I want to share some news with you guys. You know what, I finally skied on the snow clad mountains of the Poconos and did everything without spending extravagantly on it. I always wanted to experience the feeling of skiing in one of the most preferred weekend destinations, but never wanted to spend much because of the financial constraints.
You would be delighted to know that you can also plan your best budget skiing trip just like I did. I know that skiing is considered a hole burning sport for your pocket, but on the contrary, you can actually get to experience everything with a limited budget in the Poconos.
Poconos, a snow heaven for all the skiers, has a plethora of ski resorts for all levels of skiers. Through this blog I’ll share some tips to make your ski trip cheap and more fun as well as memorable. So buckle up before you start sliding through the frozen peaks of every winter wonderland.
Skiing in Poconos
Before diving into how to do budgeting for your next trip, let’s see why Poconos is the most preferred destination for skiing. I preferred Poconos mainly because of its proximity to major cities like NewYork, its breathtaking views, picturesque valleys and majestic mountains with a reliable amount of snow covers on the hills in the winters making them the apt place to ski.
Poconos is filled with numerous ski resorts from lower to higher range. One can always opt for something which is under their budget. When I researched the ski resorts, I came across some of the most famous ones which I would love to share with you guys. The prices listed are for one day and single adult only.
| Resort Name | Lift | Lift + Rental | Night Skiing |
| Shawnee Mountain Ski Area | $44 | $76 | $35 |
| Camelback Ski Resort | $79 | $144 | $49 |
| Blue Mountain Resort | $94 – $149 | $109 | $69 – $114 |
| Jack Frost Mountain | $84 | $138 | $59 |
| Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain | $38 | $83 | $35 |
The above mentioned rates are during the weekdays in Poconos, however, if you prefer to ski during your weekend getaway trip, then you need to shell out more bucks as tickets tend to get costly on the weekends. Ski trails are highly crowded on the weekends and hence the fluctuations of prices. You can stay at one of these resorts or opt for an independent house like I did. I booked a vacation rental during my stay in the Poconos. You can do the same and cut on your spendings!
Ways to Budget Your Ski Trip in Poconos
We know skiing can be a costly affair if not budgeted properly and skiing on a budget is the requirement of the time for many of us. So let me help you cut down a few bucks and save them for your next trip.
Renting Your Skiing Gears
One can always rent out the ski equipment instead of buying them and cut down a few bucks! Not convinced? Let’s compare.
| Equipments | Purchase Price | Rental Price |
| Skis | $400 | $35 |
| Boots | $350 | $22 |
| Poles | $40 | $12 |
| Helmets | $50 | $12 |
So instead of experiencing the smooth gliding on snow loaded peaks while burning a hole in your pocket, make it the best skiing on a budget.
Lift Tickets Discounts
If you prefer to buy tickets online than offline, then you are saving yourself some bucks. Resorts offer good discounts on tickets which are purchased online by the skier than those which are bought at the window in offline mode. Also, if you are booking in bulk for a large group like a family, then you can avail a good percentage of discount and plan an excellent family ski trip on a budget.
The price you pay for a ticket for a weekday or mid week day would be lesser compared to the weekend day. However, if you haven’t purchased any skiing equipment, you can book the same while booking a ticket for skiing and rentals. These packages are generally cheaper than buying everything individually.
Avoid Holidays and Peak Times
Plan your Poconos skiing trip during the normal days and avoid the holidays & weekends as these days are costly for the same. Instead clear your schedule and mark out the mid of your calendar for your snow skiing on a budget trip.
Book a Vacation Rental
Popular resorts are notorious for charging you extra during peak seasons. They utilize their reputation to justify the price and quality of their abode. Instead, you can have the same experience by opting for a less-known destination that offers the same rate for a lower price and stay in vacation rentals in the Poconos rather than paying huge bills at these resorts.
Travel Tips and Logistics
The best way to travel to the Poconos and ensure that you do not miss out on winter adventures is by traveling by personal car. I used my own car to travel to and fro from multiple locations in and outside of Poconos and it was a smart decision. While ticking off every point of the trip preparation, do not forget to keep in mind the precautions for having a best value skiing experience.
- Wear water resistant layers and warm clothes. Avoid cotton material.
- Wear waterproof jackets with snow specific features.
- Wear synthetic or woolen socks.
- Use all safety gears including snow boots, helmet, neck gaiter, gloves and mittens.
- Take an expert’s help if you are at beginner’s level of skiing.
- Always know about the area you are skiing. Download an offline map if necessary.
- Always be careful of dangerous spots or steep slopes
- Remember all the hand signals and follow the experts around unknown areas.
It’s always a better choice to have knowledge about things which you will be attempting. Even if you are a beginner or an expert, snow skiing is something around which one needs to be careful. So, read before you lead!
Final Word
There are only a few variables in skiing which can be controlled for making your skiing a budgeted one. Weigh your options carefully and cut down on unnecessary expenses. One can experience the best ski in the Poconos on a budget. I did and so can you while staying at premium home rentals by HolidayKeepers.
Our rentals are equipped with high end amenities and will make sure you feel at home even when away from your home. You can contact us for any queries. We will be happy to help you!
