Discounts
How low can you go?
Ottawa Ski Show
(pre-season)
Annually in October
This is a must attend event in October for the bargain hunter. The show is free to attend with ski hills selling lift tickets at significant discounts and more than ready to sign you up for lessons. Be on the look out BOGO @ for1) tickets. Good time to inquire about New Skier (never-ever) programs at the individual hills as these usually include a lift ticket. https://ottawaskishow.com/
Individual Hill
(pre-season)
Annually, usually before November
This takes a little more time but is very easily done with a google search using the key words , discount and ski or lift ticket. Mid week tickets may be cheaper but it may also be harder to get a lesson so call ahead. Some tickets can also be purchased for specific days, x days in advance, sometimes hills show a calendar with the daily rate differences. https://www.google.com/search?
Multi Day Packs
At the Show or Online from a Hill or a Reseller
The multi-day ticket deals are usually easy to find but sometimes hard to compare. Look for the packs that are: usable by more than one skier (i.e. bring a friend) have no blackout dates not at a ski hill too far away (more gas & time wasted) discounted at least 20-25% of the daily rate, see if they have multi-day rentals can be used on non-consecutive days
Costco DayTickets
Best time is in Dec, think Christmas Gifts
This is a must attend event in October for the bargain hunter. The show is free to attend with ski hills selling lift tickets at significant discounts and more than ready to sign you up for lessons. Be on the look out BOGO @ for1) tickets. Good time to inquire about New Skier (never-ever) programs at the individual hills as these usually include a lift ticket. https://ottawaskishow.com/
Passes
More Days and More Hills
Ski Passe-Partout
(Only Quebec Hills)
Annually in October
This is a is a ski pass that gives the named holder discounts at seventy (70) hills in Quebec. It gets the holder 5 discounts of 30% at each of the hills and they also have a VERY decent never-ever package if it is your first time. The cost is around $50. https://boutique.maneige.ski/en/products/ski-passe-partout
Snowstart Kidz Pass
(the old Grade 4 or 5 pass)
Annually in Oct
This pass is a must-do requirement if you have little ones ages 6 - 12 that are going to give skiing a try. It gives 3 passes for all hill listed but may require an adult to purchase a lift ticket. Other Rules apply, see their website. Cost is $40 (less than one child ticket at many hills). https://store.goskiinggosnowboarding.ca/products/grade-4-and-5-snowpass
Canadian Lift Pass
(Select Canada Wide)
Available in the Fall, hurry they do sell out.
This is more like a pack of 5 lift tickets that are grouped into categories (i.e. Fun, Bronze, ... ,Platinum). The tickets are transferable but you will need to reserve with the hill online prior to arriving (and be able to provide the reservation code). Depending on the Pack Level prices range from $128 (Fun) to $572 (Platinum) with prices potentially getting more expensive as it gets colder. NOTE: Possibility of Blacked Out exist at some hills. https://store.goskiinggosnowboarding.ca/products/canadian-lift-pass
Mountain Collective
(US, Canada & other fun places)
Buy early in Fall.
This is a multi resort ticket pack that gives the holder 2 days at each of the 50 hills covered and 50% off on extra days. This pass is more suited to skiers heading out west but does include a couple of Quebec Resorts. You will need to see at least 6 hills to break even on this. Great if you are doing a road trip out west. Cost is $659 (Adult, $539 Teen & $259 Child No blackout days but you might need to reserve ahead. https://mountaincollective.com/
IKON Pass
(Canada, US, Europe & more ...)
Best time is Mar of previous season
This is a good pass for someone wanting to Ski in Quebec & Vermont on with a week long excursion out West to one or more of the included resorts. The passes comes in 3 levels with the Base level pass giving unlimited use at 17 hills and 5 days at 39 other destinations. Some blackout days apply to this level of pass. Best time to buy this is in Feb/Mar this year for use NEXT season. Some of the hills even allow it to be used in Apr of the year purchased. Look for discounts for Military, First Responders and Students. Base Pass is $1379 (no tax) in the fall but can be 20-30% less if purchased during the early sale in the spring. This pass will also get discounts in Hill run eateries and services. https://www.ikonpass.com/
EPIC Lift Pass
(Whistler, US, Europe)
Best time is in Mar of previous season.
