It’s no secret that skiing is an expensive sport. For newcomers, it can feel near impossible to get onto the mountain without spending far more than you’d like. Many more experienced skiers have their own tips and tricks for saving money on the mountain, and Seniors on the Slopes is no exception. They’ve shared 10 tricks to save many and stop overpaying to go skiing.
10 Ways To Save Money On The Slopes
- Avoid Buying at the Ticket Window: Purchase lift tickets online in advance to get lower prices, as ticket window prices are the highest. Buying a few days ahead balances savings with weather forecast reliability.
- Check Lodging Discounts: If you’ve booked lodging, ask about specially discounted lift ticket deals offered through your accommodation.
- Explore State Ski Association Deals: Visit your state ski association’s website for deals on tickets and lessons, as well as discounts for kids, seniors, students, veterans, or local residents.
- Use Passholder Discounts: If you know someone with a season pass, ask them to check for friends-and-family discounts, which can be substantial.
- Take Advantage of Learn-to-Ski Programs: Newcomers can benefit from programs like the Indie Pass Learn to Turn deal, which offers three days of lessons, rentals, and lift tickets for $189.
- Opt for Multi-Day Tickets or Season Passes: Multi-day tickets reduce costs for consecutive ski days, and season passes are cost-effective if you ski five or more days, especially if bought in spring when prices are lowest.
- Choose Passes with Blackout Days: Save money by selecting season passes with blackout dates for busy holidays or weekends, which also avoids crowded slopes.
- Ski Midweek or Night Sessions: Midweek tickets and passes are cheaper, and night skiing, where available, offers significant savings with less crowded slopes.
- Visit Smaller Ski Areas: Smaller, local ski resorts are often half the price of big-name resorts, less crowded, and just as enjoyable.
- Pack Food and Gear Carefully: Bring your own food to avoid expensive resort dining, and double-check your gear to avoid costly purchases or rentals at the mountain. Rent equipment from local ski shops the day before to save money and time, and buy used skis or gear from reputable retailers or during off-season sales for better deals.
