The image of skiing often conjures up images of someone carving up a fresh layer of snow on a mountain slope, dressed in all the finest gear, then heading back to drink a hot chocolate in a fancy log cabin in front of a roaring fire.
None of this imagery sounds very cheap though!
If you are thinking of getting into the sport, then one of the top questions on your mind will probably be;
Is skiing expensive?
Yes, skiing is an expensive sport. This is especially true if you are new to skiing, due to the up-front cost for equipment and lessons. Also trips to a ski resort, especially in peak season can set you back a hefty sum. There are multiple ways to help keep costs down though, including renting equipment or skiing during quieter periods.
Below, we will break down all of the costs involved with skiing, from the initial outlay, to the annual trip at a ski resort.
We will also be sharing some top tips to help reduce your costs and help make skiing a bit more affordable.
How expensive is it to start Skiing?
If you are completely new to skiing, then you will need equipment, clothing and lessons.
If you are buying everything, then you can expect your costs for equipment and clothing to be at least $1,000.
You will also want to invest in some lessons which can set you back about $80 per hour for solo lessons, or around $30 in a group.
If you decide to learn at a resort then these can be higher, if you learn back home on a dry slope, then the rates can be cheaper.
That being said, the intensive nature of lessons at a resort allows you to learn at a faster rate, meaning less training before heading out to the slopes.
On top of this, if you are heading straight to a resort, then you will have to add costs for ski passes, accommodation, food, and travel.
Should I Rent or Buy Ski Equipment?
The cost of renting equipment is obviously going to be less initially than buying it.
You can expect to pay around $400 per week at a ski resort which will include your skis, boots, poles, and clothing.
If it is your first experience skiing, then it is usually better to rent your kit for this trip.
If you decide that you want to take up the sport, then look into buying your own.
It can be tempting, but a big waste of money buying everything before you go away, only to discover that skiing isn’t for you!
How Expensive is Ski Clothing?
Investing in decent clothing is a better first purchase than a set of skis.
It is a lot easier to rent your skis and poles, than to find rental clothing and boots that fit you perfectly.
Buying your clothing will ensure that you are comfortable and warm while on the slopes, ensuring that you get the most enjoyment possible out of your time in the snow.
Your biggest purchases will be your ski jacket and trousers, and boots.
You can expect to pay over $200 for each of these items, and as you can imagine, the price options can be astronomical!
Gloves, goggles and helmet vary in cost too, but a good starting point is around $50 for each.
How much is a trip to a ski resort?
Heading off for a week at a resort can certainly add up to be an expensive excursion.
Your first cost will be to travel to the resort which will often involve flying and potentially renting a car.
You will have your seat ticket, along with extra costs for your ski equipment (if you are bringing your own).
Next up is accommodation and food/ drink costs.
You can expect to pay more for the joy of staying and dining in the mountains, with costs being upwards of 25% more than standard rates.
Finally, you have your ski pass (or lift pass).
Depending on the time of year or type of resort, you will be looking at paying between $80 and $200 per day.
How to Ski for Less
These numbers may seem quite eye-watering, but there are many ways to keep costs down while skiing.
Here are a few of our favorite tips:
Try taking your lessons on a dry slope
If you are starting out, look into taking your lessons at a local dry (or artificial) ski slope.
The hourly rate is usually less than at a resort, and it means that when you get to a resort you can spend more time on the slopes enjoying yourself.
Rent your kit instead of buying
If you are starting out and heading straight to a resort, then it is usually better to rent your kit.
If you enjoyed yourself and want to continue skiing, then look into buying your equipment.
Buy used equipment instead of new.
Look at buying used equipment instead of new.
You can save $$$ off of new prices, and as you gain experience, you can slowly swap out equipment to suit your preference and skill level.
Take a packed lunch
Pack a lunch for your days on the slopes.
Eating out at a ski resort can be very expensive and really top up your overall bill.
By packing a lunch and bringing it in a backpack, you can keep these costs down, plus avoid crowded restaurants with potentially long wait times.
Ski during low season
Ski during low-season while there is less snow on the slopes.
The resorts will be quieter and so resort costs will be lower.
Get a season pass
If you are planning on a lot of skiing, consider a season pass.
While the initial cost will be high, it may end up saving you a lot.
Some season passes will let you use it at multiple resorts.
If you intend on seriously getting into skiing, then the costs can be high, especially initially.
But by learning locally on a dry slope, and renting your equipment, it is possible to keep these costs more affordable.
Once you start buying your own equipment and heading to the slopes of a resort, the costs can really add up.
Skiing is a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding sport though, and the return on investment is always worth it!
