8 Ways to Ski or Board for Cheaper
Sami Lampe says money or lack of it shouldn’t get in the way of snow thrills, but that you shouldn’t go cheap on your helmet.
It’s no secret that skiing and snowboarding are expensive, though highly enjoyable sports. I grew up competitive skiing but instead of “trust fund kid” think, “scholarship kid.” I knew at young age two things: 1. I loved skiing 2. That I was NOT wealthy. I was made fun of because of my gear, so I had to find a way to get good ski gear as a child with no source of income. Now being a semi-adult with cool, functional ski gear, here are my tips on saving money while preparing for the ski season.
1. Know what you’re looking for
Before you start looking for gear make sure you know what you’re looking for. You need to know your shoe size in CM for ski boots, US sizing for snowboard boots. Research what ski size would be best for your height and weight. You can find that information online. For outerwear, you want to look for used quality brands like North Face, Patagonia, REI, Outdoor Research, Smith, Oakley etc… Look for materials that are ideally made of Gore-Tex or have a high waterproof rating.
2. Second hand is your best friend
Consistency is key when it comes to buying second hand, whether you’re going to the thrift shore, or checking online. Go to thrift stores in areas close to ski resorts as they will have the most gear and the best quality. Sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, REI and Backcountry.com all have great options for used gear as well.
3. Visit your local ski shop for demo deals
If you want to try before you buy, local ski shops offer demo deals. Demo is different from rental because Demos tend to be newer skis and bindings that you can specify for the type of terrain you’re on. Rentals are going to be more basic in their function.
4. Yearly Ski rentals are cheaper than daily or weekly.
Some ski shops offer season-long ski rentals for boots and skis. They will get you fitted and help you choose a ski that fits you best. If you want to get out for one season, I recommend this route. If you plan on skiing for many seasons in a row, purchasing gear is a better long-term investment.
5. Research which resorts in your area offer student discounts or even free student ski weeks.
Many resorts offer student rates and sometimes student appreciation ski weeks. Research in your own area which resorts fits your preference, price, and commute best.
6. Go with a buddy and save on gas money
Skiing and boarding are meant to be shared with friends. I recommend finding a buddy to carpool to the mountain, for your wallet, your stoke, and for the Earth.
7. Ski swaps
Ski swaps are like seasonal big garage sales for ski gear. You do not need to bring any gear to “swap” at ski swaps, you can just show up and see what other people are selling. UNR’s ski swap is October 21–23. You can find info about that here: https://unrskiswap.com/
8. When you’re ready to spend some money on the sport, think of it as an investment.
There are some items that are worth your money if you want to get into this sport. I recommend buying a new helmet. There is great technology for concussion prevention in the new MIPS helmets. Your head is worth protecting in this sport.
