3 Lesser-Known ways Senior Skiers can Save Money

1) Health Insurance and Company Wellness Plans

Some health insurance plans or corporate wellness programs reimburse up to a set amount for fitness-related costs.  While many plans and programs serve all ages, others are designed specifically for seniors.

If you have one of these plans, then your season pass, lift tickets or ski gear may qualify for reimbursement. The rules around this vary by provider. Check if your individual program covers fitness and wellness costs. If they do, reach out to your provider or program manager to clarify what ski-related costs qualify. Be sure to inquire what kind of proof you need to document an expense and the rules around filing for reimbursement.

If you do have a fitness allowance, but skiing and ski gear is not an approved expense, you may still save on getting and staying fit for ski season. Gym memberships and exercise equipment often qualify.

2) AARP

When you are planning a ski Trip, AARP could cut the overall costs of your ski trip. Their travel service in partnership with Expedia offers reduced prices on flights, rental cars, lodging and travel insurance that can add up for your next ski destination.

Planning an international ski trip and forgot to renew your passport? AARP has a partner program to save on expedited passport processing.

Getting fit for the ski season? Membership also provides access to discounts for gym memberships and free online Pilates classes for members.

3) Volunteer While You Ski

If you’ve got time in retirement to give to the mountains, the mountains can give back to you.

Not everyone working at ski areas is paid employee. Ski resorts may recruit volunteers to staff ski patrol, adaptive programs, safety, mountain hosts and more. What's the benefit to volunteering rather than being on payroll? Tradeoffs may include a more flexible schedule and compensation in the form of lift tickets, passes or mountain perks.  If you volunteer with a nonprofit ski program, talk to your accountant or to see if your unpaid time allows any of your ski expenses to translate to tax deductions where you live.

If a volunteer role sounds appealing to you, reach out to the human resources department at your home mountain to see what kind of help they need.