With a day pass to the slopes priced up to $250, skiing in Australia has become unaffordable for many. As a passionate skier, I have found strategies to hit the slopes for less.
Mike Atkinson, also known as @outback_mike online, shared a viral video this season which addressed the extortionate prices resorts such as Perisher are charging. After putting the prices into an inflation calculator he determined that the high costs are not a result of inflation, rather it is just very ridiculous pricing.
Commenting on Atkinsons reel, the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce said that the increase in ski prices has resulted in fewer tourists, with many choosing to ski in Japan for a much lower price.
As an avid skier who is trying not to break the bank, here are some money-saving tips I have gathered to help new and experienced skiers shred for less in Australia next season.
1. Buy a Season Pass Early
With day prices fluctuating throughout the season and remaining high over the weekends, if you plan to ski five or more days a season pass may be the option for you.
Buying the pass early means that you can get the cheapest price and on occasions be able to set up a payment plan. This means by the time the season rolls around your pass is already paid for and you will be able to ski or board an unlimited number of days.
| Resort | Day Pass (Approx) | Seasons Pass (Approx) | |
| Weekend | Weekday | ||
| Thredbo | $219 | $199 | $1799+ |
| Perisher | $249 | $219 | $999+ |
| Selwyn | $109 | $109 | No season pass |
| Falls Creek | $232 | $177 | $999+ |
| Hotham | $232 | $177 | $999+ |
** note prices vary depending on the time of the season.
There are also additional perks of having seasons pass… these include:
- Skiing at additional resorts in Australia with no extra cost;
- Skiing at a number of resorts overseas with a large discount or no extra cost;
- Receiving food and drink discounts;
- Being able to give your friends and family discount codes;
- Savings on rentals; and
- Savings on accommodation.
2. Stay for Less
The more, the merrier
More people, means more savings. Get together a group of friends or family to share accommodation and travel costs. Using budget friendly options such as shared lodges or hostels can be great for a large group.
Stay off-mountain
Staying in town and off the mountain is usually cheaper than the mountain. If you plan to ski in Thredbo and Perisher, look at staying in Jindabyne and use the bus to get to the slopes.
3. Be Savvy with Equipment
Second-hand gear
If you are an avid skier and are spending too much on renting each season, consider grabbing some second-hand gear before the season begins.
Most of the best sales occur in off-season. You can purchase second-hand gear at your favourite ski shop or jump onto Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace. You can get some great gear for a fraction of the cost compared with new equipment.
Local Rentals
Try rent your equipment before you go to the snow and not at the resort you are skiing at. This will be cheaper as the closer you get to the mountain, the higher the prices get.
4. Dine for Less on the Slopes
Rent a locker or bring a backpack
If you are looking at buying food on the mountain, be prepared to pay prices such as $19.00 for a small wrap. These prices are consistent throughout the season and can only be avoided through packing your own food.
Renting a locker for a day to store food costs considerably less than buying food on the mountain, particularly in a group. So, prepare some sandwiches or warm food in a thermos beforehand and store it in a locker or backpack.
Bring snacks
If you only want to buy something small on the mountain, bring some snacks to sustain your day of exercise. Granola bars and pocket-sized fuel is best for this and can be stored in your jacket.
Eat outside of peak hours
At Perisher, most places do not honour the season pass discount in peak lunch hours between hours such as 11:30am – 1:30pm. If you go outside of these hours you can receive a small 20% discount.
5. Use Public Transport
Save yourself money and petrol by taking a bus service to your snow destination of choice. Sit back, relax and look out the window.
Here are some examples of the fare costs of public transport to and from different locations
| Destination | Return Cost Per Person (approx) |
| Canberra – Jindabyne | $30.60 |
| Sydney – Jindabyne | $108.00 |
| Melbourne – Falls Creek | $109.00 |
| Melbourne – Hotham | $119.00 |
** note prices vary depending on the time of the season or day of the week.
With these tips in mind this ski season, you can enjoy shredding the slopes with your friends and family for less!
Photos by Paris McMahon