If you are in a location where it snows, staying close to home is a great way to save money. Before taking a trip to a mountain resort, try strapping your skis or snowboard on and practicing a few runs at a nearby park with a long hill when it snows.
There are also plenty of areas throughout the country that offer local discounts and have plenty of beginner runs without a high price tag. Staying close to home drastically cuts down on lodging and food costs as well.
Stay Away From the Mountain Resorts
Mountain resorts are often much more expensive to stay at than smaller, nearby hotels and motels. If lodging is not of much concern, you can save money by staying at a cheaper lodge farther away from the mountain. As long as you have transportation and are willing to drive a bit farther to the slopes, you will save a good amount of money.
Most smaller mountain towns have places like Motel 6, Comfort Inn and other cost-efficient lodging options that allow you to stay off the mountain and drive to the slopes.
Group Ski Trips
Another great way to save money when planning a ski trip is by staying with several families or friends. By sharing a cabin or lodge with more people, you are able to split the cost so that it does not take as much out of each person's pockets individually.
As long as sleeping in close quarters is not an issue, this is a great way to save money for beginner skiers, so that more money can be spent on things like rentals and lift passes. Booking your lodging early will help you get the best rate.
Cost-Efficient Lessons and Rentals
There are plenty of resorts and ski rental companies that offer incentives to get beginners interested in the sport. Group ski lessons are much cheaper than individual ski lessons. Start your lessons at the beginner level, then work your way up to advanced as your skill improves.
Ski and Snowboard Month usually takes place in January and offers incentives to get beginners into the sport. There are roughly 35 states that have resorts where beginners can take lessons. Usually, the smaller the resort is, the cheaper it will be to obtain lessons, lift tickets and rentals.