Skiing with a family is expensive. Lift tickets, rentals, lessons, lodging, food… it adds up fast.
But after years of skiing with kids, I’ve learned a few ways to cut some costly corners. Practical choices that can make a difference.
Buy lift tickets early (or think season passes)
Buying lift tickets at the window is almost always the most expensive option. If you know you’ll ski more than a few days in a season, a season pass can be cheaper than multiple day tickets.
If you’re only skiing a few days, look for multi-day ticket packs instead of single day tickets. They will also give discounts if you pair a pass with a ski lesson. Many resorts also sell discounted tickets months in advance or offer spring sales for the following season.
Look for “kids ski free” programs
A lot of resorts offer free or heavily discounted lift tickets for young kids. Sometimes they need to be bundled with an adult ticket or picked up in advance, but the savings can be significant.
This is one of those things people miss simply because they don’t know to look for it.
I've found some Kid's ski free programs for Colorado resorts
• Keystone Resort — Kids 12 & under ski free all season if you book 2+ nights lodging directly through Keystone.
• Aspen Snowmass — Kids 7–12 get free lift tickets when you rent their equipment through the resort (with other conditions). Kids 6 & under ski free.
• Colorado Ski Passport (K–6) — K–6 kids can ski multiple days at 19 Colorado resorts for a very low price (effectively super cheap per day for families).
• Steamboat — Kids 12 & under ski free the same number of days as a parent when the adult books a 5-day+ lift ticket.
Rent gear off the mountain
On-mountain rentals are convenient, but they’re almost always more expensive. Renting from a local shop in town usually costs less and often comes with better boot fittings and shorter wait times.
There is also the option of renting gear for the whole season, my sister who lives in Denver does this for her kids. It's actually dramatically cheaper then a 5 day rental on the mountain.
Buy kids gear secondhand
Kids outgrow ski gear fast. Like, sometimes within one season.
Ski swaps, local resale shops, and Facebook groups can save you hundreds on skis, boots, and outerwear. One important exception: helmets. Always buy helmets new.
Pack your own food and snacks
On-mountain food prices are aggressive. Especially when you’re feeding multiple kids. I think I paid $35 for a cheeseburger at Vail my son didn't even eat.
Packing snacks, sandwiches, and refillable water bottles can easily save hundreds over the course of a trip. Even skipping one lodge lunch a day makes a noticeable difference.
Avoid peak days if you can
Holiday weekends and school vacation weeks come with higher prices across the board. Lift tickets, lodging, and lessons are all more expensive during peak times.
If your schedule allows, midweek skiing is often cheaper and way less chaotic.
Stay slightly off the mountain
Slope-side lodging is convenient, but staying even 10–20 minutes away can significantly lower lodging costs. Most ski towns have good bus systems to shuttle you to and from the mountain.
Sharing a house or condo with another family is one of the biggest money savers and often more comfortable for families anyway.
Be strategic with lessons
Private lessons add up fast. Group lessons are much more affordable and often great for kids.
Some resorts offer multi-day lesson packages that include lift tickets and rentals, which can be a really good deal. Morning lessons are also a win because parents get ski time while kids are occupied.
Don’t overbuy ski clothing
Kids don’t need top-of-the-line gear for a few ski days a year. Mid-range brands perform extremely well when layered correctly. My boys have been wearing the $20 Target base layers for years and have never been cold.
Focus on warmth and waterproofing, not brand names.
Consider smaller, family-friendly resorts
Big name resorts are fun, but they’re not always the best option for families. Smaller or less flashy mountains often have lower ticket prices, shorter lift lines, and excellent kids programs.
For families, that can be a better experience overall and much easier on the budget.
The bottom line
Skiing with kids will never be “cheap.” But it can be manageable with a little planning and flexibility. The biggest savings usually come from lift tickets, lodging, and rentals, not from cutting back on the experience itself.
A little strategy goes a long way.