Budget Travel Hacks Every Winter Sports Enthusiast Should Know

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Heading to the slopes but don’t want to break the bank?

Hey there winter sports athlete.

It’s the winter conundrum we all face every year. Going to have lots of snowsport fun but not spending too much dough doing it.

According to recent industry data, roughly one-third of winter athletes purchased fewer winter products last season due to inflated prices.

The good news is budgets can be stretched further.

There are some solid tactics that will allow you to enjoy your snowboarding and skiing time in the snow more without spending all of your hard earned money. You just need to know what you should be looking for and when.

Why Planning A Budget is Important

If we’re talking about dollars for a minute.

Visiting the ski resort on a typical trip is going to cost you about $2500-$3000 USD for 4 days mountain time. If that includes lift tickets, accommodations, rentals, meals and so on.

The issue

The majority of winter sports athletes overspend by not preparing ahead of time. Paying full price for products. Booking lodging at the last minute. Purchasing lift tickets on site.

All of these factors result in some serious expenses. However if you take the proper approach you can reduce your vacation budget by 30% to 50%. Meaning more trips to the mountain, better equipment, and extra spending money for après ski!

How To Spot Snowboarding & Skiing Gear Deals

Alright this is where many people go wrong.

Many athletes purchase their gear right before winter begins when demand is high and prices rise accordingly. Intelligent consumers time their shopping seasonally.

One of the best times to purchase snowboarding and skiing gear deals?

During the end of season sales. This is typically from the months of February to April. Brands have to make room for their summer merchandise. And this is typically when you will find deals on top snowboard gear at 40%-60% off list price.

Here are some things you should be looking to purchase during this time:

Boards and bindings from previous seasons

Boots

Outerwear from high-end brands at clearance prices

Goggles and helmets!

Discount shopping holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great too. These occur right before the peak season starts but many brands will offer discounts on current year models.

The Used Gear Strategy

Looking to save even more money?

The used gear method is where it’s at. A lot of snowboarders and skiers upgrade their riding equipment every few seasons. And their old gear isn’t being used.

Try hitting up some local community swap events. Many ski clubs throughout the country host gear exchange events throughout the year. Usually you can find gently used boards, boots, and bindings at decent prices.

Checking online sellers is another great tactic. Just be sure you thoroughly inspect the gear before handing over your money. Look for damage to bases of boards. Test the buckles and straps on boots.

Even your local rental shop sells their demo gear at the end of every season. These boards have been well cared for by the shops professionals. Typically at steep discounts.

Accommodation Tricks That Save You Money

Let’s talk about where you’re going to stay next.

Accommodations will take the biggest chunk out of your trip budget. Staying directly at the ski resort is nice. But also comes with a heftier price tag. Many resorts charge upwards of $300+ a night during peak season.

Here’s what you should be doing instead.

Find a place to stay in the adjacent towns. Many towns only 20-30 minutes away from the resort will have half the price of accommodations. You aren’t losing much time by driving and save so much on cost.

Vacation rentals are also your friend. Renting out a condo with some friends splits the cost per person. You even get the luxury of having a kitchen to cook meals.

Weekdays are cheaper than weekends. Staying early season and late season will beat holiday pricing by miles. And book months in advance to score the best rates.

Lift Ticket Strategies That Work

Buy your lift tickets online and ahead of time.

Purchasing tickets at the window is like cutting your legs off. Seriously. Do not do this.

Many ski resorts charge window prices that exceed $200USD per day. If you know you’re going skiing or riding more than 5-7 days per year then buying a season pass or multi resort pass makes sense.

Single day early bird tickets that you purchase online save you money right off the bat. A lot of ski resorts offer discounts just for buying in advance 10%-20% or more. Some resorts even offer discounted afternoon lift tickets if you only want to ski or ride in the afternoon.

Package deals can also help save you some dough. Look for resort packages that will bundle your lift ticket with either lodging or rental equipment.

Travel Tips To Consider

Now we come to travel expenses.

Flying during peak season will cost you a pretty penny more than say… Off-season. Rental cars and gas prices are another expense you don’t need.

Try flying into nearby airports. Other airports may be a bit further but can save you hundreds of dollars on flights. Take the time to compare all of your options prior to booking.

Ride share with other winter sports athletes. If you split up gas costs and parking between four people it’ll be much cheaper than everyone driving themselves.

Travel during the shoulder season if you’re able to. Both December and March offer great snowfall and lower costs on everything from flights to accommodations.

Renting Equipment vs Buying

Still not sure if you should rent your gear or buy?

The winter sports equipment market is projected to continue growing at close to 6% through the next 5 years. Winter sports enthusiasts will have no shortage of options when it comes to renting vs buying equipment.

Renting is usually best for beginners who are just getting used to the sport. It allows you to try out different styles of equipment without the long-term commitment. Plus you can figure out what works best with your riding style.

If you know you’ll be hitting the mountain multiple times through out the season it’s wise to buy your own gear. After about 3-4 trips your equipment will pay for itself. End of season sales change the game when purchasing gear at up to 50% off retail prices.

Pack Your Own Food And Drinks

Last but not least…

Don’t eat or drink anything at the mountain.

Wait… What?

Yes, unless you’re skiing or snowboarding for breakfast food will be expensive as hell. Lodge burgers can cost you $15-$20 USD. Throw in some drinks and snacks. You could be spending $80 a day just on food.

Pack your lunches from your accommodations. Easy lunch sandwiches, protein bars, and fruit are easy to throw in your backpack. And eat them on the mountain avoiding pricey cafeteria meals.

Bring your own refillable water bottle. Cook breakfast and dinners when staying at a rental condo. Spending money on groceries is way cheaper than dining at restaurants.

That’s all folks!

Budget conscious winter sports trips aren’t about sacrificing all of the goodies. It’s about being smart with your money so you can enjoy more seasons on the slopes.

Purchase winter sports gear during the end of season sales or consider buying quality used gear. Don’t stay at the resorts to save on lodging. Buy lift tickets online prior to your trip. And travel to the mountain during the shoulder season. Food and drinks will be your worst enemy if you don’t pack any with you.

See you out there!