Skiing on a Budget: 6 Ways to Save Money

Let’s face it: Skiing on a budget as well as snowboarding can be challenging. First, you have to travel to the ski resort, usually via a long car drive or a costly flight. Next, you must find quality lodging near the slopes at an affordable price. Then, you need to track down a local ski shop and rent all your ski and snowboard gear. All of this comes before hitting the mountain, where lift tickets can be pricey for a single-day adult ticket during peak times at the ticket window.

There are ways to save money on a ski vacation. Right here, we offer several free deals, coupons and specials for savings from almost every major ski resort in North America; everything from lodging and transportation to lift tickets and ski rentals. We’ve compiled a list of do’s and don’ts for ski travel planning on a budget and put together some tips and tricks to help you plan your next skiing or snowboarding getaway. Here’s 6 Ways to Save Money on a Ski Vacation:  

Save money with these budgeting tips for a ski or snowboarding vacation.
Save money with these budgeting tips for a ski or snowboarding vacation.

#1. Choose the Right Time to Go

Perhaps the best way to go skiing on a budget is to have good timing. Ski resorts like Aspen Snowmass charge a premium price for lodging and lift tickets during high points of the season like Thanksgiving weekend, the week of Christmas/New Year’s, President’s Week in February and in March when Spring Break occurs. Skip the crowds and spend the holidays at home or with family and plan a ski vacation in either early December or early January. Generally, crowds at the ski resorts will be lower during these times, especially during the week. Early April is another great time to visit a ski resort, after the Spring Breakers have cleared out.

There are a lot of ski resorts that offer discounted pricing for stays Sundays-Thursdays during the season. Many resorts will also have deals for lodging that comes with ski rentals or lift tickets included. Package deals are a great way to pair skiing and lodging together at one low price!

#2. Drive or Fly – Which is Cheaper?

If your ski destination has an airport nearby, you may want to consider flying. Although it can be expensive, it maximizes your time on the slopes and decreases travel time. Your best bet for tracking down a cheap airline ticket to a ski resort is to search online early. Airline tickets will increase in price in the weeks and days leading up to the departure, so purchasing at least a few weeks in advance should get you the best rate. Some airlines also run last-minute and flash sales for cheap flights, but you must be savvy to snag one. If you can, you may be able to enjoy some considerable savings.

Driving might be the best way to go skiing on a budget. Frankly, it can be much cheaper than flying, but it largely depends on the distance you have to travel, plus other factors like current gas prices, other car care costs, food expenses and overnight lodging stays if you’re traveling too far. Also, you may have to pay for parking at the ski resort if it’s not included in your lodging package.

Here on our site, find transportation deals for savings on everything from mountain shuttle services to private luxury transportation while at the resort. There are lots of current deals online for savings of 20 percent or more!

#3. How to Find Cheap Lodging

Most ski resorts will have prime accommodations near the lifts. These are usually referred to as “ski-in, ski-out” because you can walk right from your hotel or condo to the ski lifts. Lodging at the lifts is super convenient, but it can also be pricey. Typically, hotels or condos a little farther from the resort may be less expensive, but many of them offer free drop-offs and pick-ups at the resort. If you’re willing to take a five-minute complimentary shuttle to the lifts, you can probably save by staying further away. If time is of the essence, opt of ski-in, ski-out.

SkierDeals.com is the original Skier Deals website and has been offering sweet specials on lodging for more than 20 years. New and current specials are updated online daily throughout the season. Nail down your dates and visit SkierDeals.com to search for specials. Or look for deals first and build your vacation around an unbelievable bargain!

#4. Finding Affordable Ski Rentals

If you don’t have your own gear, you’ll need to rent some skis or a snowboard (along with boots) when you get to the ski resort. Most resorts have plenty of rental companies from which to choose, but here are some tips:

  • Ski Rentals: Browse online for ski rental companies in the area. You should be able to check rates and locate packages for your trip. Also, you’ll be able to see what brands the company stocks for rental gear. Many rental companies run promotions where kids can get free ski rentals with an adult rental, and that can save a good amount of money. SkierDeals.com has resort-specific coupons for savings on rentals through a variety of providers.
  • Ski Delivery: If you don’t want to stand in line at a ski shop early in the morning, or the night you arrived in town, consider a ski rental delivery company at your ski resort. Ski rental delivery companies allow you to preview gear online and schedule an appointment at your accommodations when you get to the resort. So instead of going to the shop, the shop comes to you! You’ll receive a custom fitting in the privacy of your own hotel room from an experienced, certified ski technician. Techs always show up with plenty of styles and boot sizes from which to choose.

You’ll also get 24/7 support even when you’re on the mountain. If you have any issues like a repair or just want to try something new, most delivery companies will meet up with you right on the mountain to resolve your issue. SkierDeals.com recommends quality ski rental delivery companies at North American ski resorts, and there’s plenty of coupons for savings, too!

If you plan on skiing or snowboarding a bunch this winter, consider a season pass to save big money.
If you plan on skiing or snowboarding a bunch this winter, consider a season pass to save big money.

#5. Season Passes vs. Lift Tickets

There was a time when lift tickets did not take up a large chunk of skiing on a budget. If you plan on doing a lot of skiing this year, a season pass is your best bet to save money on lift tickets. Season passes offer an entire season of skiing for a low price compared to the single-day price. Single-day adult lift tickets can be expensive. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to lift tickets.

  • Don’t walk up to the ticket window and pay full price.
  • Do purchase your lift tickets online at least seven days prior to your ski date. This is a good Rule of Thumb as many resorts offer discounts for lift tickets purchased at least a week in advance.
  • Don’t pay full price for everyone, every day.
  • Do investigate group savings and other specials on SkierDeals.com. If you have a favorite resort, bookmark that location and check back throughout the season for updated deals. You never know when something epic will pop up!
  • Don’t forget to do this next thing.
  • Do sign up for free lift ticket giveaways at SkierDeals.com. The discount deals website runs plenty of promotions throughout the ski season with free lift tickets for resorts on the East Coast, West Coast, Colorado and Canada. You must sign up to win and you can enter as many giveaways as you like. Bookmark the giveaways page and check back regularly for new ones.

#6. Investigate Ski Vacation Packages

Many people overlook this method of skiing on a budget; pre-packaged, all-inclusive ski packages. Seek out deeply discounted ski vacation packages that offer lodging, lift tickets, free nights of lodging, free days of skiing and snowboarding, and children stay, rent and ski for free. Bundle a ski package vacation with cheap airfare and deals on dining, activities and events during your vacation, and get everything you need for an unforgettable ski getaway. This website is a perfect source for you to save on every aspect of your vacation.

Contact