It’s time to start planning your ski trips. Whether you’re a local or an out-of-towner, these 30 tips will help you cut costs in your quest for the powder shot of your dreams.
![ski lift grind](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2015/10/ski-lift-grind-700x368.jpg)
1 – Season pass:
A top ski bum strategy, a season pass will save you money if you ski more than about six days in a season. Many season passes will be a lot cheaper than buying single day or even multi-day passes.
2 – Buy early:
The price of passes tends to go up as the season progresses. The Epic Pass, for example, could go up in price as soon as Oct. 9.
3 – Get half price tickets at Shell:
Each year Shell gas stations offer 2-for-1 lift ticket vouchers useful for several ski areas across Colorado.
4 – Buy a 4-pack:
Some mountains (Copper Mountain in Colorado is a good example) sell pre-season packs of tickets. If you plan a few days at a single resort, buy them now, before the season, and score a bargain.
5 – Double book tickets with lodging:
Some resorts offer cheap tickets when purchased with lodging.
6 – It’s all about balance:
Mirror tactics used by other adventurers to balance work, play, and the budget, like borrowing gear from friends instead of buying new. Steal additional ideas from the web, such as the Everyday Adventurer Series – tips from non-pro hard-charging athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
7 – Buy online, in advance:
Liftopia and other websites offer discounted tickets, but you have to get them before they sell out. Look early, and often, for deals.