25 Smart Tips for Planning a Budget Ski Vacation
The ordinary person still has to work quite hard to enjoy the finer things in life. Here are some tips that RunRex gives to will help you stay within your budget during your next ski trip.
1. Travel in a group
Groups are great for you to share the expenses. For instance, you can look for that ski buddy who you have not heard from in years. Ask them if they would be interested in going skiing as a group.
2. Borrow Your Gear
If you know a ski enthusiast who is not going skiing this season for a certain reason, borrow their gear. It could help you to cut the cost of renting or buying your gear.
3. Rent Your Gear
Ski gear can be quite expensive. If you are new to it, you should consider renting the gear. In this way, you may avoid making a purchase of the wrong type of gear.
4. Cook your Food
On a ski trip, you will have the option to prepare your meals depending on where you are staying. Cooking is quite cheap compared to the cost of purchasing food at the ski town hotels.
5. Book Early
If you book early, the ticket prices are usually quite low. Besides that, you will find that there are more options available when you book tickets early.
6. Stay off the Mountain
Some resorts are quite easy to access. Consequently, you do not need to live in the expensive resorts.
7. Book During the offseason
During this period, resorts are eager to attract customers to be able to pay the bills. Look for resorts that offer season deals combined with some quality skiing terrain.
8. Hunt for Skiing Deals
Numerous sites online offer skiers deals. They list numerous deals on equipment and tickets. Actively search out these sites.
9. Choose Resorts that Are Not So Popular
Skiing is all about having fun; you do not need to go where all the crowds are headed. Some resorts such as Keystone, Colorado can still offer quality skiing while still being affordable.
10. Do not Choose the Airports Closest to the Resorts
These types of airports also have the highest demand. Consequently, you are likely to pay more. To get the best deals, consider looking into regional airports.
11. Choose A Hotel Far from the Slopes
In most ski areas, the transportation is usually excellent. Even when you stay some distance from the ski slopes, you will still have access to great public transportation.
12. Use an Airline Credit Card
When you do that, you will accumulate air miles. Over time, those miles make it quite cheap for you to fly.
13. Avoid the Expensive souvenirs
Unfortunately, most of the things at gift shops are overpriced. Besides that, most of them are ordinary objects such teddy bears with some minor embellishments. Instead, just take some great photos.
14. Do not Travel With Your Bags
Airlines charge an arm and a leg to transport your luggage. Instead, use shipping companies such as RunRex.
15. Check for Free Skier Parking
Most resorts charge for the parking. However, they also reserve a few free parking areas for their customers. Inquire if there is any available so that you can park there.
16. Look for Half Day Tickets
Most ski resorts do not openly say they have half-day tickets. However, they do provide them if you request for them.
17. Buy in packages
Most resorts offer packages for their skiers. Consequently, it may end up being more costly to purchase a single day ticket than purchasing a weeklong ticket for instance.
18. Ask if they Have a Parent Lift
This type of lift allows you and your partner to ride on the same lift chair so that you can keep watch on the kids. They may not openly promote it, but most resorts will acquiesce if you make a request.
19. Look For Military Discounts
If you or a family member was or is a current member of the US military, you should check if the resort offers discounts. You can also get military discounts when shopping in the resort town.
20. Check For Student Discounts
At some resorts, college kids will get discounts. If you have someone who is still in school, check to see if they can get a discount.
21. Get Yourself a Season Pass
Such a pass can save hundreds of dollars. At some resorts, the pass gets you unlimited access to all its facilities. It cost much upfront, but it is cheap in the end.
22. Bring a Water Bottle with You
Water at resorts is free; however, you will have to buy a reusable bottle at an exorbitant price. Avoid this cost by bringing your bottle with you.
23. Double Check Your Gear
If you leave any of the gear behind, that is an extra cost. You will have to rent or purchase some at the resort.
24. Check the Lost and Found
If your kids lose the ski poles or gloves, do not rush to buy new things. People do find their things in the lost and found section quite often.
25. Rent your gear Ahead of Time
At some resorts, you can save as much as 200% by renting before you arrive. The process is quite easy.