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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fall means cooler weather, changing leaves, pumpkin spice, and my most favorite, Halloween. Halloween is… Read More
Ghosts may give you goosebumps. Monsters may give you nightmares. But if you're on a… Read More
This time of year, you can buy cute baby costumes at a huge array of… Read More
With many restaurants shuttered and others offering only takeout and delivery, a lot of families… Read More
You might not be able to jet off on an around-the-world adventure, but that doesn't… Read More
When you're on the go, you may get hungry. If you've had a bad day,… Read More