Skiing on a Budget: 100 Ways to Save Money on a Ski Vacation

1. Book Early: Book everything early. This is the easiest way to save a lot of money, and you will have something to look forward to. The sooner the better!

2. Use Your Credit Card Points: Save up your credit card points and be sure to check flights. If you are buying a bunch of new gear for the trip, or booking lodging yourself then make those purchases first if you get miles on your card.

3. Be an Ambassador: Mountain ambassadors are those cheery folks who stand on the side of the hill passing out hot chocolate vouchers and trail maps, but they also ski free. If you're planning a vacation longer than two weeks (or a few shorter ones over the entire season), look into working in exchange for a free pass.

4. Look for Promotions: Don't have time to check for discounted lift tickets every day? Sign up for email lists for the resort you are interested in. If you really want to leverage the internet, do a bunch of searches for lift tickets and pay attention to the ads you start seeing. Google will do the work of bringing advertisers to you, and they are often eager to promote new discounts.

5. Bring Your Student ID: Are you or one of your kids in college? Make sure they have their student ID. Most resorts offer discounts for students so be sure to take advantage of these deals.

6. Bring Your Military ID: Same goes for the military, so be sure that you or anyone in your group brings their military ID.

7. Senior Discounts: Check for senior discounts and don't pay full price if you don't have to.

8. Check Daily Deal Sites: Take a look at the big ones, such as Groupon or LivingSocial. They won't help you much when you have a ski resort in mind, so start checking when you are still in the discovery phase as a big discount could help you decide on which resort you want to book.

9. Use a Tour Operator: Great tour operators know the mountains, know the towns, and have thought of all the details you haven't. Most of all, they love skiing and will help you put together the ideal experience at a reasonable price. 

10. Find a Ski Package: Ski vacation packages are a great way to save money, whether you are on a budget or a luxury ski trip. They are tailored to a wide variety of needs by resorts and tour operators like SnowPak can include everything from lift tickets to airport transfers. Added Bonus: They did all the hard work and research for you. 

11. Check Local Listings: Some of the smaller or more remote ski towns don't participate in Craigslist, Groupon, or other major selling/trading/deal sites. Look into the resort’s social media or website for lodging and local deals.

12. Use Regional Airports: Instead of flying to a major airport and renting a car or taking a long shared shuttle, you can walk or take a quick ride to and from the slopes. Avoid the cost and you are paying yourself to save time.

13. Travel in January: Holiday travelers are back at work so prices go down a week or two after the new year. The conditions should be great and it will be less crowded on the mountain. Added bonus: more lodging options are available (just avoid Martin Luther King Weekend). 

14. Travel Mid-Week: Flights, lodging, and lift tickets are generally cheaper. Also, fewer people on the slopes and more lodging options!

15. Stay Slightly Away from Slopeside: Ski-in/ski-out is great, but you'll find cheaper lodgings just a short drive away or a walkable distance away.

16. Visit Smaller Resorts: The big resorts are great, but their excellent customer service comes with a price. However, there are great low-profile options in most ski regions from British Columbia to Colorado to New England. A bit of research can save a lot of money and lead to a great trip. These mountains often have a more down-home vibe and smaller crowds.

17. Ski in Spring: Spring skiing is about fun, sun, and end-of-season deals on food, gear, lift tickets, and lodging. If you can get to a resort during the last week of the season, you'll pay much less for your total vacation than prime-time vacation periods.

18. Fly on Holidays: Airline prices plummet on the actual days of Christmas and New Year. Scope out flight tickets for these days if you are set on a holiday ski vacation but still want to save.

19. Use Miles on Partial Tickets: Got enough airline miles for part of the ticket? Try booking one flight to a major hub, then a separate flight to your final destination. You'll be able to use your miles on one full ticket and pay a minimal price for the other.

20. Use Public Transportation: It's usually free, or very cheap, plus you'll meet people who can give you the inside scoop on great deals and events going on in town.

21. Get an Airline Credit Card: If you don't have one yet, or want a new one to cash in on the extra points deals, apply for a new airline-affiliated credit card. Most offer thousands of points or bonus miles for sign-up and spending a specific amount within the first 2-3 months, so get it now, book your whole vacation on it, and get enough miles to fly free next time. 

22. Travel as a Group: Big groups get big discounts, especially if there are a few dozen of you. This is not always feasible, but even smaller groups can benefit from group discounts. Look for condos, house rentals, or suites with plenty of rooms to save per person per night cost. If you want to browse ski package options, check out our ski packages or contact us for assistance!

