Top Budget Boosts for Your Ski Day

If you’re anything like us, you’re always on the hunt for ways to level up your time on the slopes without breaking the bank. We recently tossed out a question to our Unofficial Network on Facebook: “What’s something $20 or less that greatly enhances your ski experience?” The responses came flooding in—over 400 comments strong—full of clever hacks, nostalgic nods, and plenty of cheeky suggestions. From pocket-sized treats to essential gear tweaks, it’s clear that small investments can make a big difference in comfort and performance.

We dove into the data to spot the trends, categorizing the replies based on common themes. (Note: Some responses fit multiple categories, like a sandwich paired with a flask, but we focused on the primary idea.) Practical items like wax and warmers popped up frequently, but let’s be real—the community leaned heavily into “enhancements” of the recreational variety. Here’s a breakdown of the top categories, accompanied by a simple bar chart for visual appeal (scaled for readability, based on approximate counts from the responses).

Standout Quotes from the Community

The real gold was in the details. Here are some of our favorite responses, quoted directly for that authentic flavor:

Chad Erickson kicked things off with a carnivore classic: “Pocket bacon.” Simple, savory, and ready for that mid-lift munch.
Matt Driscoll nailed the pre-game ritual: “Parking Lot Coors Banquet.” Nothing says “ski day starter” like a tailgate brew.
Dane Hartzell combined sustenance and spirits: “A really good meat and cheese sandwich in my pocket that I can eat on the lift. With perhaps a small flask of wine.” Pro tip for all-day energy.
Kathryn Weiss shouted out cold-weather saviors: “TOE WARMERS in your boots!” A must for those frosty mornings.
Zach Rankin got technical: “The swix brand liquid rub on wax is fantastic. I just apply it every morning before i hit the slopes and it lasts all day. It keeps the skis gliding through the flat sections where most people are pushing because they haven’t waxed their skis or board since the beginning of the season lol.”
Christian Friberg dropped a nostalgic bomb: “Old guy rant.. in the 90’s, you could get egg, toast and coffee at the Cat’s Paw in Bozeman for 1.25 plus tip, go ski all day, then go back to the cats paw for happy hour and get 2 for 1 pints for $1 till your $20 ran out or happy hour ended. Actually, only needed $10 for a full day.” Ah, the good old days—reminding us how inflation hits the slopes hard.
Kurt Wurzberger kept it cheeky: “Slipping it to a lifty.” (We’re assuming this means a tip for faster lines… right?)
Lewis Semajay preached efficiency: “Backpack with Pop-Tarts and bottled water – never, ever, EVER stop for lunch.”

Nelson Flesch went with “Albino midget Cambodian whale sperm.” (Hey, ski crowds have a sense of humor—though we’re sticking to the legal stuff here.)

Top Categories at a Glance

We tallied the mentions to see what stood out. Alcohol and cannabis dominated, reflecting that classic après (or during) vibe, while food and gear essentials held strong.

(Cannabis includes joints, pre-rolls, edibles, and even wildcards like mushrooms or LSD; alcohol covers beers, shots, flasks, and spirits; food/snacks spans sandwiches, bacon, gummies, and more; goggle cleaners are mostly “Ski Gee” or squeegees; warmers are hand/toe packets; socks are the right pair for comfort.)

As you can see, “vibe enhancers” like weed and booze stole the show, making up over half the suggestions. Food hacks weren’t far behind—perfect for avoiding pricey lodge meals. Gear like wax and cleaners appealed to the performance crowd, especially on variable conditions days.

Deeper Dive: Why These Matter

Breaking it down further, the responses highlight how affordability can transform a ski day. Alcohol and cannabis suggestions (often pocket-sized like nips or pre-rolls) point to relaxation and social vibes, especially on the lift or in the lot. Food hacks emphasize skipping overpriced resort eats—think pocket PB&Js or Uncrustables for sustained energy without the lines.

On the practical side, wax was a repeat winner for better glide, as Zach noted. Goggle cleaners like the Ski Gee (mentioned by folks like Erik Anderson and Steve Maggio) are game-changers in wet or foggy conditions. Warmers and socks tackle the eternal battle against cold toes, with Cathy Nyrkkanen simply stating: “The right socks.”

We also saw creative outliers, like Deborah Haslinger Rounds‘ “A lanyard for my phone so I don’t drop it from the lift,” or Javan Nuzzolo‘s “SPF Chapstick” for sun protection at altitude.

Wrapping It Up: Your Turn to Try

Whether you’re chasing speed with fresh wax, staying toasty with warmers, or just enjoying a chairlift beer, these under-$20 gems prove that ski days don’t require massive spending. Big thanks to our Facebook fam for the wisdom—your ideas have us geared up for the next powder day.

And remember, ski safe, stay hydrated (or whatever your “enhancement” of choice is), and catch you on the slopes!

Data compiled from Facebook responses as of August 30, 2025.