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Monday, February 24, 2014

Ski Tips for Saving Money on Meals | Cheap Eats on the Mountain

Last week we took a look at how to find cheap lift tickets when you’re planning a trip this winter. This week we’re going to show you how to save even more money on your next ski or snowboard adventure by eating cheap on the mountain.

There is no denying that snowboarding and skiing are expensive sports.
After you get past the price of equipment there are still lift tickets, travel fees (gasoline, etc), and, of course, the cost of eating. Though many people opt to eat meals at the lodge or a restaurant in the resort village, there are far more effective and affordable ways to fuel up on tasty food while you’re at the mountain.

Photo: www.ski-bums.org
Below are a few of the best ways that I’ve found you can eat well and save a few bucks in the process after or during a fun day of shredding.

1. Bring It In a Bag - By far the best way to save money on mountain eats is to pack your own meal. Before you gather your boots, bindings, and other gear, and stuff it all in the trunk of your car, you should take the time to plan your mission.

Eat a hearty breakfast before heading out and pack lunch and snacks for the trip. Making your meal at home is sure to save you loads of money. Shoot, you could even bring a small cook stove to make a warm meal if you want to. Water and other beverages should also be packed along as these are often outrageously priced on the hill.
Photo: www.seriouseats.com
2. Pick It Up On the Way - Not the kind of person that likes to pack your own lunch? Well, you can still save big bucks by picking up a meal on your way to the mountain. Stopping at an affordable restaurant and loading up on calories is a good way to go. The same goes for grabbing sandwiches for later from a cheap deli. Generally speaking, the closer you get to the ski resort, the more expensive food will be.

3. Scout it Out - If your local ski area has more than one eating place, you might be able to save a little money and still eat in style on the mountain. Scouting out the options ahead of time, using a review website like Urbanspoon or Yelp, can help you find a nearby eating place that is both affordable and delicious. That’s a win-win if I’ve ever heard of one.

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There is no getting around the fact that skiing and snowboarding are expensive. Luckily, there are more than a handful of ways to save money on snow-related excursions. One of the best is to cut down on food expenses by packing your own lunch, grabbing something affordable on the way, or doing your research on cheap options near the resort. A little preparation is the name of the game and will save you big time as far as money is concerned.

Which of the three options above do you prefer? Do you have any other tips on how to save money on food while at the mountain?