Let’s face it: skiing and snowboarding are expensive sports. Between lift tickets, gear, lodging, and travel, a weekend trip to the mountains can quickly empty your wallet. However, with a bit of planning and insider knowledge, you can still enjoy an epic ski trip without breaking the bank.
1. Buy Lift Tickets in Advance
Never, ever walk up to the ticket window on a Saturday morning to buy a lift ticket. Window prices are the absolute most expensive way to ski. Always buy your tickets online, directly from the resort’s website, at least a week or two in advance. Many resorts use dynamic pricing, meaning tickets are cheaper the further out you book.
2. Look Beyond the Mega-Resorts
Destination resorts like Aspen or Vail charge premium prices. Consider visiting smaller, independent ski areas or “mom and pop” hills. The lift tickets are significantly cheaper, the food is reasonably priced, and the lack of crowds often means you’ll actually ski more runs in a day.
3. Pack Your Own Lunch
Resort food is notoriously overpriced. A mediocre burger and fries can easily set you back $25. Pack a sandwich, some protein bars, and a thermos of hot soup or coffee in a backpack. Eating lunch in the lodge or on the tailgate of your car will save you a massive amount of money over a multi-day trip.
4. Travel Mid-Week
If you have the flexibility, try to ski on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. Lodging rates plummet mid-week, lift tickets are often cheaper, and the mountains are practically empty. You get a much better return on your investment when you aren’t waiting in lift lines.
5. Rent Gear Off-Mountain
If you need to rent skis or a snowboard, do not rent them at the resort base area. Stop at a local ski shop in your hometown or in the town just outside the resort. Off-mountain rental shops offer significantly better rates for multi-day rentals.