6 Ways to Save on the Slopes

If a day at the snow seems beyond your family’s budget this year, check out these tips. Fun might be more affordable than you think:

1. Gear up for less. 
It really makes no sense to spend a fortune for clothes and equipment the kids might rarely use. So browse used clothing stores for deals on jackets and gloves or—better yet!—share closets with family and friends.

2. Look online. 
Surf the Web before you carve the slopes, and you might save big. A recent search of the Sporting Goods section on Sacramento Craigslist and eBay quickly turned up snowboards and boots for an average of about $50. Some equipment is brand new, and sellers are often willing to negotiate. It’s also worth it to search resorts’ sites for unadvertised discounts on lift tickets and season passes.

3. Tag team. 
Parents with children too young for ski school can share a Parent Predicament Ticket. It's an interchangeable lift ticket that lets you take turns hitting the slopes and watching the kids, for the same price as one regular adult lift ticket. Shared tickets like this are available at Northstar® Resort, Sierra-at-Tahoe® and Boreal®, and it never hurts to ask at other resorts to see what family-friendly deals are available elsewhere.

4. Brown bag lunch. 
Packing in snacks and sandwiches can save some cash and may prevent meltdowns with particularly picky eaters. Some resort cafeterias separate the brown-baggers from the restaurant patrons, so check the rules before you claim a table. If you do decide to buy grub there, consider sharing – a lot of those high-priced menu items come in king-sized portions.

5. Take advantage of mid-week discounts. 
Most schools have a few early dismissal days scattered through the year. Take advantage of these and head to the hills straight from school to sneak in an afternoon in the white stuff. Half-day and mid-week tickets are usually cheaper than weekends.

6. Keep it simple.
Rather than hit the slopes (and stretch your budget) every time you want to go to the snow, try having a plain and simple "play day" in the snow. Pack the sled or saucers, a camera, and a carrot, hat and scarf for a snowman, and you're ready for a fun-filled day!