Money-Saving Tips For Your Next Ski Vacation
If you are looking forward to your next skiing vacation, it's to your advantage to get the most out of your skiing dollar. You know the slopes, now it's time to learn the ropes. Here are three tips to help you save money so you can ski more often this winter.
Buy Your Skiing Gear at the Right Time and Place
You might think that the Christmas week starting with Boxing Day would be a good time to pick up a bargain on a new pair of skis or boots. Think again! It's true that during this time of the year, you can find big discounts on items like clothes and electronics. But ski equipment and accessories are different.
Why?
Because this is not the end, but the beginning of the ski season, and most retailers will not put their ski gear on sale this early. That being said, you might find some bargains if you venture over to your local Sporting Goods store.
However, most of these places do not have a complete range of skis nor do they have experienced boot fitters on staff. It's best to visit the Ski Shops that specialize in ski gear and accessories in the winter. They also have trained boot fitters so you can get a customized fit if you need ski boots.
You can always get a deal in the spring at most Ski Shops providing they still have the type of skis or boots that you are after in stock. However, begin your search in mid-February, since most of the shops begin dropping their prices around this time of the year, which is closer to the end of the ski season.
In addition, you are more likely to find the skis or boots that you had your eye on earlier in the season.
Take Care of your Boots
Ski boots are very durable, but they are also expensive, so you want to extend their life, especially if you have custom-fitted boots that fit comfortably and perform well. Avoid walking through parking lots after the snow has melted away. Rough surfaces will eventually wear the plastic soles to the point that they will no longer fit in your bindings properly, which brings us to the next tip.
Many boots now come with removable pads on the toe and heel, which can be replaced before they wear down beyond the safe limits. If you are in the market for a new pair of ski boots, make sure you buy boots that have replaceable pads, especially on the heels. Replacing a pair of worn, heel pads will save you a ton of cash versus buying new, ski boots.
Get a Lock for your Skis
When you buy new skis and if you do not already own a lock or your old lock will not fit your new skis, buy one before you leave the shop. Why?
Because, you may forget to get one before you lay the first tracks with your new boards. You will definitely be putting your skis in jeopardy of being stolen when you prop them up in a ski rack and head into the lodge for lunch. New skis are an easy prey. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Spend a few extra bucks up front for a ski lock to protect your initial investment for skis and bindings. It would be very painful to head back to the shop to replace a pair of skis that have been pilfered. Ouch!
About the Author: Maikel van Rijswijk is one of the owners of Sportiek Reizen (http://www.sportiek.com/), a Dutch travel agency specializing in lastminute wintersport vacations (http://www.sportiek.com/user/lastMinutes.php) and ski vacations (http://www.sportiek.com/goedkopeskivakantie.htm).
Source: www.isnare.comwritten by: Maikel Van Rijswijk
Related Articles:
Free Auto Loan Tips The following tips should help increase your chances of getting a car loan at a better rate. Tip #1 - If you just started a job (recently graduated from college) then wait 6 months to apply for your car loan. Tip #2 - If you...
I'm sure you'll agree that budgeting, saving money, and eliminating debt are very appealing ideas. If effectively tackled, these goals can secure your financial status for the future, and allow you to live a comfortable, debt-free life. However...
With the high cost of gasoline and the amount of money needed to lead a comfortable life slowly increasing many consumers may be worried about how to make ends meet. Fortunately there are lots of ways to save money in a variety of areas. Using any...
Aside from their home, most Americans will spend more money on their car than on anything else they will buy. And yet, when it comes time to buy that car, most people spend far more time researching the engine, the stereo and the moon roof than...
by Lesley Spencer, MSc; Founder & President HBWM.com Inc. One of the most common obstacles many home-based working moms face is trying to start or run a new business on a limited budget. The first few years of a business are usually the hardest...
Saving money is not easy and is made more difficult if you have a short-term outlook regarding your personal finances. If, like many people, you are living from one pay cheque to the next, it is difficult to put some money aside for a rainy day or...
You've probably stood in a checkout line behind someone who has a coupon for every item they've purchased, and it seems like eternity until they are finished. But, they probably saved over 50% to 80% off their grocery bill in that few minutes! How,...
Although many consumers would argue differently saving money doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact by making just a few changes in your normal lifestyle you can find ways to free up extra cash that can be put to better use in a savings account or an...
In addition to running my regular consulting business, I also work part-time as an Ad Set Supervisor for a national retail store. During this time I have learned many of the ins and outs of the retail business and how to get the most bang for my...
Why is it that the older and richer people become, the more conservative they are with their money? Have you ever done or know someone who has made an investment that promised a 10% interest or profit per month? Everyone wants to make above...
Related Links:
Resource Center
Submit your topic related site and we'll
review it for our Partner Sites where we
provide link exchange information.
Tour our site using the Site Map. We respect your privacy - see our terms for more info.