Skiing prices have gotten insane.
As evidenced by the price tags on any ski resort’s lift tickets nowadays, skiing at resorts can easily empty out your wallet quicker than you can say hey-down there-whoa!
But here’s the deal:
Taking a family of four skiing for just one day at most resorts can cost you over $1,000 lift tickets, rentals, and a lunch on the mountain. Now we’re talking.
The good news is…
There are ways around crazy expensive winter sports. By taking the time to shop around for ski equipment deals before you go skiing, you’ll lay the groundwork for an affordable ski vacation. Visitors who get the best ski deals at Sun & Ski Sports can easily save hundreds on their total vacation expenses before they even reserve their hotel rooms.
Here’s how to do it.
Table of Ski Deal Buying Guide
- Why Skiing Prices Are Out Of Control
- How to SAVE Money on Ski Gear
- Renting vs Buying Ski Equipment
- 5 Tips to Ski Cheap
- WHEN to go Skiing on the Cheap
Why Skiing Prices Are Out Of Control
Do you know why skiing gets more expensive every year?
Because it literally does.
It used to cost up to $9 to ski back in 1972. Today, those same lift tickets can cost you upwards of $329 during peak season. Again…not kidding.
There are a few reasons:
Most resorts are owned by large conglomerates now with Vail Resorts owning 41. Skiing costs more to keep up luxury “experiences.” Demand is high and will likely remain that way despite the costs.
Also, those lift tickets are just a piece of the pie. Rentals are $40 – $125/day depending on what you get. Lodging will run you at least $300/night at most places you’re looking at going.
The bottom line:
Skiing prices have skyrocketed over the years. As a result, skiing has become a luxury sport.
Don’t let that discourage you from having fun this winter, though. Just plan ahead!
How to SAVE Money on Ski Gear
Renting your ski gear from the resort is a big money mistake.
It costs more because the resort knows you have limited options. You’ve already drove 3 hours, reserved your hotel, and bought tickets. Now you’re stuck renting from them.
Don’t fall for it.
Buy your ski equipment BEFORE your trip. Researching and taking advantage of sales on skis, boots, poles, jackets, and other accessories before you leave is one of the easiest ways to save money. Most retailers will offer massive discounts on gear during their off-season sales.
Renting a full set of gear at your destination can cost $50 – $70/day. The same gear from an off-mountain shop could cost $30 – $45.
Family of four, going for 4 days?
That’s hundreds of dollars right there.
Your options include:
- Renting off-site (stores not associated with the ski resort)
- Booking online in advance for up to 20-25% off
- Season-long rentals if you ski more than twice a year
- Demo days to try gear at discounted prices
Renting Ski Equipment vs Buying it New
Should you rent or should you buy?
We all know this age old question.
Honestly…
It depends on how much you ski.
Typical ski equipment ( skis, boots, bindings, poles ) will run you anywhere from $700 to $1,500. Ouch. But if you rent that gear each time you visit the slopes it could cost you $50+/day.
Ski 15 days a year? You just spent $750 on rentals…enough to buy your own gear after 2 years.
If you ski:
- Twice a year or less
- Have kids that rapidly outgrow gear
- Like to experiment with different ski types
You’ll likely find buying new equipment doesn’t make sense. But renting every time you go is also overpaying.
Consider a season-long rental if you go 10+ days a year. These packages allow you to keep the gear throughout the winter for $250 – $400.
Bonus tip: Wait until the end of the season to buy your gear. Retailers will discount last seasons gear at the end of every year just to make room for new inventory. That $800 set of skis, boots, poles, & bindings you’ve had your eye on could be half off.
5 Tips to Ski Cheap
Want to learn how to save money skiing?
Easy.
Follow these five tips and you’ll spend less money the next time you hit the slopes.
Hit the slopes midweek.
Weekend lift tickets are 30-50% more expensive at most resorts. And don’t let the resorts fool you either. They use the same mountain, same snow…they just charge more because you’re willing to pay.
Go to small mountain resorts.
Your parents may boast about all of the cool stuff they did when they visited Vail every year. But those ski resorts are expensive for a reason.
Smaller local mountains often have just as much – if not better – skiing at a fraction of the cost. Lift tickets under $75 are out there.
Buy season passes ahead of time.
Maybe you’re planning on taking more than one trip this winter. If so, buying a season pass will almost always be cheaper than buying lift tickets each day.
Keep in mind that most resorts sell these passes at a discount when they first become available. Usually that means you’ll have to purchase them by the end of spring or beginning of fall.
Bring your own food.
Food on the mountain ranges from $10 – $25 per person. A family of four buying lunch at a restaurant on the mountain is spending $50+ before anyone even thinks about ordering a beer.
Make lunch sandwiches and throw some snacks in your pack. You’ll save a ton of money by simply refusing to eat at the resort.
Stay somewhere off the mountain.
Just like restaurants, hotels located directly at the base of the ski mountain know they can charge more.
Stay 10 – 15 minutes away and you can save $100+/night. That’s $500 – $700 saved on a week-long vacation.
WHEN to go Skiing on the Cheap
The best deals won’t matter if you go at the worst times.
Crowded ski seasons are:
- Christmas & New Years
- Presidents Day weekend
- School break weeks (not all)
Anything during these times will be at peak prices. Expect to pay more for lift tickets, hotels, and everything else.
Less crowded times to ski are:
Right after the holidays in early January. Or later in the season from late January to early February. These timeframes should still have great snow conditions for the majority of resorts but lack the inflated holiday prices.
Late season skiing is another option. March & April will typically have lower prices as most resorts try to push visitors through their doors before the season is over.
Bonus tip: Did you know that a lot of resorts use yield pricing? What this means is that prices go up the closer you get to the date you want to visit. Book your trips two weeks out and you’re more likely to lock in a lower price.
Final Thoughts
Skiing doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.
While lift tickets, resort rentals, and family vacations can easily reach five figures. It doesn’t have to if you plan accordingly.
- Scout out ski equipment deals ahead of time
- Rent your gear off mountain or buy used instead
- Take advantage of midweek deals at smaller resorts
- Bring your own food and stay off the mountain
- Book early and travel when prices are low
You don’t have to be lucky to ski and save money. You just have to be smart.
Start preparing for your next ski trip today. Not only are all of the early-bird deals waiting for you, but so are blank tickets just waiting to be filled with your valuable knowledge.
