It’s no secret that a skiing and snowboarding trip can break the bank. They’re not the cheapest of sports, and when combined with the whole cost-of-living crisis going on… you may just leave your holiday with your wallet crying in your back pocket.
The team at Flip Insurance are here to support your bottom line. But the same time, they’re about encouraging you to get out and enjoy life, and they always dare to be different.
So if you’ve tried all the obvious money-saving tips, here are five new ways to save money that you might not have considered for your next snow trip.
Cheap lift passes at hidden gem resorts
If you’ve missed out on earlybird deals for the season, or opted out of one of the multi-destination passes that offer some serious bang for buck, there are still some steals to be found across the Southern Hemisphere slopes – you may just have to get off the beaten track.
Charlotte’s Pass in New South Wales also offers up cheap-as-chips 2 Buck Tuesday and 75 Thursday. On Tuesdays, you can get a lift pass, return oversnow transport and lunch for just $2, as long as you’re travelling with another person paying the full $109. And on Thursdays, get the same deal for just $75 per person.
Heading over the ditch to New Zealand? The club fields are where you want to be. They’re authentic, fun and will still leave some spare change in your pocket. Their ‘Chill Pass‘ gets you access at up to 13 club fields across the South & North Island, and starts at just $42 per day for a five day pass for a child.
Get the right insurance with 20% off for SnowsBest readers
When expenses are growing faster than your income, it’s tempting to try to skip out on insurance for your trip. But canceling insurance (or ignoring the fact that you might need some) can have devastating outcomes if something goes wrong.
A better idea is to educate yourself. Read the fine print to see if you’re paying for cover you’ll never use, and regularly review your options because new and improved products pop up all the time.
For your next ski trip, the team at Flip Insurance are offering 20% off Flip Active purchases to help protect yourself (and your wallet) with their accidental injury insurance.
For all skiing and snowboard-related activities, Flip pays out up to $20k in cash depending on your injury while your insurance is on.
It’s priced at just $7/day or $25 a week with no waiting periods or lock-in contracts, which is a great bargain – and a smart investment.
Use code: SNOWSBEST23 at checkout to save*.
Do free (or cheaper) stuff
Even the priciest of ski resorts have their free events on offer, and it’s worth taking a close look at local event calendars and websites to suss out what’s on offer.
Most will offer regular free live music, trivia nights and bingo nights at the pub, along with plenty of free activities for kids, especially during the school holidays. Smiggins has free night skiing for kids on Wednesday nights; Thredbo has a flare run every Saturday and fireworks which are great to watch.
This includes the unique stuff, so make sure you also ask a local for their hot tips while on the mountain. Mt Buller, for example, offers free access to its National Alpine Museum, and it’s well worth a visit for any snow lover.
Declutter and thrift
Some hobbies may need to go in order to fund your love of skiing and snowboarding. Spend a weekend going through your stuff and sell the things you don’t want, need or use – including that guitar you never play, or the spare jacket that definitely doesn’t fit anymore.
If you need new snow gear, Facebook Marketplace or eBay are still there with second-hand bargains, or your local thrift shop can often deliver the goods with barely-used options for much cheaper than their original sticker price.
Food makes all the difference
From the morning hot chocolates to the lunchtime hot chips, all the way through to the après beers and mini donuts – food and drinks really add up. The best options is to pack sandwiches, non-squishy fruit and high-energy snacks into the pockets of your jacket for the slopes each day. This can save you some serious cash.
When off the snow, see if you can find accommodation with a full kitchen: a grocery shop will go a long further than restaurant meals. Or, if you’re driving to your snow destination, cook in bulk for a few weeks at home then pack the frozen meals with you, ready to defrost by night and enjoy a homemade spag bol.
An important note
Cost of living pressure can impact your mental health, so remember to keep getting out there and doing the things you love. And, if you’re really struggling and need someone to talk to straight away, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
You can also get free financial counselling through the National Debt Hotline on 1800 007 007.
Otherwise, click here to find out more about Flip Insurance and their offer for Snowsbesties.
*Valid until 31/10/2023. The 20% discount applies to your first purchase. You will receive 20% off cover for a day, a week, or the first month of a monthly subscription. Subscriptions can be cancelled any time. Read the PDS and TMD at getflip.com.au and consider whether this product is appropriate for you. Issued by HCF Life.
*Flip advice is general in nature. We don’t take into account your personal circumstances, so please consider how appropriate it is for you before purchasing. Read our PDS, FSG and TMD available at getflip.com.au before purchasing, too. HCF Life Insurance Company Pty Ltd (HCF Life) is the issuer of Flip Insurance. Flip Insurance Pty Ltd (Flip Insurance) is a wholly owned subsidiary and authorised representative of HCF Life. HCF Life is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited (HCF), and acts on its own behalf. Premiums for Flip cover are paid to HCF Life. HCF receives commission of 80% of HCF Life’s underwriting profit each year calculated as premiums less claims and expenses. Flip Insurance may receive remuneration from HCF Life for the financial services it provides in relation to Flip cover. Flip Insurance and HCF Life employees receive a salary, paid by HCF Life, for the financial services they provide in relation to Flip cover. In addition, HCF, HCF Life and Flip Insurance employees may also receive an incentive depending on the total revenue and profitability of Flip products, and for meeting their compliance obligations. This remuneration is provided on a discretionary basis and may vary from time to time.**Valid until 31/10/2023. The 20% discount applies to your first purchase. You will receive 20% off cover for a day, a week, or the first month of a monthly subscription. Subscriptions can be cancelled any time. Read the PDS and TMD at getflip.com.au and consider whether this product is appropriate for you. Issued by HCF Life.
