Let’s face it, skiing is an expensive sport. I can hear your wallet crying from here. If you are anything like me, you are constantly trying to figure out ways to shell out less cash and still spend lots of time on the slopes. Between the gear, the garb, the lift tickets, the lessons, food and lodging it is easy to quickly feel like you are tapped out. You might be surprised to find out just how many ski deals there are in Vermont.
Ski More and Pay Less
The easiest way to save is to buy your lift tickets on-line before you get to the Mountain. Most ski resorts now offer e-ticketing that can save you anywhere between 10-30% off lift tickets. What’s the catch? You are required to pre-purchase the lift tickets for a specific day. But that shouldn’t be a problem because who decides to spontaneously go skiing with little kids?! Check individual mountain “lift ticket” pages to buy these.
Other ways to save included buying in bulk on specials days, or bundling your lift tickets with your lodging. For example:
- Family Four Pack Sundays – On Sundays at Mount Snow grab four afternoon lift tickets for only $99.
- Family Fridays – On Fridays at Bromley every full paying adult can purchase up to three teen/junior tickets for just $20 each.
- Ski+Stay+Splash+Play – Jay Peak has amazing packages that get you lodging, lift tickets, access to the water park and even daycare.
- Kids 14 and under Ski Free – The Woodstock Inn & Resort offers complimentary lift tickets to kids under 14 everyday at Saskadena Six. Adults ski free Monday – Friday.
Rates and Dates
Many Vermont ski resorts offer special discount days to recognize an anniversary, holiday or just about anything else you can think of! You can celebrate these days by taking advantage of these super ski deals:
- 2 for $49 Valentine’s Ticket Special – On February 13, 2015 get 2 adult lift tickets at Mount Snow for $49.
- Automaster Customer Appreciation Day – On February 28 and March 1, 2015 Automaster customers haver the opportunity to receive 50% off ski & ride vouchers for the day at Smugglers’ Notch.
- Ver-Mondays at Stowe – On March 2 and April 6, 2015 Stowe adult lift tickets are just $62!
- Town Meeting Day Special – On March 3, 2015 Vermont high school, middle school and elementary school students ski free at Mad River Glen.
- Subaru and Hyundai 50% off days – On January 30, March 6 and March 22, 2015 Subaru and Hyundai owners just need to show their registration at Bolton’s Guest Services desk to receive this special discount.
- Sugarbush, Mt. Snow and Bromley all celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with special pricing. On March 17, 2015 lift tickets are…you guessed it – $17!
- Cares & Shares – Bring 5 non-perishable food items to Okemo on March 29, 2015 and ski for $39.
Ways to Save on Gear
How many times have you bought your kid shoes and no more than a week later it seems like he has grown 3 sizes! Vermont has some awesome events that allow you to purchase discounted ski gear and clothing throughout the year. Make note of these for next Season.
- Darn Tough Sock Sale – Every November folks hike out to Northfield and line up for hours. Why? Because they can pick up the best ski socks in the country at amazing prices!
- Burton Annual Summer Sale – You can swing by the Burton Flagship Store in Burlington the first weekend in August and snag some unbelievable deals on boards, boots, bags, jackets and more.
- Ski Swaps – On most weekends in October and November families can usually find a ski swap happening somewhere around Vermont. This is a great opportunity to sell your kids’ old gear and pick up some new or gently used stuff.
I’ve just scratched the surface here with ski deals. You can check out all of the mountains for more ways to save.
Dana is a freelance journalist and digital influencer living in Vermont. She is the editor behind Dana Freeman Travels. Through her original photography and writing, she provides authentic destination information, reviews, and travel tips. Dana specializes in cruise, luxury, food & wine, and adventure travel. Her work has been featured in CNN Travel, Porthole Magazine, Thrillist, Yankee Magazine, the Forbes Travel Guide, and several other print and digital publications. Dana is also the Founder of FindandGoSeek — a hyperlocal destination for families to discover what to see and do in Vermont.
Another great way for families to enjoy getting out in the mountains without breaking the bank is to rent ski clothing from Mountain Threads. For only $28 per day for adults and $17 per day for kids it is the perfect way for families with growing kids or just the once a year skiers to avoid the cost and storage associated with owning. You’ll get new or nearly new gear that has cutting edge technology and current styles. See you out on the slopes.