Ways to save money as skiing prices rise
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — If you have been skiing or snowboarding lately, you may have noticed prices are higher. Local News 8 found some reasons why and some ways to save money when trying to hit the slopes.
For Kelly Canyon Ski Resort, their prices are going up because of the costs to run the business. It's expensive to groom the slopes and provide gear and lessons for visitors. The resort wants to be able to provide the best snow sport experience to their visitors, especially the locals, says the resort's General Manager, Doug Swanson.
“For us, catering to the locals that buy our season passes is certainly a huge part of our price strategy,” Swanson said.
Swanson says the best way to save money at a ski resort is to buy season passes, especially if you plan on skiing often.
“Four or five trips to the mountain would pay for a season pass, if you don't buy one," Swanson said. "So if you're going to ski more than four or five times, a season pass is the way to go."
If you only plan to go once during the season, you can expect to pay a higher price.
Dan Bonney, salesperson at Idaho Mountain Trading, says you can save time and money by bringing your own skis and snowboard. That way, you can skip the rental lines.
"The equipment would include the board, the bindings, and the boots. And then you'd need your clothing, preferably a helmet, maybe some goggles, depending on what resort you're going to," Bonney said.
Bonney also recommends you start planning ahead for next year.
"Usually if you buy [in] March or April for the next year, that's when you get the best discounting," Bonney said. "And then as the summer progresses, the prices raise."
You can also pack your own lunch to save a few bucks and carpool to save some money on gas.
Toyota is partnering with a few ski resorts in the area, allowing Toyota drivers to ski for free on certain days. You can learn about the locations and dates here.
