10 Ways to Save money on your ski season

You haven’t come to this page thinking that you’ll be swimming in extra cash during your ski season so it’s clear that you probably don’t have a bank account full of savings to spend on your ski season. Like the majority of us 20 somethings, you’re hoping to make some money this winter as well as enjoying the ski season for all the thrills it naturally comes with. You’re also probably aware that skiing and snowboarding don’t come cheap.

So let me tell you a little bit about my financial history and why budgeting on a ski season is so important to me and my parents!

As you may have already read on my blog, I started my first ski season in the winter after my graduation from University. I’d been working all summer for a children’s activity program to help fund some of the gear and clothing that I needed for the season. I didn’t save up a huge amount and I was hoping that I could save some money throughout my season to be able to travel or set me up for my next adventure after the season. By the end of my first season I had added 2000 pounds to my savings and I definitely didn’t have to say no to having fun many times, if at all! Here is how I did it with my money saving secrets for ski season workers.

1. Choose your resort wisely.

Yes, the big name resorts are renowned for a reason , but venturing a little off-piste with your resort choice not only means less crowds on your day off but also potential savings. It may be easier to find a job in the bigger resorts since there are more opportunities to work, however there is more competition and this usually means that extra costs such as ski hire, lift passes, and food and beverage prices are driven sky high. Savvy skiers will note that some resorts within a snowball’s throw of the big-hitters offer similar terrain for a fraction of the cost; for example a day’s lift ticket at cooper ski resort in Colorado is roughly half the price of neighboring Copper Mountain. Even amidst the well-carved ranges of western Europe there are tons of great budget friendly ski resorts.

For more information about how to choose the right resort for your working season click here.

2. Find a job that pays

Finding a job is the hardest but most rewarding part of your ski season planning. Without one, your ski season dreams may not be possible. A good season job is the key to post-season success, don’t forget this! Aim high. Due to the highly competitive market, it is unlikely that you’ll find a job straight away. Don’t give up! It took me several skype interviews, an unsuccessful trip hours south for a full day interview, a whole new outfit and a couple more full-day interview days to finally score my job as a chalet host and oh boy was it worth it!

Do your research about what the company can offer you. TIPS TIPS TIPS. Where is it based? What is their clientele? High-end companies cater for richer holiday-makers who are ready to splash the cash on their ultimate ski experience- potential for you to work extra hard and earn the mega bucks (You are likely to need more experience for these positions but there is no harm in applying!). Other companies cater to more of the masses or budget-end clients who will probably keep the purse strings tighter.

Many companies hiring season workers offer mega perks. On my first ski season, my contract included MANY perks: transport to resort, a full-season lift pass, full-season ski/snowboard and boots hire, accommodation, breakfast and lunch and many drinks deals around town. Not all companies offer this so ask the right questions and if any of these are missing, make sure they are paying you enough to afford them because these are perks you can’t live without in a season.

3. Flights.

If you’re one of the unlucky ones who has to organize your own transport to the resort this is where you could be stung with a huge flight bill if you’re not savvy about it. Budget airlines can still have bargains, despite the seasonal rush for flights to snowy climes. Check out comparison sites like Skyscanner to get the best deals. Don’t be afraid to fly at an inconvenient time and place yourself in a cosy café while you wait for your season rep to greet you. Don’t get spiked by extra charges to bring your skis and snowboard. If you have your own gear, consider an airline that won’t charge you to stow them in the hold: SwissAir, Virgin Atlantic and Air Canada. If this isn’t possible, and you have a lot of gear to bring with you, consider using a service to send it ahead, most tour operators will allow you to have your gear delivered to an office or drop-off point. Though it’s not a grantee I also advise you to book your flight at least two months in advance to get the best prices, and remember that fights can often be cheaper on weekdays.

4. The higher you stay, the more you’ll pay.

This is advice that is often given to holidaymakers looking for more affordable places for a ski holiday but it is crucial to your finances too! The hotels way up in the snowy drifts could cost you dear for the privilege of skiing right of the door, the bars and restaurants are no different. So when you’re looking for a place to hangout after a busy week at work or a cosy mid-day hot cocoa after the morning shift, don’t be afraid of taking the bus down the hill! You’re much more likely to find fellow seasonaires down there because of the alluring cheap alcohol prices and less pretentious vibes.

