It’s simple. The more money you save getting to the mountain and on the slopes, the more time you get to spend on the snow. We want everyone to ski and snowboard to their heart’s content, so the Mammoth Bound team has put together a list of ways to save money on your next family ski trip. Check out our guide below, then use Mammoth Bound to find the best deals on ski rentals in Mammoth Lakes.
Bring Your Own Food
Our first tip is the most obvious. Bring your own food and drinks to the mountain, especially if you’re skiing or snowboarding with your family.
Food and drink prices are always higher slopeside, so if you bring snacks and drinks that you can carry on you or stow in a locker then you’ll immediately save money. Not only that, but you can also bring specific snacks that you know your family loves.
You can also bring more than just snacks if you don’t mind storing the food in your car. In some ski resort parking lots, you can even have a full cookout, so don’t be afraid to bring your food with you.
If you or someone in your family is not going to be skiing or snowboarding on anything over a green, then don’t pay for access to the entire mountain.
Beginner passes give access to a handful of runs near the base of the mountain where people can comfortably learn the basics while still accessing most mountain amenities like the lifts and lodges.
Check Out Night Skiing Opportunities
Some mountains offer night skiing where a few runs will be open well into the night for skiers and snowboarders who can’t make it on the snow during the day. Due to the limited terrain and time, night skiing lift tickets are less than regular lift tickets.
Take advantage of night skiing if you can, but don’t forget to bundle up since the temperatures drop with the sun.
Ride Smaller Mountains Until You Can Enjoy Big Terrain
Don’t pay for world-class skiing and snowboarding if you won’t be accessing it. A large mountain like Mammoth Mountain has a ton of terrain, but you can still access great terrain for less money by riding at a smaller mountain like June Mountain.
Ski During the Week
If possible, take your family skiing during the week to find lower lift ticket prices. Weekday skiing is not only cheaper, but it also means fewer people on the slopes. Of course, it’s hard to get to the mountain on a weekday, so see if night skiing is an option to work around school and work schedules.
Don’t Pay Walk Up Prices
Walk up ticket window prices will always be the most expensive, so buy your lift tickets online and ahead of time to avoid them.
Not only will you save by buying in advance, but you’ll also save by buying your lift tickets in bundles.