Skiing is a wonderful way to enjoy family time while participating in fun outdoor activities. However, if you combine the costs of meals, lift tickets, ski gear, transportation, and lodging, you’ll soon find skiing can become quite the expensive hobby. It doesn’t have to be as costly as you think. There are ways to save money on a family ski trip. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Stick to Smaller Family Resorts
While there are many options among ski resorts, not all are created equal in terms of pricing. Let’s put it this way: there are fancy resorts, and there are basic resorts. Nonetheless, skiing is supposed to be about having fun, and it’s even better if you can share it with your family. You don’t need a fancy ski resort to do that. Search for family-friendly resorts that are smaller but still have plenty of powder to scale. In fact, there are some that even offer free lift tickets and/or free lodging for children under 12.
2. Search for Package Deals
If you were to pay for transportation, lodging, tickets, and gear separately, the costs could add up rather quickly. One option is to search for a package deal. If you bundle things together, there are often many discounts to be found. To illustrate, you may discover ski-and-stay deals that include lodging, airfare, airport transfers, and other items such as ski rentals. Mammoth and other resorts may also offer packages that let kids ski for free.
3. Book Early
As they say, the early bird gets the worm. Many ski resorts offer tremendous discounts if you book early, such as in the fall before the upcoming ski season. If you can book in midsummer, even better. You’ll notice booking in advance can save you hundreds of dollars. Sign up for email notifications from your preferred resorts so you’ll always be in the loop about special offers.
4. Find a Resort Close to the Airport
If the resort is more than an hour away from the airport, the transfer could add up if you plan to use a cab or ride-sharing service. If driving, you’ll have to consider car rental, gas, and mileage costs. However, if the resort is close to the airport, you won’t even have to rent a car, and you might be able to take public transportation or a shuttle to your destination.
5. Pack Snacks and Meals
Many resorts offer on-site dining, but the prices of food and drinks can be exorbitant if there’s little competition nearby. If you need to save some extra money, consider packing your meals for the day. Bringing your own food gives you more control over what you eat, which can be especially beneficial if you have family members with dietary restrictions. In addition, you can cut down on extra costs such as service charges and/or tips for restaurant servers.
If you and your family decide on Mammoth as your ski vacation destination, make sure to drop by and say hello to the snow sports experts at ASO Mammoth. We can hook you up with everything you need to have a blast on the slopes. We’re your top choice for local information, high-quality gear, and Mammoth ski rental options, so stop in or give us a call at 760-965-3444.