Family Skiing Made More Cost-Efficient

December 29, 2008 By Tisha (Kulak) Tolar

Skiing is a wonderful adventure vacation the whole family can enjoy but it can be downright expensive, especially if you do not live within driving distance to a ski resort. If you are planning to take a ski trip with your family, there are some things you can do to cut down on the costs of the overall trip and still enjoy sloshing down the mountainside with your family.

Go Online for Deals

If you are not familiar with the cost associated with a day on the slopes, make sure you check out the resort’s website for special deals. Many times resorts will have specials online that are not advertised elsewhere which can save you money on ski rentals, equipment rentals, and passes. You need to understand the different fees and charges for the rentals and slope access as it can sometimes be deceiving.

Check Out Other Sites

Sometimes in conjunction with the ski lodge, hotels and other lodging places will offer discounts or free passes to nearby ski lodges. If you don’t necessarily have to sleep at the ski lodge itself, you may find a close-by hotel or motel that will provide extended discounts for skiing just for staying at their facility.

Borrow From Family and Friends

If you know others who enjoy skiing and own their own equipment, ask them to borrow it. If you don’t have to rent or buy snow suits or skis, you can end up saving a lot of money. If, after your trip, you and your family decide to make skiing a more common family trip, start checking out the prices and saving to buy your own ski equipment for the next trips.

Bring Groceries

If you plan to do a lot of skiing, you might want to save additional cash by bringing your own food, such snacks and materials to make sandwiches. If your family only goes out to eat one meal at a restaurant, you can save a ton of money. Ask if your hotel has any kitchen facilities or at least provides a refrigerator in the room for your personal use. Keep water and drinks and snack on hand in your backpack or a lodger locker for breaks during the day instead of hitting the snack bar, which can also cost big bucks.

Choose Family-Friendly Eatery

Instead of splurging on a fancy mountainside restaurant you can’t afford, choose a less expensive family place, especially if kids under a certain age get free deserts. When making reservations for your hotel, check out on the map what is in the area so you can plan beforehand where you can eat without driving around for hours looking for something reasonable in an area where you are not familiar.

Bring Some Fun From Home

Ski lodges can be a money trap, especially when the kids get bored. There are often video games and other activities that do not come cheap. Plan to bring along favorite board games and other family-friendly ideas that allow everyone to participate and spend good, quality time together during the trip once you are off the slopes.

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