23. Stay Local: Skiing in the Rockies is great, but don't overlook local mountains if you live in the East. You will save a lot on flights and travel time and still have a great ski trip. Live out West? Look for hidden gems in your own state before feeling that you need to travel far for the best skiing.

24. Save on Bag Fees: Hauling gear on airlines is expensive. Make sure to look at baggage fees for each airline if you are planning to show off your sweet new gear.

25. Use Flight Comparison Sites: Obvious? Maybe, but always worth it to check out the big guys like Priceline.com and Kayak.

26. Include Rental Cars when You Compare Flights: ... and trains, and anything else that gets you to the mountain. As user-friendly as airline booking sites can be, the process is often frustrating enough that you just want to book the cheapest flight with a convenient time. Don't. You're working hard planning the trip so keep an eye on the details.

27. Cater to Interests: Weigh your options, and know what your family's or group’s priorities are. If you know the kids will love a heated outdoor pool, book the hotel with the outdoor pool. If they'll be so stoked about the snow they just want to sled after skiing, stay slopeside. These things might cost more in the beginning, but you'll save a lot by not having to book up all your free time with a variety of expensive activities.

28. Explore All Lodging Options: Hotels are great, but they can be expensive and may not fit your needs. There are plenty of other options, such as Airbnb and VRBO, but be sure to check out Mountain Reservations. They specialize in renting ski lodging directly from the owners. You can get a great price and stay in something more comfy and lived-in than a hotel room.

29. Book Lodging with a Kitchen: See if there are options that allow you to cook because by going shopping you will have a bigger budget to upgrade to a lodge with a kitchen….and maybe a hot tub.

30. House Exchange: If you have a lodging in a desirable place, and someone else has them in a ski vacation place, check out some reliable house swap websites and look into a good old fashioned trade.

31. Work Exchange: If you can take 2 weeks or more for vacation and you want to get a more integrated experience of the place, look into work exchanging at a hostel or nannying for a private family to get all the perks.

32. Book the Dorm: They're not as common as other options, but they will be the cheapest option for low-maintenance people.

33. Ski-In/Ski-Out: Although you may pay more for lodging, this can be a way to save money if you know what you want from your ski vacation. If you just want to ski and relax slopeside, this can be a great option. It saves time and a bit of hassle, and you can head home each day for gourmet lunches.

34. Keep It Clean: You might want to party hard on your ski vacation, or your kids might be the kind to run around, but make sure nothing get broken or ruined in any way. Vacation rental properties will bill you for damages or extra cleaning services, and the costs rack up quickly.

35. Go Grocery Shopping: This is an easy way to save a lot, especially if you are traveling with family or a group. Stock up on snacks, water, and sandwiches for when you are on the mountain. If you have a condo with a kitchen then plan your dinners as well. 

36. Buy in Bulk: If you're shopping at grocery stores, head to the bulk sections for deals on local granolas and snacks, and the cheapest prices for vacation-friendly foods like rice and pasta.

37. Pack Your Lunch: This small tip can save a lot of money, especially if you are traveling with family, as food at the ski resort is usually more expensive than usual. 

38. Bring Your Own Water: Ski resorts upcharge for everything, and you could spend $5 USD on water. Pack a water bottle so you can have water when you need it, not when you can get it.

39. Do the Lunch Special: Lunch specials often feature entrees for about 30% off dinner prices for same-size portions; if you're set on trying a specific restaurant but don't want to do the whole wine-and-dine dinner thing, look into a tasty and affordable lunch instead.

40. BYOB: If you don't want to drop $6 USD on a lunchtime beer, head into the general store and buy beer for a lot cheaper.

41. Ask for the Bar Menu: Many restaurants have dining-room and bar seating, but if you ask for a bar menu even though you're seated in the dining area, they'll give it to you. If a hearty salad or burger is all you need, a bar menu is your best bet.

42. Get 2-for-1 Entrees: At the very beginning and very end of ski season, restaurants may be offering 2-for-1 dinner entrees as a way to get more people in the door. So if you happen to be there during almost off-season, you could eat amazing food for a lower price. Just be sure to tip on what the entire bill would have been!

43. Rent Your Equipment in Advance

A lot of resorts offer discounts if you book in advance and are renting for a few days. Be sure to check their website or see if they are part of a package.

