In this economy? How to make skiing and snowboarding more affordable in 2026
Package deals, discounted night skiing, family rates and first-time offers aim to bring down expense
Sep 15, 2026
Updated:
Sep 15, 2026
With the US trade war, tariffs and economic disruptions, Iran and oil and who knows what next, skiers and snowboarders need our winter “distractions” more than ever.
The good news: some ski resort operators in Alberta and BC are pushing for more affordability and access. Package deals on lift passes, discount nights and free or subsidized learn to ski programs are a few ways that resorts in Western Canada are changing the standard industry model.
Recently, Pacific Group Resorts (the ownership group for SilverStar, Mount Washington and Jay Peak) announced “Mission: Affordable.”
It’s one among several initiatives being undertaken across the industry, as it adapts to economic, demographic and climate shifts.
Photo:
Madeline Williams
Skiers at the top of the SilverStar gondola.
“We think it's important to invest in the future of the sport,” says Ian Jenkins, general manager at SilverStar Mountain Resort near Vernon.
“Our overall message is not that skiing has suddenly become affordable, he continues, "it's that there are avenues through which you can still get on the snow in an affordable fashion.”
At Snow Valley Ski Club in Edmonton, a partnership with Servus Credit Union has for years been making skiing and snowboarding more affordable in Edmonton through a Friday night discount program. The program is returning again in 2026-27.
“I think it just means more accessibility to the sport,” says Jenkins. “I mean, there are a lot of people who know it and love it and grow up with it, but there are also a lot of people who aren't exposed to it.”
How to make skiing and snowboarding affordable
Here are some deals and hacks to make skiing and snowboarding in Western Canada more affordable this winter.
Bundled lIft passes
Single day lift passes purchased at the time of your visit are always going to be the highest cost. Buying in advance saves you money. It’s commonly held that if you ski a lot, in one place, a season pass is your best deal, with loyalty cards coming in a step below.
But what about the casual skier? If you’re not pushing eight to 12+ days a season, but hoping to get out maybe four to six times to your nearest resort?
Photo:
Nora O'Malley
Terrain park at Mount Washington.
Bundled lift passes, like Mt Washington’s 6Pak or SilverStar’s four pack offer discounts of up to 25 percent or more (especially if you take advantage of the long days at Mt Washington to stretch your day from 9am to 8pm).
Similar deals are offered at several other BC and Alberta resorts as well.
Night skiing deals and savings
With $20 lift tickets and $20 rentals, Servus Fridays at Snow Valley present an affordable option for the beginner to intermediate skier or rider in Edmonton.
For the price of a nice dinner for two, you can have a memorable evening with your date, or a friend.
For the price of a dinner out, you could on a ski date with night skiing options.
At SilverStar, night skiing is $13/person via the Silver Queen chair, presenting a different option for the after school or after work crowd looking to get in some park time or practice on the slope.
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“The goal is to create more skiers and snowboarders,” says Jenkins. “We definitely see a different group of people that come out on Fridays and Saturday nights.”
First-time ski and snowboard programs
At both Mt. Washington and SilverStar, a new program for first-timers offers the chance to try out skiing and snowboarding for free (with a small deposit to hold your spot).
First-time lesson packages help offer an affordable introduction for new skiers and snowboarders.
Canadian Ski Council Never Ever Days provide another avenue for any first-timer to try the sport, with a $29.95 intro ski package deal (lesson, lift pass and rental) available through the CSC to multiple locations across Western Canada.
Family ski savings
If you think it’s expensive for one person to go skiing, multiply that by four. Costs for families are on the rise everywhere. Ski resorts have done the math too, and are coming to the table to make family skiing more affordable.
At Marmot Basin, in Jasper, kids ski free through Dec 18, 2026. Rentals are free too! After January 3, 2027, The program continues for the remainder of the season, with free skiing and rentals for kids from Monday-Friday.
Mt Washington’s $5 Family Fridays Mt. Washington offers $5 (CAD) tickets for kids on Friday nights (or just $15 CAD with rentals), “ensuring the family ski day remains a reality rather than a luxury.” Deals for the adults are included in the promotion, too.
More ways to save
At SnowSeekers, we get wanting to make the most of your ski budget.
One easy way to go is to try cross-country skiing. Often you'll find free or low-cost trail fees. Check out Nordiq Alberta or Cross-country BC to find a host of options here.
Similarly, backcountry skiing gives you free options on where to go, but the gear and knowledge barriers to enter and do this sport safely start high. Unless you want to invest in avalanche touring equipment, safety gear and training, resorts may be the way to go.
For more pass saving options for the avid skiers and riders, check out our breakdown on ski pass savings to find the right pass for you.
