1.) Reuse your old clothing from previous trips. It's a complete con when people tell you that you need to buy the latest breathe-technology, microfiber, aerodynamic jacket that costs a months salary. Almost everyone who has experience on the slopes will tell you it's all about layering, multiple layers that you can add and remove easily when your temperature changes (which it will). Sure, the newest clothing may be slightly more advanced but for 99% of us it makes very little difference. Those thermals from a couple of years ago haven't suddenly become unusable just because Burton says they have.
2.) If you need some new clothing, shop around. The temptation is to go to the biggest and most well know shop to get this years threads, but if you do you're likely to be paying premium prices. The smaller independent outlets are more likely to have some flexibility with the price and you can often grab a bargain simply by asking for some money off. TK Max is another great option for winter gear. They stock last years range so whilst the clothes are still brand new, you're not paying for the latest "innovation". Take a bit of time to trawl through the masses of unwanted XXL jackets and pants, and chances are you'll find a gem.
3.) Buy second hand hardware. The prices of some of the new gear on the market are astronomical...and most snowboarders aren't investment bankers. As long as the equipment is checked over properly for damage, a used board will ride just as well as one just out of the wrapper, and the price difference can be staggering. Check out Extreme Sports Trader to find a bargain second hand snowboard. You can always flog it again when you get back to reclaim some of your money and free up some space in your crib.
4.) Last minute holiday deals can save you a packet. Holiday companies and airlines want to fill all their spaces otherwise they are losing money. If it's coming close to the deadline and there are a number of places left, they will slash their prices just to get a bum on the seat (so to speak). Trying ringing up either travel companies such as Virgin Holidays or even airlines directly and ask if they have any trips going out soon that they could offer a discount on. I'll reiterate how amazing it is that just by asking for money off you can cut prices in a second. If your really brave and don't mind too much when you experience the white rush this year, you can arrive at an airport and ask to be put on the standby flight list. The principle is the same...if there is a no-show or a flight with loads of space, you'll get the seat but at a fraction of the original price.
5.) Get your lift pass early. Lift passes can take up a major chunk of your holiday budget and as you would expect resorts tend to hike their lift pass prices up in high season when there is larger demand. If you apply for you lift pass at the beginning of the season and before you leave, you're likely to get a better price than if you buy it when you get there. After all, they will offer a good price to get you to come to the resort, but if you wait till you're there before you buy, they can charge you almost what they like...it's not like you don't need the lift is it.
