Ski Trips - Budget Tips

- Saving Money on Family Ski Trips

No question, ski trips can be costly getaways for families. Below are money-saving tips that can help on ski trips. But first:

Where to Go?
In terms of budget, driving to a local mountain will always save money. But sometimes local has limitations. Such as:

• vertical lift: as kids get older, the family may crave bigger runs.
• quality of the snow: for most of us, ice is not so nice; meanwhile, champagne powder is sweet.
• kids' programs: you might prefer a place that goes the extra mile for families

Check Family Ski Resorts in Five Regions for places that offer great vert, great snow, and outstanding kids' programs. Budget-minded travelers should keep in mind:

• some choice destinations --in Colorado, for instance-- require connecting flights, which can add to costs, and to travel time especially if bad weather hits.
• Sometimes lesser-known spots can be super for family ski trips. They may not have the glitz, but you get uncrowded slopes, lower prices, manageable size, friendly ambiance.
• Utah gets points for fast-track to the slopes: most cities have direct flights to Salt Lake City, where seven mountains are within a one-hour drive. At several spots, you can get on the slopes for free, the day of your flight.
• Several vacation packagers -- such as United Vacations-- frequently offer "Kids Fly Free" or other "Kids Free" ski trip promotions. (Expect some blackout dates.)

Tips to Reduce the Price of Lift Tickets

• try lower-profile, smaller locations: they can be much cheaper, and are often less crowded and have great beginner and intermediate slopes
• take your ski trip in off-peak times: many resorts have deals early or late in the season
• seek resorts where kids are free up to a certain age
• check out seasons passes (often sold months before the season starts), multi-visit passes, online tickets -- any and all alternatives to the regular ticket price! Local newspapers may have promotions for lift tickets.
• take lessons, and you'll often get a price break on lift tickets
• save on accommodations by sharing a big condo with another family.

Save Money on Gear or Rentals
Kids outgrow equipment so fast that excellent and little-used gear is available second-hand.

• buy equipment at ski-swaps, consignment stores, or special lease/buyback programs for kids offered at sports equipment retailers. Also: check online at Kidznsnow.com.
• try to buy before the snow season opens, when you'll be desperate for gear!
• think creatively: do you have friends whose kids have outgrown their gear?

If you need to rent gear at your destination, you may have a couple of options. Rentals right at the ski slopes are most convenient; however, on-site rental shops can be expensive. They can also be extremely busy at peak periods: you might lose an hour of your day just getting gear.

Check to see if ski shops near -- but not on-- the mountain rent equipment more cheaply. You do have to factor in the hassle of lugging boots and skis and boards to the slopes: decide if the savings are worth it!

Note that some ski rental shops will rent all the gear you'll need -- including jackets and pants.

Photo © Teresa Plowright