Do you love to ski? I’m sharing all my tips on how to save money on a winter ski trip.
I remember the first time we took the kids on a winter ski trip. It was a big deal for me because we live in the south and skiing is not the norm. Since then, I’ve learned how to save money when planning a ski trip.
My family enjoys skiing in the North Carolina mountains, but we wanted to broaden our ski experience by taking a holiday road trip to a ski resort in Maine.
The forecasted snowstorm never materialized, but we did get a couple of beautiful snow showers and lots of cold weather. The food in Maine is beyond delicious and we hope to go back again one day.
How to Save Money When Planning a Winter Ski Trip
- Ditch the plane and take a road trip – Obviously, this will save you some serious money and you don’t have to pay to check your bags.
- Reserve ski rentals in advance – Because we don’t own skis, this is a must for my family. It saves money and you’ll find great deals. You can also save on lift tickets by reserving in advance.
- Purchase your ski/winter clothing from Sierra. Winter clothing can be expensive and Sierra Trading Post has everything I need for the entire family. (You can shop straight from this post. I’ve listed my favorites at the end so just click a pic to shop.)
Usually, you’ll find me in the ski lodge sipping on hot cocoa, reading a good book, and trying to get a glimpse of my family as they enjoy skiing.
That doesn’t mean I don’t want to look fashionable and if people want to think that I just came from the slopes to take a little break, that’s fine with me.
I don’t wear bulky clothing and this jacket from Sierra is thin, waterproof, and insulated – just the way I like it.
My favorite ski pants are also thin, insulated, and waterproof. Did I mention that they’re also fashionable?
Clothing for kids can be expensive. Sierra has top brands and saves me money since they offer a wide selection.
Sierra is also a great place to shop for Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers. I’m making my list and checking it twice.
Do you have a winter ski trip planned?
Ski Clothing I Love
Check out these clothing options below if you’re planning a winter ski trip. As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Just click the pic to shop!
You May Also Like These Posts!
- Healthy Winter Breakfast Ideas
- Shopping Steals and Deals
- 5 Fun Road Trip Apps
- How To Beat The Winter Blues
- 7 Easy Ways to Get Healthy After Vacation
- Top 5 Soup Recipes
Originally published in October 2016 and updated (old/bad links removed, etc.) in August 2021
29 comments
I’m not a skier, (HORRIBLE balance, lol.) But, I love the savings tips. It is better to reserve in advance for better savings :). Thanks for sharing!
Great tips!
It’s similar for me really. Not much of a skiier but my Norwegian family were all brought up with it. Determined to take my little girl next year!
Skiing is on my bucket list 🙂 I love this clothing, though! I always thought to be warm you had to get all kinds of bulky stuff – not so!
Thanks so much for sharing these tips! My family goes on a ski trip every year, and they can be pricey. This will save us a ton of money.
I would love to go on a ski trip. This is a really great list of essentials. I had no idea that Sierra Trading Post had so many great pieces.
Snow trips! Always a fun time. I’m lucky, living in Southern California, we have everything imaginable within a two-hour drive…beach, dessert, mountains, big city, you name it. 🙂 These are great tips for saving on a ski trip.
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
I love these tips!! It is amazing how fast expenses can add up, planning ahead is smart for saving money and time!
I’ve lived in Colorado for two years, and haven’t tried skiing yet. Eep! I really want to go this winter, so these tips will be helpful!
I don’t see my planning a winter ski trip in the near future, but this is great information to have if I decide to do one. I can agree that driving is cheaper than flying, but sometimes you can get some really good deals on flights.
My nieces go skiing every winter. I think one of them has outgrown all of her old ski clothes. She needs to take advantage of the free shipping deal.
These are the perfect tips on how to plan a Winter ski trip, love it. The selections you shared are great too!
I love going skiing but have not been in a few years. I will be needing a new winter jacket this year and that North Face one is super cute!
That ski gear looks really comfy and warm. There’s no way you are going to freeze on this ski trip if you are wearing that.
This is great to know! I would love to do a ski trip. I know my kids would love it too I havent been skiing since I was young, I went once on a school trip. It was LOADS of fun!
I absolutely love taking trips up north to play in the snow. These money saving tips are a godsend as it seems the prices of recreation continues to increase.
I do love that jacket, I don’t like bulky jackets either! I would love to go skiing one day!! Have fun!!
I need to check this place out. My husband wants to go sking
I haven’t experience skiing yet but great to know all these just in case we go in the future.
One thing I have to do before I die is going on a ski trip. Thank you for your tips! I will keep them in my mind.
I’ve never been skiing but want to do so. My sister’s family goes a lot, so I know how expensive it can get. Your tips are super helpful!
Gee I don’t think I have been skiing since high school. Maybe we will go this Winter. Great tips.
Thank you for the tips! I hope to go skiing someday. I haven’t ever been yet.
Thanks for sharing these useful tips! Winter ski is fun, i’ve been to Oregon and Utah.
I have to admit that going skiing would be great fun but I have never had the chance to go but if I do this post would be a god send
We’ve never taken a Winter ski trip, but I would love to some day! I just need to learn to ski. Once our daughter is older, I hope to learn with the whole family
I’ve not been on a winter ski trip because I live in a tropical country, but I hope to do so in one of my future trips. I can’t stress enough, whatever trip it is, on the importance of planning ahead. It does help you save a lot. And road trips could be fun too if you’re a big group! You could always take turns driving and enjoy each other’s company & the scenery!
I have never taken a ski trip! I do think that, now-a-days, roadtripping would definitely be the better choice for our family.
Thank you so much! We have been wanting to take a family ski trip, but the cost keeps stopping us. Thanks for the help 🙂
I have never been skiing before but would love to one day I am just a little scared on the falling and cracking my skull part due to my bad balancing act lol