5 Tips for a Ski Trip on a Budget
ASO Mammoth offers the best ski and snowboard rentals in Mammoth Lakes so that everyone can experience the joy of shredding Mammoth Mountain snow. However, after the gear, lift tickets, and travel are factored in, a ski trip may be beyond the budget of many people.
To help more people get on the snow, we’ve put together a list of tips below to help you plan your ski trip on a budget. Check it out as you plan your trip to Mammoth Lakes, and then stop by the ASO Mammoth shop for all your Mammoth Mountain ski and snowboard rentals!
Buy Lift Tickets Online Ahead of Time
The ASO Mammoth team knows how tempting it is to drop everything and head for the mountains when the snow is excellent, but we also know that it’s not the most cost-effective way to ski or snowboard.
Ski mountains value knowing how many people are going to be on the snow ahead of time, and when guests buy their lift tickets online it means shorter lines at the ticket window for the mountain. That’s why most mountains give discounts to people who buy their lift tickets online and ahead of time, so take advantage of it!
Rent Off-Mountain
Just about every ski mountain has a ski shop at its base where you can rent or buy skis and snowboards. The benefit is that you don’t have to carry your rental gear far to get on the snow. The problem is that these shops also have higher rates for rentals than those further away from the mountain. Plus, they’re the first to be crowded on peak days.
In Mammoth Lakes alone there are several ski shops like ASO Mammoth just minutes away from the base of Mammoth Mountain with lower rates for rentals and shorter lines. On top of that, they also offer many of the same services as the shops on the mountain like rental gear storage and season long rentals.
Take the chance to support local small businesses, save money, and explore the town your ski mountain is in beyond the resort boundaries by renting off-mountain!
Consider Visiting Smaller Mountains
A day at Mammoth Mountain can be life changing, but if you’re planning on spending multiple days on the snow then you may need to book more time at smaller mountains nearby so you can stick to your budget.
For example, Mammoth Lakes is lucky to be close to not just Mammoth Mountain but June Mountain as well. June Mountain is a smaller mountain when compared to Mammoth, but it still has Eastern Sierra snow, great terrain, and cheaper lift tickets than Mammoth.
We all have our bucket list mountains, but if you’re learning to ski or snowboard or want to save money then consider visiting a smaller mountain to get the most bang for your buck!
Bring Your Own Food
It doesn’t matter if you’re lifelong skier or a first-time snowboarder, a day on the mountain will wear you out. That’s why you must have plenty of food and water to consume throughout the day.
You don’t have to buy it from the mountain though.
Ski mountain concessions are satisfying and convenient, but they’re also expensive. You can carry all the sandwiches and water you need in a backpack, so bring it with you instead of buying it on the hill!
Buy Gear and Passes at the End of the Season
Lastly, when it’s time to buy season passes or gear wait until the end of the season when you’ll find the best deals!