6 Ways to Save Money During Your Next Ski Vacation
Want to save money on your next ski trip? Good news — there are real, no-catch ways to cut costs without cutting into the fun. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned shredder, smart planning can make a huge difference in what you spend. Below, you’ll find a practical, road-tested list of tips to help you save money on skiing and snowboarding — from the moment you start planning to the second you step onto the mountain.
Here are six easy ways to save money on your next ski vacation:
1. Save Money on Lodging
Your travel dates can play a huge role in how much you save money on a ski vacation. If you can sneak away midweek, you’ll often score lower prices on lodging, lift tickets, and even ski-trip packages. Monday through Thursday (excluding holidays) is the sweet spot for deals. Weekends and public holidays, on the other hand, usually come with steep surcharges.
While ski-in/ski-out lodging is undeniably convenient, it can also drain your budget fast. One of the best ways to save money is to stay slightly off the mountain at more affordable nightly rates. Many hotels and vacation rentals offer free shuttles to the lifts, and that quick 5–10 minute ride can translate to big savings.
Another clever way to save money on a ski trip is opting for a condo instead of a hotel room. A full kitchen — complete with a stove, oven, microwave, coffee maker, and full-size fridge — lets you prepare meals instead of paying resort prices. Just be sure to stock up on groceries before you arrive; food in ski towns can be notoriously expensive. Bonus: most condos have washers and dryers, so you can pack lighter and refresh your gear anytime (perfect for drying out socks at lunch!).
And here’s an easy win: pack snacks. Simple, slope-friendly options like granola bars, energy bars, and trail mix help you save money by avoiding overpriced mountain snacks. Fill up your water bottle before you head out too — hydration costs extra at hillside shops if you’re not prepared.
These small swaps add up quickly, making it easier to save money while still enjoying every minute of your ski adventure.
2. Save Money on Gear
Rent ski equipment at the resort and you won’t have to pay for shipping or excess baggage handling at the airport. If you want to save money, leave your gear at home and bring only the essentials. Ski rental companies have equipment for beginners and high-performance equipment for intermediate skiers and snowboarders at very affordable prices. You can rent skis and poles, skis with bindings, boots and helmets. Some rental companies even have free delivery to your apartment or hotel.
One of the easiest ways to save money on a ski trip is to bring as much of your gear from home as possible. Gloves, goggles, socks, jackets, and plenty of warm layers are almost always cheaper when purchased before you arrive at the resort. If you’re lucky, you can even score great used gear at local thrift shops, flea markets, or on Craigslist. And don’t forget about end-of-season sales — this is the perfect time to grab high-quality items at deep discounts and prep for next year while you save money.
Transportation can also be a sneaky expense, but many ski resorts offer reliable, free local buses. Taking advantage of these shuttles can save money on parking fees and car rentals. Plan your trip wisely, and you may not need a rental car at all — another win for your budget.
3. Find Deals to Save You Money
Our website can be a great resource when planning your ski vacation. Find great deals on lift tickets, ski rentals, lodging, transportation, dining and activities for most major ski resorts in North America. Skier Deals works with all the top resorts and have exclusive deals you won’t find anywhere else. Browsing this website for destinations and offers can help you decide where to travel and give you options to save on every aspect of your vacation.
If you have a favorite resort, sign up for its email list. Resorts often email reminders of special promotions for their loyal guests. (Don’t forget to sign up for our mailing list .)
If you’ve earned travel credits with an airline, see if you can get discounted direct flights to ski resorts like Jackson Hole or Aspen. Salt Lake City is another great place, with over 10 resorts within an hour of the airport. Using airline miles to get free or discounted tickets is a great way to save money.
4. Ski Packages & Last-Minute Deals
Looking for something more comprehensive? Find out about ski vacation package deals that offer discounted accommodation, rentals, lift tickets and other perks. There are many package deals, and each one is different. It’s worth checking to see if it’s right for you or your team.
If you’re traveling last-minute, you can sometimes secure an incredible rate on lodging through a limited-time special. Be sure to check our last-minute specials page regularly for exclusive deals that offer deep savings on upcoming getaways.
Do you have a larger family or group looking to ski? Group packages significantly reduce the per capita cost of a ski holiday. Splitting the cost among ten or more guests can make accommodation, ski rentals and lift tickets much cheaper. Hotels and ski resorts have many promotions and discounts for large groups, such as wedding celebrations, business meetings, company outings and family celebrations.
5. Special Savings for Kids and Veterans
If you’re traveling with kids, choosing a ski resort that offers free youth passes is one of the smartest ways to save money on the slopes. Many mountains let children ski free with the purchase of a full-price adult lift ticket, and some even throw in complimentary rentals or lift tickets — sometimes both. These family-friendly perks can take a big bite out of your overall trip costs.
Another hidden gem? Free ski lessons. A number of resorts include beginner lessons with the purchase of a lift ticket, which is a fantastic way to save money if you or your kids are learning to ski or snowboard. Even experienced riders enjoy the chance to try something new without paying extra.
If you’re a student or military member — active duty or veteran — don’t forget your ID. Resorts often offer substantial discounts for both groups, and some even extend those savings to the entire family when a veteran is present. Flashing that ID can instantly help you save money at the ticket window.
Seniors also score great deals. Many ski areas offer reduced rates for older visitors, so be sure to check senior pricing online and bring along your AARP card or any other benefit cards you use. These discounts add up fast and can help you save money while still enjoying plenty of time on the mountain.
6. Save Money with a Ski Pass
If you plan to ski often, investing in a season pass is one of the most effective ways to save money. Buying a full-season option — like the Epic Pass or Ikon Pass — usually costs far less than paying full price every time you hit the mountain. Plus, these passes often come with bonus perks, including discounts on food, rentals, lodging, and more. There are also several regional and multi-resort passes worth exploring if you like variety.
Only skiing a few days this season? A multi-day pass is still a smart strategy to save money. These passes cost significantly less per day than buying single-day lift tickets, and the price continues to drop the more days you add.
Another simple money-saving trick is buying your lift tickets early. Many resorts offer discounted pricing when you purchase online at least seven days in advance. Plan ahead and you can save money before you even set foot on the mountain. Just be sure to check the specific policies for your destination, as deals vary by resort.