Ski vacations are expensive, that’s no surprise to any of us. From the cost of flights to the price of food on the mountain, booking a ski or snowboard trip can take a serious hit to your wallet. There are some solid ways to save money on the mountain, though, if you’re willing to put in the work. AAA sat down with travel journalist and lifelong skier Melissa McGibbon to talk 5 hacks for saving money on a ski trip.
The first tip is to set up a google alert for flights, making it easier to find flight deals. According to Melissa, the best time to book flights is 3-4 months in advance, as that’s when deals are usually the best. For accommodations, the best hack is to have a friend you can stay with on the mountain. If you don’t have a friend, staying off mountain is usually cheaper (though you do have to take into account the cost of getting to the mountain in that case).
Late season skiing can be another way to save money. Some resorts stay open far later than one might think, with skiing continuing into May at many areas across the country. Hotel prices often drop during the late spring. For food, the cheapest option will always be to bring your own. However if you’re on vacation, sometimes it’s nice to enjoy some on mountain food. In that case make sure you look at the different dining options available on mountain and asses the best option for your price range.
Lift tickets are where some of the biggest price savings can appear. If you’re going for several days, look into buying a season pass as sometimes that can be cheaper than multiple days of day tickets. Afternoon passes, dynamic pricing, and other factors can all make the lift tickets more affordable.
