Keep Snowboarding Cheap
In the world of snowboarding, I believe there is a huge reason why more of the population does not get out on the slopes. The reason; because snowboarding is conceived as expensive. I am not saying it is cheap, but I want to share with you a list of ways that will keep money in your pocket so you can have enough cash for your next lift ticket.
Buy Used Gear
Gear always seems to be a big purchase. Snowboard, boots, bindings, pants, coat, hats, gloves, goggles, and hand warmers. It all adds up. Friends, Craigslist, Ebay, and your local newspaper can all be good sources for you to find some good used gear. Take your time and shop around.
Get a Season Pass
The upfront cost can be huge. However you will be able to snowboard as much as you want once you have the pass. If you go enough, this can save you a lot of money. Certain resorts have also teamed up and combined their season passes. This means you can buy one pass and snowboard at a few different places throughout the year. Resorts will also have discounted season passes if you buy them at a certain time of the year. Figure out when that it is.
Saltines and Hot Sauce
This is one of my college favorite ways to save some cash. Head to the soup display, grab some saltines, and snag a bottle of hot sauce. BAM! Instant snack that will hold you over until you get home.
Discounted Lift Tickets/Package Deals
Resorts will offer package deals on lift tickets. Buy 3 lift tickets and get the 4th lift ticket free is a great way to save you money and get you out on the hill at least one more day. For day passes, check in at your local shops for a discount on lift tickets. If you are near the Rocky Mountains, stop into a grocery store on your way up to the hill, you might find a deal.
Ramen Noodles
Nothing better than stopping into the local grocery store, and picking up a couple of 19 cent packs of Ramen Noodles to eat for lunch. You cook the Ramen at the hill by getting two cups. Fill one cup with hot water from the coffee machine, crush up the Ramen, and put it into the hot water. Flip the other cup upside down and use it to cover the cup with Ramen and hot water. Five minutes later you will have perfectly cooked Ramen to fill your belly.
Snowboard During the Weekdays
Resorts will often have days during the week that are discounted for different reasons. Give them a ring to figure out what they have going on throughout the year. Snowboarding during the week will also allow you to avoid long lift lines which means more time on the snow for you. Who knows maybe you will even find a buy one get one night!
Parking Lot Lunches
Pack a lunch, grill some dogs, stop by subway, or travel to the local Little Ceasars for a five dollar Hot and Doughy! What ever you do, it will help you stay away from $10 bread bowls of chili, or $8 dollar burgers. Granted every now and then I like to step up to the plate for the chili, but if you pack a lunch you will have money for another day of riding.
Après-Ski
For those of you who are like me and like to relax and chill with friends after a good day of riding. Head to a tavern away from the hill. Sometimes we will grab one on the hill and head somewhere else, but overall I have found that the local tavern down the street will have the better deal.
Now it is your turn
I know I did not cover every little trick in the book, and I know you have some creative money saving tips up your sleeve. Please leave a comment if you have found a way to save a buck or two.
