How to Beat the High Cost of Skiing

Let’s face it: Skiing can be expensive. Most of us need to figure out how to beat the high cost of skiing… From flights and hotels to ski rentals and lift tickets, it seems like there are expenses around every turn. While some ski resorts are less expensive than others, most charge a premium for anything on the mountain or ski related. So, why does skiing cost so much money? Below, we look at all the costs involved in planning a skiing or snowboarding vacation and show you some pricey pitfalls to avoid.

Taking your family on a ski vacation can be costly. We break down the expenses involved in taking a ski vacation and give you tips that can help save some money.

Transportation Costs

First, you must get to the ski resort. That requires either a car ride through the mountains or booking a flight. In some cases, you may need to do both: Fly to a nearby airport and then arrange transportation to the ski resort with either a car rental or ski shuttle service. Ski resorts like Aspen Snowmass, Jackson Hole, Sun Valley and Mammoth Mountain have smaller airports nearby that are very convenient. However, direct or connecting flights to these airports usually come at a premium price. In the end, the least-costly scenario is usually one of these three options.

Drive to the ski resort. This may be the cheapest option, but you must figure in current gas prices, car maintenance costs, and other travel expenses like food and overnight hotel stays if needed. Don’t forget to have good snow tires and keep that roadside assistance account current because mountain roads can be sketchy from time to time.
Fly to a nearby airport, then book a shuttle or rent a car. This can be an inexpensive option, but it depends on both current airfare prices as well as car rental costs. Car rental companies can sometimes charge premium prices for rentals based on the time of year. Also, you will probably need to drop the car off at the same location you picked it up to avoid transfer costs. It’s also recommended that you purchase the insurance package option to keep your car rental safe in the mountains.
Fly directly to a ski resort airport. Probably the most convenient, but also of course the most expensive. Just like connecting flights from a big airport, a nonstop direct flight to a smaller airport like Aspen or Jackson Hole is pricey due to high demand and limited availability.

Lodging Costs

Second, you’ll need a place to stay on your ski vacation. Hopefully, it’s convenient to the slopes with plenty of nightlife options with a few core necessities nearby like groceries and gas. When it comes to lodging, there are two basic options:

Stay near the ski resort. At the ski resort, there will typically be a few types of lodging, ranging from luxury penthouse right on the slopes to more affordable accommodations only a short walk from the slopes or in a nearby ski village. Ski-in, ski-out lodging comes with a premium price tag but allows easy access to maximize your time on the slopes.
Stay further away. If you choose to stay further away from the mountain, you will probably find a more reasonable lodging rate. Many area hotels, condos and bed and breakfasts offer free shuttle service to the nearby ski resort, so you won’t have to pay for parking. Low-cost budget hotels can be a great option as well, but you’ll need to make your reservations early because inexpensive lodging doesn’t last long. Also, plan on most guest rooms being occupied during your stay, since everyone’s looking for the best deal.

Ski Rentals and Equipment Costs

Third, there’s expenses for ski rentals and delivery, along with any other gear you might need like new gloves, hats, hand warmers, ski goggles, sunblock, outerwear or layered clothing. Ski shops typically offer rental packages that include skis and poles or a snowboard with bindings, boots and a helmet. Anything else you will need to purchase or rent separately. Many shops won’t rent goggles, hats and gloves, so its best to get those at home or risk paying full price at a retail store in the mountains.

You can purchase your own ski equipment but get ready to shell out serious cash. Top-of-the-line skis and boots or a flashy new snowboard can set you back hundreds of dollars. And what’s new and trendy this season isn’t always the same in following years, so you risk getting stuck with outdated gear unless you plan to buy new stuff each season.

If you plan on traveling with your own gear, you’ll need to figure in luggage costs at the airlines, load it on the roof of your car (if you can), or ship you equipment by using a specialty ski delivery service or a more common shipping company like UPS or FedEx. Once your skis or snowboard arrives, you’ll also need to invest in a tune up and wax at a ski shop before hitting the slopes.

Bringing your own gear from home can mean extra baggage costs at the airport. Renting gear can often include free delivery to your condo.

Lift Ticket Costs

Show anyone who doesn’t ski the current daily lift ticket prices at a major ski resort, and they may question your sanity. Vail topped $200 for a single-day lift ticket in 2019-20, with other resorts like Aspen Snowmass nipping at its heels. If you plan on walking up to the ticket window and purchasing a ticket to ski that day, you’re going to pay full price.

Luckily, there are advantages to purchasing lift tickets in advance. Guests who purchase lift tickets at least seven days prior to their ski days can typically save a good amount on the overall price. Also, lots of ski resorts have a kids-ski-free program with a paid adult ski rental or lift ticket. This is a great option for a family of four because both kids can ski for free if both adults pay. If you can find a deal like this, you can save money on ski rentals and lift tickets. Specials like this can be found here on our site. Just navigate to the ski area you wish to go to for more info.

A great way to save money is to look at ski vacation packages. Packages on our site here often include nearby lodging, ski rentals and lift tickets, and can include other perks like dining vouchers or discounts at local shopping and entertainment venues.

Dining Costs and Incidentals

Fourth, dining costs and other incidentals can make your ski vacation costly. On-mountain dining can range from grab-and-go to fine dining experiences. In most cases, smaller items like bottled water, soda, trail mix, snack bars and gum may cost you a little more on the mountain than at a grocery or convenience store. Other dining choices runs the gamut from fast food to five-star, so choose wisely or set a predetermined budget for food before you head to the slopes.

Anything you can bring from home or grocery store can help cut food costs. Stock up on snacks and beverages before you get to the resort if you have the space in your vehicle. If you fly, try to hit up a grocery store in town. Ask around and some friendly locals may point you in the right direction.

Another money-saving option is to rent a condo, townhouse or private home with a full kitchen. This will allow you the flexibility to prepare some meals at your condo. If your condo is close enough to the slopes, you can ski in, have lunch, and ski out. It’s convenient and maximizes your time on the mountain while keeping dining costs low.

Best Ways to Save

Bottom line is our website has a wide selection of free coupons, deals, bargains and savings on lodging, ski rentals, transportation, lift tickets, retail stores, dining and more! Begin your search on our convenient website by choosing your state or province, resort area and deal category. From there, drill down and find the perfect deal. You can bundle deals for different services and save on every aspect of your ski vacation.