How to set up in a ski town on a budget

Ski towns have a reputation for being pricey — and honestly, that reputation is earned. A coffee at the village can cost you $7. A basic meal out will set you back more than you'd expect. But here's the thing: most people who've done a season have figured out how to live well without spending a fortune. Here's what they know that you don't yet.

Buy secondhand gear before you arrive Ski and snowboard gear is outrageously expensive brand new — but the secondhand market is huge. Before you head up the mountain, check Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and end-of-season sales at ski shops. You can pick up a solid beginner setup (skis or board, bindings, and clothing) for a fraction of retail price. Timing matters: buy in October or November after the previous season ends and prices drop significantly.

Same goes for clothing. Ski jackets, snow pants, and thermals all pop up secondhand regularly. Brands like Kathmandu, Rip Curl, and Helly Hansen hold up well and are commonly listed.

One exception: always buy a new helmet. A secondhand one may have invisible damage from a previous impact that makes it unsafe. And when it comes to boots, try them on before committing — uncomfortable boots will cut your day on the mountain short, and no one wants that.

Cook your own meals This one sounds obvious but it's where most first-timers blow their budget. Eating out or grabbing food from resort cafes every day adds up incredibly fast. Stock your kitchen with basics — pasta, rice, eggs, frozen veg, canned goods — and commit to cooking most of your meals at home. A big batch cook on your days off means you've always got something ready after a long shift without reaching for the $18 burger at the lodge.

Most staff accommodations have a shared kitchen. Get friendly with your housemates early and do a group grocery run — buying in bulk is almost always cheaper per person.

Use your staff discounts hard One of the best perks of working at a ski resort is the staff discount program. Most resorts offer discounts on lift passes, gear hire, food and beverage, and lessons. Find out exactly what you're entitled to on day one and use every single perk available. A heavily discounted lift pass alone can save you hundreds of dollars over the season compared to what day visitors pay.

Some resorts also have staff swap programs with other mountains — meaning you might be able to ski Perisher on your days off even if you work at Thredbo. Ask about this early.

Sort accommodation before you get there On-mountain staff accommodation is almost always the cheapest option — and it fills up fast. Apply the moment you have a job offer confirmed. Off-mountain accommodation in nearby towns like Jindabyne or Bright is cheaper than village lodging but adds commute costs and time. If you do end up off-mountain, find housemates to split costs. Living with three or four other season workers is the norm and it makes the experience better anyway.

Borrow before you buy Before you spend money on something, ask around. Ski town communities are tight-knit and generous. Someone in your accommodation block almost certainly has a spare set of poles, an extra pair of goggles, or gear you can borrow for your first few weeks while you figure out what you actually need. Most people are happy to lend — it's that kind of place.

Set a weekly budget and stick to it It sounds boring but it works. Decide at the start of each week how much you'll spend on going out, food, and extras — and track it. The social scene at ski resorts is brilliant but it can also drain your wallet fast if you're not paying attention. Having a number in your head means you can still say yes to the fun stuff without waking up the next month wondering where your pay went.

A season in the snow is one of the best experiences you can have in your twenties. With a bit of planning, you can do it without coming home broke.