Skiing and Snowboarding on a Budget

It's wintertime and you love to ski or snowboard, but like many, is your budget tighter than last year? Have no fear, it is still possible to enjoy a winter ski vacation on a budget. Here are some tips:

Destinations

Consider ski destinations that are less expensive. Try to ski closer to home. Live in Los Angeles? Then consider one of the ski resorts closer to home, like Mammoth Mountain or Big Bear. Skiing closer to home saves you on travel costs and travel time. Some resorts even offer special deals for locals.

Transportation

When you are flying to a ski destination, you need transportation to and from the airport. If you rent a vehicle, it will most likely be an SUV, which is a gas hog. More often than not, you won't even need to use your rental car very much. A much more economical option is to take an airport shuttle. Not only is the cost much less than a rental, but you'll also save money by not having to spend on gas, insurance and other fees associated with a rental.

Equipment

If you're on the budget, but your old ski equipment doesn't seem up to snuff, why not rent equipment instead? Renting is especially cost effective if you don't plan on skiing more than once or twice during the season.

Timing

You'll find better deals on ski packages, transportation and resorts if you are willing to be flexible with your timing. Better deals can be had during the low season, during the week instead of the weekends and late in the season. You'll also want to avoid planning a trip around all holidays. You'll pay more around the holidays since more people tend to have time off during them. So skip Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, MLK day, Valentine's Day, St, Patrick's Day and Easter if you want to avoid paying more.

Accommodations

You'll find good deals if you time it right, but being flexible in your choice of where to stay will expand your options even more. Don't forget to compare prices by calling around to all the lodges and resorts in an area. Don't forget to ask about any special deals.

Package Deals

One of the best ways to ski on a budget is to get a package deal. Hotels, airlines and travel companies often use package deals to drum up business or to get rid of excess inventory at a lower cost. Package deals can often include air, transportation, meals and even lift passes. Find great package deals on the many online travel sites. You should also consider looking at last minute travel options. Some great deals can be had if you are willing to travel on short notice.

Lydia Quinn writes for PhatSportShades, offering ski goggles, snowboarding goggles and sunglasses for everyday. Visit us at: http://www.phatsportshades.com

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