-
Step 1
Shop. Check out state and local web sites for tourism and skiing. Not only is the general information helpful, often there are links for area ski resorts, attractions, lodging and dining. Look at the ski areas' official web sites for information, prices and deals.
-
Step 2
Book travel and lodging early, especially if you can only ski during a peak time. Get plane tickets well in advance of the ski trip to get the best fare and timetable. Make hotel or condo reservations early so that you are not left with a $500 suite because every other room for miles around has been booked.
-
Step 3
Rent a condo or a room with a kitchenette and prepare some meals and snacks there. Bed and breakfasts usually offer a full breakfast and a variety of room types. Prices at bed and breakfasts can be significantly lower than hotel rooms or condos, especially if you book a basic room or share a bathroom with other guests.
-
Step 4
Hit the slopes during the week. Often lift tickets are cheaper Monday to Thursday. Many ski areas also offer multi-day weekday packages.
-
Step 5
Ski in the fall or spring. Many ski resorts and local businesses offer good rates and promotions to lure skiers during off-peak times.
-
Step 6
Use coupons, promotions and corporate discounts. Many companies offer perks like discounted lift tickets or a partially subsidized day trip. Many retailers, such as supermarkets and gas stations, will give you free lift tickets if you buy a certain number of products.
-
Step 7
Suggest ski equipment and clothing if someone asks what you want for a gift. Many ski areas also sell gift cards which often can be bought online.
-
Step 8
Look for packages. Many ski resorts, hotels and inns offer "ski and stay" packages. You can often find a package that discounts both your room and your lift tickets. Some hotels and inns provide free continental breakfast.
-
Step 9
Go with a group. You may get a reduced group rate on lift lessons, lift tickets and equipment rentals. Hotels may discount a block of rooms. If you rent a condo, you can divide the costs among everyone who stays there.
-
Step 10
Buy your own equipment. Your skis, boots and poles will pay for themselves over the years, and you'll save all that time you might have spent in the rental equipment lines.
-
Step 11
Pack lunches and snacks and bring water. You can spend a lot of money on mediocre food at ski area cafeterias and restaurants. Bring a cooler or get to the ski area early enough to park near a lodge and leave some food and beverages in the car. Even if you get hot soup or cocoa from the concessions to go with your homemade sandwich, you will save money.
-
Step 12
Add night skiing to your daytime lift ticket. Some ski areas allow you to do this for as little as $10.
-
Step 13
Buy season tickets or packages if you ski often. Do the math to see what works for you. The cost of season tickets may be less than if you were to buy one lift ticket on each visit. Many ski areas offer a variety of packages and prices. Some resorts also sell 3 days of skiing for the price of 2.
-
Step 14
Plan. If season passes are limited, buy them as they become available. As the snow melts, you can buy great ski equipment and clothing on sale.
