9 Ways to Save Money on a Ski Trip

Sliding down the slopes is exhilarating, but watching the money blow out of your wallet may not be quite as thrilling. Ski vacations can be fun for the whole family, but the costs might add up more quickly than you anticipate.

However, that doesn’t mean you have to forgo your ski trip altogether to keep money in your wallet. These nine easy tips can help you save money on your next ski trip!

Bring Your Own Food and Drinks

You can generally find plenty to eat and drink at popular ski resorts. While these items may be appealing and convenient, they generally come at a steep markup. Bringing your own food and drinks can help you save a lot of money. You might pack snacks, water bottles, thermoses full of hot beverages, or even simple meals, like sandwiches.

If You’re a Beginner, Consider Renting or Borrowing Gear

Gear is pricey. If you’re not certain you’ll want to ski again, buying your own equipment might not be worth the investment. Renting your gear can be a more affordable way to try skiing without a long-term commitment. Better still, if you have friends or family who ski, you might be able to borrow their gear for free!

If You’re More Experienced, Buy Used Gear When You Want an Upgrade

When you’re ready to upgrade your gear, consider looking for used options at resale shops. Many people buy ski gear only to realize they don’t use it often enough to make it worth storing it all year. That means that savvy shoppers may be able to snag gear that was lightly used at a fraction of the cost of buying new.

Don’t Use High-End Gear

High-end gear can be very expensive, and most recreational skiers just don’t need it. Finding an option that balances quality and price may be a better option for budget shoppers.

Double-Check That You Have All the Gear You Need

If you arrive on the slopes and realize you forgot your gloves or goggles, you’re not entirely out of luck. You can generally buy the gear you need at the ski resort, but it will probably be much more expensive than you’d pay elsewhere. Ensuring you have everything you need before arriving at the ski area can prevent you from overpaying for gear.

Study Ahead of Lessons

Lessons can be a valuable way to improve your skills and get the most out of your trip. However, going into the lesson completely unprepared may waste valuable time. Watching instructional YouTube videos ahead of time can give you a basic idea of the material lessons will cover so that you can focus on developing the skills rather than understanding the principles behind them.

Consider Less Popular Destinations

Skiers flock to the most popular destinations, but many overlook lesser-known options. Because of this, skiers can often get better deals at less popular ski destinations. And as an added benefit, some of these slopes may also be less crowded.

Focus on Regional Destinations

If you live in a snowy climate, you probably don’t have to jet off to find a ski slope. There may be ski hills within driving distance, which can save you the money you would have otherwise spent on flights and a rental car. Plus, you may have an easier time bringing supplies you need rather than buying or renting them onsite.

Shop Around for Lodging

With so many potential lodging destinations, don’t hesitate to shop around for the best value for you. Staying near the slopes may be convenient, but it’s also likely to be more expensive. If you stay farther away, you might be able to find a lower-priced option. And don’t forget to consider Airbnb! Renting an apartment with a kitchen can make it easier to save money on food.

How do you save money on the slopes? Share your favorite money-saving hacks in the comments section below.