44. Have Kids Share Gear: If you travel with multiple families with young kids, not every kid will have to ski every day, and they can easily share clothes/gear by switching off.

45. Borrow Equipment: Ask your friends, neighbors, and family members if they have the ski equipment or gear you can borrow, and look past skis and snowboards. 

46. Check Your Gear Before Leaving Your Lodge - Especially Accessories: It is hard to forget your skis, but easy to misplace a glove. Resorts will offer easy access to any accessories you forget but at a steep price. If you are like most people, skiing without a pair of goggles is not an option. Take the time to make a checklist for yourself and any forgetful people in your group and run through it before you leave.

47. Double Check Your Gear: Make a list and go through it. If you are on a group trip for a long weekend, someone is bound to forget something, leading to wasted money and an unneeded pair of snow pants.

48. Discount Department Stores: Don't overlook discount stores such as Marshalls and T.J. Maxx, even if you are set on getting hip designer gear. You can often find designer jackets and gear at steep discounts, especially if you look in early fall or late spring.

49. Shop Online: Make a list of what you need and find the best prices online. You can browse snowsports-focused sites, but even sites like Amazon carry great products at reasonable prices.

50. Ski Naked: Don't ski naked, I just wanted to get your attention. Check your list again! If you are annoyed by the third reminder but remember to check your list then I am happy we helped. If you are annoyed at the ski shop when you are buying Timmy his third neck warmer, then I just want to say….go with black. It's classic.

51. Rent at a Local Shop: You can find rates that are cheaper than the resort and avoid a crowded rental area. You can also get some good advice there that you may not get on the mountain, so a trip into town can be well worth it.

52. Go Vintage: Check around local thrift stores, eBay, and online shops. You may look a little silly, or fratty, or maybe even cool, but you are on vacation. Have some fun.

53. Rent Ski Clothes: If you are taking a trip to the Rockies or a high peak in the Alps, you will need a sturdy jacket, but you don’t have to buy it if you will only wear it once, or maybe once a year. Check the resort's website and those of the nearby ski shops. 

54. Go to a Ski Expo: This can be one of the best ways to buy gear. In addition to being able to get discounts, you will find knowledgeable professionals that will help you find the right gear. A pair of well-fitting ski boots will last longer and save you from wear and tear on the legs. Check these out in late fall or early winter when the prices are the best.

55. Buy Second-Hand: Second-hand gear/clothing stores are the consignment treasure chests of ski towns. Everything is high quality, because it was previously owned by a local, and it is priced at 50-70% off retail price.

56. Use The Hotel Gear: Gear for other outdoor activities might be available for a small fee or even for free if you stay at a hotel. Check with the concierge for snowshoes, sleds, and hiking poles before buying them at a store.

57. Use The House Gear: Houses in ski towns are chock-full of sweet gear. The owners will remove stuff they don't want renters to use (or put it in a locked closet), but check in with the rental agency ahead of time to see if owners leave gear toys for renters.

58. Find the Demo Tent: During a handful of weekends throughout the season, companies will swoop in to sponsor a resort. You can often score great free food samples, swag, and most importantly, free 1-2 hour demos of skis: ideal if you want to try this season's gear without having to pay for it.

59. Pack Intelligently: Checked the weather? Good, now pack accordingly. Will you be warm on the coldest day and have that midweight sweater or jacket when things get a little warm? Do you have all the gear you will need? The last thing you want is to buy overpriced items when you are stuck on the mountain.

60. Get Hand/Feet Warmers: Ski gear is expensive, and if it's extra cold you may be motivated to buy an extra shirt or sweater. Hand and feet warmers in the boots/gloves can go a very long way to keeping you warm. Check out our favorites here

61. Get Discounted Lift Tickets Online

62. Kids Fly Free Deals: Look for package deals that provide free flights for kids when you book a family ski vacation. Resorts and tour operators put these packages together to entice travelers and to help you save money.

63. Find Kids Ski Free Deals: Resorts love families, and many offer deals to lure them in. Look for kids-ski-free deals that include a free lift ticket for a child when an adult ticket is purchased. Don't know where to find them? Don't worry, we did the work for you so click here.

64. Half Day Lift Tickets: Although not always advertised aggressively, most resorts offer different lift tickets such as half-day tickets. Do you need a full day of skiing on your arrival or departure day, or can you save a few bucks by buying a half-day ticket?

65. Get Multiday Passes: Most resorts offer discounted pricing when you buy a multi-day ticket. If you are skiing for three days, then book a 3-day ticket and do so as early as possible!

