Save Money When Skiing

Skiing and snowboarding is a whole lot fun and will give you a desire to come back and do it again and again. After a while you may notice a dent in your wallet. Follow our tips below to help you reduce your costs and continue to have more time on the hill.

There are many ways to save on a lift ticket. One of the most common ways is, if you plan on skiing at the same area frequently, to get a season’ pass. A season pass to a ski resort is a definite savings over purchasing several day passes. Many ski resorts have preseason sales on their season passes giving you an extra savings.
            Coupons are another way to save on lift tickets. Many destination ski resorts will have coupons. These are often found on the back of personal hygiene items like disposable razors at the pharmacy. The big resorts may also have lift ticket coupons at near by grocery stores, usually at a customer service desk.
            Discount passes can also be found online through classified ads and auction web sites. Sometimes someone else's vacation plans fall through and those pre bought passes will get sold for a discount.
            You may already know someone who works for a ski resort. Many ski areas will have allotted discount or free passes for their employees to give out. Network. If you really enjoy skiing you may know someone in the biz.
            You can call ahead and speak with the head of Ski Patrol or Ski School. Tell them you’re interested in joining. They’ll often give free passes to those who are interested in becoming a member of their ranks, with the expectation that you’ll spend a few hours skiing with them getting a feel for the trade, then you’ll likely have the rest of the day to yourself on the hill.

            Skiing and snowboarding burns calories; you’ll get hungry, and eating is another expense. There are several ways to save on your food budget.  Plan your meals. If you have a small budget, pack a lunch. It’s very common to see skiers and boarders carrying backpacks with all their gear including a tasty lunch. Many packs will have a hydration bladder, it’s important to stay hydrated when skiing in higher altitudes to avoid altitude sickness.  A few years ago when I was a teenager I had a great week in Aspen CO. with only a loaf of bread, a can of span & mustard from the local grocery store. If you plan your ski trip well you’ll be eating better than I did. 
            If your budget allows for something from the cafeteria or restaurant know that different locations on the hill will have different prices and none of them will have prices as low as fast food restaurants. Many resorts will have multiple eateries each with their own menu and prices. There’s usually one at the base with normal cuisine and average resort prices. There is also usually a place up the hill with a shorter menu and higher prices. The food served up the hill has to be brought up on the chairlift just like you, so you have to pay for that convenience. Lastly most resorts will have a fancy restaurant for fine dining, of course with fancy dining prices.

            When going away to ski you’re going to need a place to stay. There are many discount ski and lodging packages available that include your room breakfast and a lift ticket. We’ve been asked by those who don’t plan on staying at the resort if it is safe to stay in a car? The answer is maybe. It’s cold outside during the winter and you need heat. If you have a RV with heat, you’re set. Otherwise you can’t run the heat in the average car all night the emissions can kill you. You’ll need to be creative. If you can park in a heated parking structure with a nice sleeping bag you’ll be OK. I’ve been told you can park over a steaming manhole in an alley between buildings out of the wind with a warm sleeping bag. It sounds uncomfortable so I don’t recommend it. We mentioned earlier you might have a friend who works at the resort. If they work there, then they must live near by. A couch is more comfortable than a car. NOTE: If your friend gives you a lift ticket and a place to stay, be sure to do something nice for them: take them out for dinner, send them a thank you card. It’s up to you, be sure to do something or they’re not likely have you over again.