looking into selling next season’s new gear. Most of that equipment will be on sale or discounted from its original price, with some costing hundreds of dollars less than what it cost at the beginning of the season. Summer sale events offer great discounts if you can attend them. Most ski towns have summer tent sales every year. Going online and checking out websites like Backcountry, REI, and Evo for end-of-season sales on skis, snowboards, jackets, pants, and other gear is also a great option to save money.
#6 Carpool To The Mountain
Paying for parking is now a reality in the ski industry, and carpooling to the mountain can save money. If you’re traveling with friends, carpool to split parking and gas costs. Many resorts also have carpool programs that provide discounted or free parking for groups. Public transportation or shuttle services often provide cheaper alternatives to driving. Some ski resorts have free or low-cost shuttle buses that can take you from town to the resort.
#7 Eat Off the Mountain
Most ski towns will be expensive regardless of where you choose to eat. However, everyone knows how pricey food can be if you choose to eat on the mountain. Sometimes, there are nice local spots that offer great dining options, especially for those with kids. Packing your own lunch, snacks, and drinks to take with you on the slopes is a classic way to save money skiing. Taking a few protein bars and an energy drink in a pack while on the mountain can save skiers and snowboarders money.
#8 Look for Free Ski Days or Discounts
Who does not want to ski for free? Many resorts offer free ski days or discounts for certain groups, such as children, military personnel, and college students. Some resorts offer discounts for residents of the state or region. If you’re skiing in a place near your home, you might be eligible for local deals.
#9 Use Credit Card Rewards and Discounts
“Cash is king” used to be the main catchphrase when talking about money. It no longer applies in the ski industry. Many resorts are turning to plastic only and no longer accepting cash. However, there are benefits to this. Travel or outdoor-focused credit cards offer rewards and benefits like ski passes or rental gear discounts. Some even have partnerships with ski resorts for added savings. Delta offers SkyMiles to its members, who can earn 2x miles per $1 (excluding taxes and fees, additional terms apply) by booking mountain ski resorts, hotels, and slopeside vacation rental properties with Delta Stays and Car Rentals. If you have a card that offers cashback, points, or miles, consider using it for purchases like lift tickets, accommodation, or equipment rentals.
#9 Ski During The Midweek
For the skiers and snowboarders who consistently participate in the 100-day club every season, you already know this. Skiing on the weekend is not only much more expensive, but you will also have larger crowds and longer lines. Most ski resorts’ lift ticket prices during the week are much less expensive than the weekend. Skiing off-peak times during the season is also a way to save money. Early in the season, most resorts are not truly 100% open. Only a few trails, lifts, and facilities may be open, and sometimes resorts offer discounts on early-season lift tickets. This also applies at the end of the season when resorts will offer spring skiing packages that are less expensive than during the rest of the season.
#10 Stay Outside the Resort Area
Everyone knows that staying at the resort is expensive in the ski industry. Yes, it is convenient to be on the mountain, but that comes with a price. Checking out places that are 10 minutes away can save you hundreds of dollars. Look for lodging in nearby towns or cities, where prices are often much lower. Many resorts have shuttle services to get you to the slopes without staying in a pricey mountain town. Websites like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer cheaper and more flexible lodging options, especially if you book a house or condo with a group.
#11 Use a Ski Club or Membership
Almost every mountain, area, or region has some form of ski club that can save you money and give you great options. Joining a ski club or organization can offer discounts on lift tickets, accommodation, and other skiing services. These memberships often provide access to exclusive deals or group discounts at participating resorts.
#12 Subscribe and Follow Ski Resort, Lodging, and Ski Gear Websites
Almost everyone has a social media account, and many resorts, hotels, and ski manufacturers post sales and discounts on social media. Signing up for newsletters from popular discount websites like Groupon, LivingSocial, or Travelzoo to get alerts on deals for ski trips, lift tickets, lodging, and rentals can add to big cash savings. Many ski resorts also have email lists where they send out flash sales and exclusive promotions, so it’s worth subscribing.
With some planning and flexibility, you can enjoy a budget-friendly ski season without sacrificing fun. As much as we would love new gear every season, stay at a ski-in/ski-out hotels, and eat on the mountain for every meal, sometimes making small sacrifices can lead to big savings without compromising the fun. Hopefully, these hacks can help you make the most of your money, leaving you more money to spend on après-ski and future trips!