66. Season Passes: Look at season pass prices, like EPIC or IKON passes, especially for kids. It takes a long trip (or at least a few short ones) for the math to work, but this can help lower costs.

67. Lower Mountain Lift Tickets: Beginner skier or just looking to cruise? Consider looking into lower mountain lift tickets, which can be half the price of a full ticket. Sure, you can't access the harder terrain, but do even need to?

68. Find an Industry Friend: Right, easier said than done, but this applies to those of you who may already have friends working at the resort you're visiting. Chances are, they get some great perks, including half and full-day lift ticket vouchers for guests. So it might be time to take a scroll through all those facebook friends you haven't spoken to in years and reconnect with the ones in the industry.

69. Don't Ski More Than You Want To: If you're going on a week or longer vacation, be honest with yourself: do you even want to ski all day, every day? Plan a rest day of off-slopes activities in the middle to make the most of your full-power ski days, and this will also save you a full-day lift ticket.

70. Passports (not the kind you think) For Kids? Be sure to get your "passport" (and not the one you need for trips to Europe). Many states (Pennsylvania, New York, and Utah, to name a few) offer Passports for snowsports. These generally lead to discounted or even free tickets for grade-schoolers. Be sure to check out your state's ski sites, or just google 'ski passport _____', the blank being the state you will be skiing in.

71. Share A Lift Ticket: Traveling with a child that you can't take on the slopes? Swap days of skiing with your spouse. Mom can ski the first day and Dad can build a snow fort with the kids. Switch roles the next day and convene after skiing for family bonding.

72. Look For Local Lift Deals: You should buy your lift tickets early, but maybe you are taking a spur-of-the-moment trip for the weekend. Be sure to check out local shops and even gas stations, which often provide deals on lift tickets.

73. Go To Free Music: In nice weather especially, resorts often host concerts that are fun, family-friendly, and free. If listening to live music is more about the social atmosphere for you anyway, always opt for the free options.

74. Find a Kids Night Out: Babysitters are expensive everywhere, and in a ski town the going rate is at least $20 USD ($27 AUD)/hr. Many resorts now have kids-only evening events that cost a fraction of that price, so plan you're big date night out accordingly.

75. Take Advantage Of Happy Hour: See if the resort or local bars have a happy hour. They often offer discounts to attract skiers. If you want to be on the last lift of the day then great! If you are just as interested in a drink or two with a fun crowd (or are looking to party) then skip that last run, post up at the bar, and get warm.

76. Après Everywhere: Looking for a great après ski experience that does not bust your budget? Leave the resort and look for bars that are not frequented by travelers. You will save money, pick up the local vibe and maybe get some great tips and ideas from the locals. Buying a round could lead to big savings and some new friends.

77. Don't Pay A Cover Charge: Chances are, the most touristy bars featuring live music at night will have a cover charge. If you're really stoked on going, arrive an hour early before the bouncers start charging, and kick back with a drink to relax before the show

78. Find Community Classes: Off-slopes activities like snowmobiling and paragliding are awesome but also costly. For budget-friendly options, look into "community" yoga classes, dance classes, art classes, and more. They'll be donation-based or just a few bucks.

79. Ice Skating: Switch it up with a low-cost fun family activity. Lots of towns have ice skating rinks and it's a fun thing the whole family can take part in.

80. Cross-Country Skiing: Take a day off the slopes and get in a great workout! It is cheaper than having to pay for a lift ticket and will be a fun family activity.

81. Go To The Library: If you have youngsters, the town library will be your gem of a find: books, toys, and even playrooms are all there for an afternoon of entertainment, free of cost. Sure, there is a library in your town, but there is something about a new and unique setting that makes something old exciting again.

82. Go To The Museums: Ski towns have more to offer than mountain activities, and you can save by knocking off a day of lift tickets or by going to a museum rather than doing something more pricey. While usually not free, museums are a low-cost option for kids and adults alike. Many ski towns have rich histories of science and culture, and museums are often non-profits that want visitors to come to learn so they make it affordable.

83. Learn From The Locals: The local ski bums spend more time on the mountain than anyone, and they have picked up all the local tricks. For example, they will know the shops that sell lift tickets for less than you can find at the resort. Make some friends and pick their brains. A round at the bar can lead to big savings elsewhere.

