While you might think that owning a ski jacket would be enough, it’s actually not. The price of a good quality ski jacket can vary from a couple hundred to several thousand dollars. That’s a lot of money for someone who is not a professional skier!
Thankfully, there’s another option: renting ski equipment! The cost of a season pass, or ‘all-access pass’ as they are commonly known, will typically get you access to all the major ski resorts‘ premier trails and all the major events (such as the Nightlife Grand Prix and the Summer Olympics) for less than you would pay for one jacket.
The cost of renting skis and accessories in Colorado is about the same as the cost of a hotel room for one night. So, if you want to wake up in the morning and hit the slopes, you can do so for less than what you would spend for a night at a hotel.
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The Cost Of A Room At A Hotel
The cost of a room at a hotel varies from resort to resort and can range from about $60 to $80 per night. You’ll typically get a small discount if you book a room during the off-season. These rates don’t include meals, which can cost you another $10 or more per day, depending on where you stay.
You’re probably wondering how exactly does a hotel stay compare to a ski resort stay. After all, you’ll be paying for the room and the hotel doesn’t have any direct connections to the slopes. Well, let’s look at the details shall we?
A typical room at a 4-star resort will have your standard amenities (e.g., TV, fridge, and desk) and will offer direct access to the slopes, with an intermediate or advanced trail nearby. This is also where the nightlife is at its best: you’ll have access to all the bars and restaurants, as well as clubs and galleries where music is playing.
In contrast, a hotel room will typically only have a bathroom and a TV. The desk and the fridge might not even be in the room (but you’ll have access to them through a laptop). The direct access to the slopes will not be available in the room, nor will there be any music outside of your room. Instead, you’ll find elevator music, as well as a clock on the wall, which is probably the only thing keeping you awake in the evening.
As a general rule, you’ll find that the higher the star rating of the hotel, the better the room and the service, but you’ll have to pay for that luxury somehow. So, if you want to rent a high-quality ski outfit, you might have to rent high-quality hotel equipment as well.
The Cost Of A Ski Weekend
A ski weekend in Colorado lasts for a full week and usually includes Tuesday night to Friday morning as a ‘day’ of skiing. The midweek and friday evenings are usually filled with concerts, fireworks, parades, and other events that draw large crowds. There are some resorts, though, that close down on Mondays, so if you are going to be in Colorado during the midweek, make sure you check the website of the resort you are planning to visit to see if there are any holidays or work days off that you should consider taking advantage of.
The cost of a ski weekend in Colorado varies from about $250 to $600 per person. That’s a lot of money, even for an experienced skier, let alone a beginner! The price will vary depending on the resort, the number of people in your group, if the hotel you’re staying at is pet friendly, and if you’re driving or flying. You can find more information about the cost of a ski weekend on the resort’s website.
The Cost Of A Summer Camp
If you’re looking for a way to have fun during the summer, but don’t want to spend your entire vacation in an expensive hotel, why not consider spending a week or two at a summer camp. You can rent all kinds of outdoor equipment, such as kayaks, canoes, and tents, as well as indoor equipment, such as climbing walls and ziplines. You’ll also be able to take long walks and go on overnight trips with the group.
The cost of a summer camp is directly linked to how experienced a skier you are. An intermediate camp will set you back about $850, and an advanced summer camp will cost you about $1,250. You’ll need to bring your own food and drink, as well as your own bed linen and bathroom towels. Most rental agencies will not provide you with bedding or towels, so you’ll have to pack those also.
Additional Expenses
Besides what you’ll spend on the equipment itself, you’ll have to consider other expenses. These include transportation to and from the airport, lunch, drinks, and snacks, as well as any medical expenses resulting from an injury you might sustain while skiing. Remember: you’re a guest in another person’s home, so you’ll have to follow their customs and rules. Some of the other expenses you might have to pay for include:
- Parking costs
- Shuttle charges to and from the airport
- Airport security charges
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverage charges (at some resorts)
- Snack and meal charges (at some resorts)
All of this can add up quickly, so if you want to have some fun on the slopes, it might be worth looking into renting equipment. You can also consider renting a ski lodge, which can be the perfect compromise between an expensive hotel stay and a camp experience, as well as allowing you to have direct access to the slopes without having to pay for a ride each day.
As you can see, there are many options for having some fun on the slopes. You don’t have to break the bank, as much as you might think, and you can still have a good time. Just follow these few tips to rent the right equipment for the right price and you’ll be enjoying Colorado’s finest scenic attractions in no time.