One of the luxuries of being a travel nurse is that you get to pick and choose where to spend your winters, springs, summers and falls! This can really work in your favor if you have a hobby that requires a certain climate, such as skiing.
As it is, ski vacations can be expensive and in this economy that can really be a deal breaker. However, as a travel nurse you have an unfair advantage. You can work in, or close to, a ski town for the entire ski season. Plus, it gets better because you can actually live rent-free too! Of course, even with your lodging covered there are additional ways to ski & save. Just follow the simple suggestions listed below and there is no doubt you’ll feel uplifted when heading downhill.
1. Ski on the off days and off season- As a nurse there is good chance you’ll be working 12-hour shifts which could leave you with some mid-weekdays off. These are better days to hit the slopes because you’ll avoid the crowds that were only there to ski a long weekend. You can also book a 13-week assignment that will have you there during late fall and early spring, which are not part of the high-peak season but still offer up awesome powder. January is also a good time to be on assignment because by mid month the holiday rush is over.
2. Book assignments in lesser know ski towns- Some of the world’s most obscure mountains boast the best terrain. Utah is a paradise for frugal skiers, with the affordable Brighton, Snowbasin, and Solitude resorts all near Salt Lake City! Other resorts that promise to give you no-strings-attached value include Mad River in Vermont, and Mount Baker in Washington.
3. Clip coupons- Yes that’s right. Even skiers can partake in this ritual usually associated with “Soccer Moms” and “PTA Presidents.” You can start by visiting skicoupons.com.
4. Don’t let getting up the mountain be an uphill battle- Lift ticket prices can be expensive. The good news is that “skiers in the know” never pay full price. So how do you get and stay “in the know”? Simple. Online ski forums where ski employees often hook members up with discounts. Ski clubs are also a great way to get special offers. Credit Cards, American Express in particular, are very good about allowing cardholders to redeem their points for ski packages. And finally, get gas. Believe it or not local ski town gas stations often offer discount lift tickets when you fill up your tank.
5. Surf before you Ski- Search the internet regularly for deals. There is no other better way. Ski deals are not normally aired on TV stations or radio stations. It is very rare. You will have to make searches yourself. Go to Google.com or Yahoo.com and type the search phrase “ski discounts”. You will be amazed at the vast results you will get. In fact, there’s a go chance you’ll be able to pick and choose the offer that’s best for you.
Ultimately, skiing is great fun but we guarantee that the more you save the better the experience will be.
