Alleviating the Slippery Slope of Skiing & Snowboarding Costs

Winter is in full swing, and for many people that means it's time to get outdoors and hit the slopes. There's always a lot of talk about how spending time outside — even during the colder months — is good for your overall health and well-being. Fresh air, movement and time away from screens can do wonders, especially during the darker winter days. Skiing and snowboarding are excellent ways to stay active throughout the winter. They provide a full-body workout, get your heart rate up and help build strength and balance. Beyond the physical benefits, these sports are also great for mental health. Spending time in the mountains, focusing on the present moment and sharing experiences with friends or family can help reduce stress and boost your mood. For many people, skiing and snowboarding offer both a physical challenge and a mental reset. What isn't always discussed, however, is the cost. Skiing and snowboarding are not cheap hobbies, particularly for families. Between lift tickets, gear, clothing and travel, the expenses can add up quickly. When you have multiple people to outfit and multiple lift tickets to purchase, the price of a day on the slopes can feel overwhelming. The good news is that there are several ways to save money while still enjoying everything winter sports have to offer. One of the biggest money-saving strategies is planning ahead. Purchasing gear and passes before the season starts can lead to significant discounts. Pre-season deals are often the best prices you'll find all year. Below are some additional tips and tricks to help you save a few bucks when hitting the slopes. Buy used gear: Purchasing second-hand equipment is one of the easiest ways to cut costs. Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist can be great resources, especially if you start looking during the summer months. Yard sales, annual ski swaps and second-hand or consignment stores are also excellent options. Buying used gear is particularly smart for children, who often outgrow their skis, boards and boots in just one season. Purchase season passes: If you plan on skiing or snowboarding regularly, a season pass can offer the biggest savings. Many mountains provide substantial discounts when passes are purchased pre-season, so it pays to buy early. Even if you only make it to the mountain a handful of times, a season pass can still be more affordable than buying individual lift tickets. Consider Epic Passes: Epic Passes are another popular option and can offer tremendous value for frequent riders. These passes provide access to more than 40 ski resorts across North America, Europe and Australia/New Zealand. In addition to flexibility and variety, Epic Passes often include additional perks such as discounted tickets for friends and family, making them worth looking into. Check out smaller mountains: Community-focused ski areas are often much more affordable than larger, destination resorts. These smaller mountains are great for beginners and families, especially for children who are just learning the sport. Lift tickets and season passes tend to be cheaper, and the atmosphere is often less crowded and more relaxed. Look for specials and promotions: Many resorts offer discounted rates on specific days or during certain hours. For example, Crotched Mountain offers a Midnight Madness Pass for $30 on Saturdays from 8 p.m. to midnight. Deals like these can make skiing or snowboarding much more accessible. Take advantage of student passes: If you're a college student, look into programs like the New Hampshire College Pass, which provides access to Cranmore, Cannon, Gunstock and Waterville Valley at a reduced rate. Ski midweek or in the evenings: Since weekends are the busiest times, many resorts offer discounted lift tickets for midweek visits or night skiing. These off-peak options can be a great way to save money while enjoying less crowded slopes. With a little planning and flexibility, skiing and snowboarding don't have to break the bank. By exploring these money-saving options, you can spend more time on the slopes and less time worrying about the cost.