5. Cash Budget.

Whether you separate your accounts and still use a card, spend your cash tips, or physically take cash out, putting a set amount of only aside each week after rent is a great way to achieve your money saving goals. I have mentioned this in my article ‘the building blocks of a great season- the ultimate guide to a successful season’.

6. Budget your après ski

Who’s got the tab for the 10 rounds of Jägermeister you’ve been shooting all afternoon? Winter sports fans get brainwashed into believing that their steaming thimbleful of Gluwein is an essential part of the après-ski experience, even at 8 euro per plug, and it is! Holiday-makers are able to splash out though because they are in resort for 6 nights not 150. Seasonaires DO NOT have enough money to keep up and there are far better ways to enjoy après with your best friends. You’re in the gorgeous mountains in warm clothes! Fill your backpack with your favourite spirit whether it be Jager or a flask of Gluwein or a few cans of beer and ski to a hide-out close to the bottom of the slopes. Bring a speaker and a few hand warmers and have yourselves your own exclusive après party in the afternoon sun. Mountain views are a lot more appealing than tottering in your ski boots over a brasseries' slippery floor.

7. Cost-cut your gear

Skis, boards, boots, jacket, gloves… Skiers and snowboarders need so much stuff and it doesn't come cheap!! Don’t wait to rent or buy your gear in the resort, where they have you in a vice. Plan ahead and grab some second-hand bargains on sites like gumtree and preloved. Plenty of over enthusiastic one-timers are keen to offload their seldom-worn ski boots for a pittance. But be wise! If you’re going to ski 100+ days this season, you’re going to need some quality gear to do it. If you can’t find quality in the second hand stores, look for sales on last season’s wares. For more information about whether you should buy or hire click here.

Also, please remember that ski seasonaires come from all different backgrounds in many shapes and sizes, if your budget means you start off with a few second hand bargains then so be it! So long as your gear is functional, it doesn't really matter what you look like. Trust me, everybody hates a moaner. There will undoubtedly be more chances to upgrade your gear as you earn more and learn more about what you specifically need in your resort of choice.

Most ski and snowboard shops have big sales at the start and the end of every season, and you can grab some amazing deals on boards, boots, bindings and outerwear. This is the perfect way to upgrade your gear if you’re thinking about sticking around for the next season. End of season deals are heavenly.

8. Carpool.

A really easy way to save money on your season if you don’t have the luxury of staying in staff accommodation that is walking distance from the lifts. In New Zealand everyone lives in town and the ski resorts are a short drive away from the town centre. Save money and protect the planet by hitching a ride with your mates, or even better, fill a car! Splitting petrol costs is a great cost-saver and the other benefits are endless- what better way to bond with your mates than blasting road trip tunes on a gorgeous drive up the mountains. Better still, get the bus! Many ski resorts offer season bus passes for great deals and run busses up and down the hill almost all day.

9. TEAM DINNERS

One of the hidden costs of your ski season is food. Some of you may be lucky enough to have it provided for you. This was my favourite perk of being a chalet host for a company that hired and trained outstanding chefs. Others, like my present self, will probably have to find a budget for your own food, so a great way to save some coin is to try to make use of the stove in accommodation and invite your shred buddies over for a pot-luck. The best thing about pot-luck? Leftovers for breakfast/ lunch on the hill.

Check out my article The trials and tribulations of a seasonaire nomad for a more in depth view of team dinners.

10. Home-made snacks

On your day-off or pre-night shift it can be so tempting to explore all of the different amazing cafes and restaurants that are right there on the hill with a warm blazing fire and hot coco, but I know when you're shredding on a budget that’s not really possible! Load your pockets/ small day pack with home-made snacks! If you’re going to be out over lunch time, pack a tasty baguette or sandwich, and a hot thermos of soup, it saves time and money! If you don’t want to carry your food around with you all morning, stash it in a locker at the base building or ski rental place or on the mountain for quick access during meals.

11. Become a good barterer.

Mountain town locals like to scratch each other’s backs. Whether you bake the best cupcakes in town (or your chef does and your chalet guests don’t ever eat them all), or can fix a broken toilet, figure out what you have to give and offer to swap your services for a free ski tuning or sweet discount on a new pair of gloves. On my second ski season I managed to sweeten the ski rental guys into letting me test out more pairs of skis than I could count before I found the best pair to buy for my instructor training season.

I hope these few tips can help you to save those extra pennies, achieve more, and really make the most of your season.

If there are any other areas of advice or season life that you'd like help with, please let us know in the comments!

TheSkiNomad