Winter sports involve all kinds of exhilarating sensations: a sharp breeze rushing past your face, bright snow stinging your eyes, the merriment of après-ski.
Oh, and the palpitations when you first set sights on ski-pass prices.
It’s true that skiing and snowboarding don’t come cheap – but for those of us who don’t plan on ordering room service to our luxury ski-in suites, there are many ways to lighten the costs. These 10 budgeting tips can have you hitting the slopes without having to take out a second mortgage.
To bag a bargain ski pass, look into your destination’s off-peak season, sleuth out the dates of local school holidays (to avoid them) and, if possible, steer clear of the busy Christmas period. Picking your ski time is equally important as picking the right resort, with ski passes usually cheaper at the beginning and end of the season (keeping in mind that snow cover can be an issue), as well as during the post-new-year lull in January. Remember, no matter the time of year, there’s always somewhere in the world you can ski.
It’s true that the biggest-name resorts are packed for a reason – but venturing a little off-piste with your resort choice not only means fewer crowds on the slopes but also potential savings. You can find bargains in far-flung centers that are often less accessible – though savvy skiers will note that certain resorts within a snowball’s throw of the big hitters offer similar terrain for a fraction of the cost. A day’s lift ticket at Cooper ski resort in Colorado, for example, is roughly half the price of neighboring Copper Mountain. Even amid the well-carved ranges of Western Europe you'll find great budget-friendly ski resorts that are just as rewarding as the big names. You just have to be willing to branch out.
A hotel way up in the snowy drifts – and the privilege of skiing right out of the door – will cost you, though accommodation in the nearest town will generally be a much fairer deal. And don’t fret about distances: many ski resorts have free bus-transfer services to the nearest lift and to neighboring resorts; check with the tourist office and make use of them. Those who don’t mind sharing their personal space after a day on the slopes should also check out budget-friendly dormitory accommodation.
Even amid the seasonal rush for flights to snowy spots, budget airlines can still offer bargain fares. Just try not to get get spiked by extra charges to bring your skis or snowboard on the plane. If you have your own gear, consider an airline that won’t charge you to stow them in the hold: Swiss, Virgin Atlantic and Air Canada all have reasonable allowances for sports equipment. Booking your flight at least two months in advance is a good rule of thumb to get the best
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