Don’t Rent Skis or Snowboards
Not only is renting gear expensive, but it’s a real pain in the butt. Who wants to stand in a long line at the ski rental counter when you could be outside skiing instead. I can give a little credit to the ski shops that offer year-long rentals, at least there trying. But I guarantee it’s still cheaper in the long-run to buy your own gear.
Look for deals everywhere.
A magical shop that has all the best deals on everything just doesn’t exist. You could find a great deal almost anywhere including local ski shops, online stores, ski swaps, ski forums, eBay, craigslist or even by word of mouth.
Buy at the right time.
If you’re trying to save money on ski gear, the last thing you want to do is go shopping for skis in the middle of January. You’re almost certain to pay full retail price. The best time to shop is at the end of the season when prices are low and selection is still reasonably good.
Buy used.
Buying pre-owned gear is a great way to save money (especially with kids who are constantly growing.) But you still need to watch the prices, I’ve seen a lot used gear at ski swaps priced higher than I could find it brand new.
Know what you want.
Demo a few pairs of skis ahead of time and make sure you know what size jacket or pants fits best beforehand. That way you will be ready to buy when a great deal does pop up.
