This post may contain affiliate links where we earn from qualifying purchases from referring you to our favorite products and brands. As an amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Find out more in our disclosure.
Skiing with kids gets expensive fast, especially if you don’t have gear to start out. But after 20 years of ski instructing and raising my own 5 kids, I can tell you that there are some great ways to get started out skiing for less…and to still have an awesome day.
So if you’re skiing on a tight budget, you don’t need the fanciest of everything. You just need to know where your money actually matters. If I were starting from scratch, here’s where I’d spend my money:
Where To Save on Ski Gear
1. Good mittens or gloves
Don’t go cheap on gloves or mittens. If you’re looking for good ones for your kids, grab these from Reima. They’re super affordable and work SO WELL. It’s what my 3 youngest kids wear regularly and the design, warmth, and waterproofing is excellent.
Kids Mittens (code SKIINGKIDS15 for 15% off) Kids Gloves (code SKIINGKIDS15 for 15% off)
2. Rent skis off the mountain
Renting gear at the base of the mountain will almost always be the most expensive option. Call a few shops in town and compare prices. You’ll usually get the same skis for a lot less money.
3. The best outerwear you can afford, plus Nikwax
Buy the best jacket and snow pants your budget allows, then apply Nikwax waterproofing on top. It’s not a permanent fix, but it’ll keep you dry for about a month at a time. Just reapply as the season goes on. I don’t recommend this as a long term fix, but it’s a great option if you are just going to try skiing for a few days and don’t want to invest in the best kids coats or snowpants.
NikWax Waterproofing
4. Real ski socks with a merino wool blend
Yes, the socks you wear skiing actually matter – A LOT! They have special padding, and insulation that will make your day SO MUCH BETTER! Avoid cotton and get something that insulates and wicks moisture away (we love wool). These are such a great deal and are about 1/3 the price of name brands. Our whole family wears these, and they hold up just as well as fancy ski socks!
Kids Ski Socks Adult Ski Socks
5. Budget ski goggles
You don’t need expensive ski goggles, but you do want something that has a clear lens, and that will keep you warm and dry. These are some great options for goggles that do the job great and won’t break the budget.
Kids Ski Goggles Adult Ski Goggles
6. Layer with clothes you already have
This is where you can save the most. Grab an affordable pair of synthetic base layers. Then, instead of buying a midlayer, use fleece pants and a fleece pullover (my kids often just wear warm pajamas). They’re warm, cozy, and probably already in your kids’ dresser.
Kids Budget Base Layers Adult Budget Base Layers