84. Shop The Lost-And-Found: If you lose a glove, goggles, or some other small accessory on your ski vacation, check the lost-and-found before you go buy something new. If it's not there, check with the person who runs the lost-and-found for items that could replace yours. Most of the stuff in there will never be claimed, and if you know something has been there for weeks or months, snag it, use it, and return at the end of your trip if you happen to uphold the highest of morals.

85. Plan Yourself: Who needs an experienced travel professional or a package deal? Well, lots of people, but if you know your way around a resort, have your own tricks to save money, and have the time, consider booking everything yourself. And if you do have ideas we missed, email me here or tweet us @snowpak

86. Build In Quality Family Time: Sure, ski vacations are about having fun new experiences and taking advantage of all sorts of cool activities. But good old-fashioned quality family time is another way to bond while you're on vacation. Don't try to pack every last second of your schedule with organized activities. Try a family movie night, game night, or story-telling. It doesn't cost money, and it does pay in quality family connection.

87. Check Exchange Rates: For international travel, look into current exchange rates to see if this is a good time to get the most bang for your American buck.

88. Skip The Souvenirs: It's tempting to buy everything in sight if you're in a new place and totally love it. But if you don't have the budget to blow on clothes, gear, and trinkets, just skip them. Focus on filling up with great experiences instead.

89. Send A Postcard: News Flash from current travel trends: postcards are cool again. If you don't want to bother with gifts for family and friends but want to send a little something, send a postcard. It's thoughtful, cheap, and the perfect refrigerator decoration.

90. Tip Generously: Ski instructors, bartenders, valets...these guys and gals know the town and hear all the gripes and favorite experiences of travelers. They know what is great, what is overrated, and where to find the best deals. Most of them will give you an honest answer, but they can't tell everyone about the local gem that is always fun but never crowded. Endear them to you the easy way: pay them! Who knows what magic they will muster?

91. Look For Mountain Ambassadors: Professional guides are great, but see if your resort offers tours through ambassadors. These are often passionate skiers who get rewards from the resort for providing tours to guests. You will get a great tour of the mountain without having to pay.

92. Rent Baby Stuff: It's true: you may not have to check a whole extra bag of books, toys, and gear for your baby or little ones. Hotels and babysitting agencies can often set you up with rentals of this stuff for next to nothing. Call ahead to see what you can get when you reach your destination.

93. Earn Your Turns: …As in, take a hike, or a skin. If you're an experienced backcountry skier, spending a day or two on neighboring non-resort terrain is free, fun, and an ideal getaway from the crowds.

94. Bring Your Prescriptions, And Back-Up: I know, this seems random. But if you're vacationing out-of-state, medical needs might be costly for out-of-network visits and pharmacies. Minimise potential cost by stocking up on whatever you might need extras of.

95. Be A Tourist: Local flavor and insider connections can save a lot and make you feel connected, but chambers of commerce and visitors associations are there to help local businesses while serving you, the tourist. For the most part, they exist to ensure people come, have a great experience, and spend money along the way. Bask in your out-of-towns and get tips from those that work every day to make their town a great vacation destination.

96. Prepare for the Weather: Will it be cold? Probably, but will it be in the 30s or hovering around zero at the base of the mountain? Don't get caught with the jacket that worked last February if you will be in the middle of a cold spell. The last thing you want is to be miserable on the mountain, or forced to buy an expensive jacket at a steep markup.

97. Take Stunning Photos: …And sell them. Ski vacations often offer spectacular settings for landscape and lifestyle photos. If you have a decent camera and a knack for photography, take photos as memories and also as potential to sell to magazines or stock websites.

98. Write A Review: If you have experience in writing or blogging, find (or create!) opportunities to write reviews of hotels, restaurants, and resorts in exchange for discounted prices. Companies want good press, and it's not impossible to score some free lift tickets or a classy dinner in exchange for writing about the experience.

99. Research The Resort: There are a lot of great mountains in the US and Canada, which means as a consumer you have a lot of choices. Lift tickets range from $40 USD ($55 AUD) a day up to $130 USD ($178 AUD), and lodging can range even more. Make sure you pick the right resort for you and your family, as that is probably the biggest factor in total cost. You can see a list of lift ticket prices here

100. Have a Freakin' Phenomenal Time: It's the law of the universe: the vibes you put out into the world are the ones you receive in return. Set your intention of having a great vacation, on your budget, no matter what, and believe that it's what you'll receive. Go along, grasshopper. Let there be fun, skiing, and deals!