How to Ski on a Budget in Colorado

Colorado is home to 41 world-class ski resorts, about a dozen of which are within a two-hour drive from the DU campus. While this is a huge draw for many students, it’s not a cheap one. So we’ve compiled some budget-friendly tips—from affordable transportation to saving money on gear, food and passes—that will help you hit the slopes for less.

Get to the mountain on the cheap

If you don’t have a car and are looking for an inexpensive way to get to the high country,, it’s hard to beat Amtrak’s Winter Park Express. Leaving from Union Station, the train ride takes a little more than two hours—not perfect for powder days since you’ll miss first chair, but the train drops you off right at the base of the Winter Park Resort. Ticket prices dropped this year, starting at $19 one way, with trains running Thursday through Monday all season. 

If you’re looking to hit Copper, Arapahoe Basin, Loveland or Breckenridge, the Snowstang over-the-road bus is a cost-effective way to skip the stress of driving. Round trip tickets are just $25, making it one of the cheapest ways to get to and from some of Colorado’s finest alpine terrain.

And last but not least, you can carpool. If you’re heading to a mountain that you can’t reach by bus or train, don’t travel solo. Pack the car with a couple of friends and save a few bucks on gas. Plus, if you show up with four or more people per car, you get free parking at Arapahoe Basin.

Save on gear and food

Nothing hurts the wallet more than pulling into the parking lot and realizing you left your snow pants at home or that your 12-year-old boots are starting to crack. While on-mountain shops can be absolute life savers when you need them, double checking your bag before you hit the road can save you from an unnecessary expense.

If you are in the market for a new set of skis, definitely check out Wilderness Exchange, Second Wind Sports or any other secondhand outdoor gear store to see if they have what you need. Brand-new skis can be cost-prohibitive, but you can find a lightly used pair for a fraction of the price. And if you’re new to skiing or don’t want to splurge on a full set of gear, renting from on- or off-mountain ski shops can be cheaper than buying. 

Skiing works up an appetite and, even though chicken tenders and a hot chocolate in the lodge might hit the spot, you can save money bringing your own. Whether you’re eating lunch in the lodge or tailgating in the lot with your crew, packing a cooler and your own snacks is a great way to save a few dollars when you hit the slopes. Generally speaking, a small grill and a pack of hot dogs cost about the same as lunch for two or three people at the mountain—and you can reuse the grill. 

Other penny-pinching options include PB&Js, parking lot charcuterie, trail mix and other snacks. Similarly, fill up a big water bottle at home to stay hydrated.

Find the best deals on tickets

You’ve got your gear, packed a lunch and carpooled to the mountains, but without a ticket, you won’t be taking any runs. Whichever mountain you’re heading to, check out how much lift tickets are before you get there—you can often save money by buying in advance. Some mountains, tune shops and other stores might offer college discounts—so bring your student ID. 

If you plan on skiing a lot, season and multi-mountain passes are one of the best bang-for-your-buck purchases you can make before the ski season. Epic and Ikon both offer multi-day and season passes and college student discounts, and mountains like Copper offer college season passes for a lower price.

On top of a regular student discount, DU’s Alpine Club—the largest and longest running club on campus—can set you up with a substantial discount on an Ikon pass. The club also offers frequent trips to the mountains, including upcoming weekends at Jackson Hole, Silverton and Wolf Creek. Club members get a discount on trips, but even if you’re not signed up, the group pricing offers a budget-friendly way to check out new resorts.

Make the most of Winter Carnival

Returning to Winter Park this year, Winter Carnival is one of DU’s longest running traditions. Students have access to discounted lift tickets, hotels and transit to and from the resort for a weekend full of alpine festivities. Check out DUPB on CrimsonConnect for more information on this year’s Winter Carnival Schedule.