This is a pass that has too many flavors to describe, but there is one that is right for you. You will need to travel to Eastern US or Western North America to really leverage this one. In total the EPIC pass has 54 resorts with some restrictions. Cost in USD is $1047 (no tax) Adult or $535. The earlier you buy this one the cheaper it is. NOTE: For US, Cdn & Austr Military Members, Veterans and their families, the cost of this pass is less than 1 day of skiing. (A Cap Bobo favorite!!! Thank you.) https://www.epicpass.com/
Gear
New is Great but Used is Better
Play it Again Sports
(Ottawa East, South & West)
Start looking before the snow lands
This is a good source for new & used gear at reasonable prices with a good selection (you can also trade in your old stuff). Try to get out to one of the three shops as early in the pre-season as you can once they switch over winter gear as selection may decrease as the season progresses. https://playitagainsports.com/?country=CA&zip=K1A+0K2&radius=50&state=
Sports Exchange
(Gatineau north of the Casino)
Annually in Oct
This shop provides reasonably priced beginner packages that can be rented for an entire season. Season Rental Packages start at $190 Adult & $100 Junior. They will also rent you any other gear on a seasonal basis. This is a GREAT way to get started and ensure you continue, once you have the gear and a pass then the rest of the season is free (or at least that's the way I think about it). https://www.sportechange.com/
Ottawa Ski Show
(Ski Swap)
This Capt Bob's favorite October weekend
This is the Ski Show at the EY Center in Ottawa. It has what I think are the lowest prices on new gear and the largest Ski Swap (used gear) in Ottawa. Get there early for the best selection (you can also sell your gear). Bring a pair of Ski socks if you plan to buy boots. The cost to get in is FREE but they will ding you $10 for parking. Getting in to parking lot on Sat might be slow due to volume. I have bought my kids gear here for years and recommend it to one and all. https://ottawaskishow.com/
Mont Pakenham
(Ski Swap)
Best time is Mar of previous season
This is one of the local ski hill ski swaps. Price at these types of events is usually as cheap as its going to get. Let me know how it went. https://shop.mountpakenham.com/pages/annual-ski-swap-new-used-equipment-sale https://shop.mountpakenham.com/pages/annual-ski-swap-new-used-equipment-sale
Facebook Market Place
(Ski Gear Groups)
Gear is continually being listed, check back.
There are many dedicated Facebook pages for gear for sale. The local one that the Captain belongs to is: "Ottawa/Gatineau ski/snowboard; Buy/sell/trade". There are probably more, please let the Captain know if you find any others.
Kijiji
(Ottawa)
Gear is always being updated, check back.
This is another great source of new and used gear. If it looks too old just pass, better suff is always coming avail tomorrow. https://www.kijiji.ca/b-ski/ottawa/c664l1700185 usable by more than one skier (i.e. bring a friend) have no blackout dates not at a ski hill too far away (more gas & time wasted) discounted at least 20-25% of the daily rate, see if they have multi-day rentals can be used on non-consecutive days
Events
Getting the pre-season Ski-Mojo on !!!
Ottawa Ski Show
(Capt Bob never misses...)
Annually in October
This is a must attend event in October for the bargain hunter. The show is free to attend with ski hills selling lift tickets at significant discounts and more than ready to sign you up for lessons. Be on the look out BOGO @ for1) tickets. Good time to inquire about New Skier (never-ever) programs at the individual hills as these usually include a lift ticket. https://ottawaskishow.com/
Toronto Ski Show
Annually in October
This takes a little more time but is very easily done with a google search using the key words , discount and ski or lift ticket. Mid week tickets may be cheaper but it may also be harder to get a lesson so call ahead. Some tickets can also be purchased for specific days, x days in advance, sometimes hills show a calendar with the daily rate differences. https://www.google.com/search?
Warren Miller Movie
If you don't go this year, it'll...
Annually in October, in and around Ottawa
This is a must attend event for anyone needing a ski-porn fix and not wanting to do it alone. Warren may not be with us any longer, but his spirit lives on. Come out and see where the Ski Movie Genres all started. https://warrenmiller.com/film-tour
Pre-Season At-Hill
Open House(s)
Anytime before the season kicks off.
Numerous hills in the Ottawa area have open houses prior to the start of the season to welcome back members and may get one or two new skiers to visit for the first time. Check out the hill listing here on the site for their web addresses and then go to their websites. Let the Captain know if there is a "must attend" event that should be listed here.
Ski Club Off-Hill Events
They even do non-ski events in the summer
You may join one of the clubs for the skiing but you will find most remain active throughout the year, with hiking, biking and pre-season training programs. Check out their sites for a list of activities for the whole family.
Organized Group Trips
Join the club and then join in a group trip
Each of the clubs have one or more group trips to local, national and international destinations. This is a great way to get introduced to the bigger hill for those that are feeling adventurous. Group trips may range from one day bus trips, self driving long weekend trips to week long destination resort trips to Western or European destinations. You will need to join the club and be ready to subscribe to the trip when registration opens as they always sell out fast.
Clubs
The more, the merrier and the bigger the discounts.
RA Ski Club
Individual ($54+taxman)
This too is one of the larger ski clubs in Ottawa area run through the RA center. The club gives access to Bus Day Trips, Week Long Vacations, trips for the Cross Country skier and numerous lift ticket / retailer discounts.. This club remains active throughout the year with numerous social events, hikes and group bike rides. They also send out a weekly newsletter that reports on the weeks activates. Try to find Capt Bob in the pictures for the 2016 Trois Vallees trip, he is in there.
Ottawa Chinese Outdoor Club
渥太华华人滑雪与户外俱乐部
Family Membership ($15 head + 5 each)
This is a club that offers access to discounted rental and lesson packages at local ski hills. Instruction is for adults or children and offered in English or Cantonese. Looks to be low ratio Students to Instructor (3:1 max)) but you may need your own transportation to the hill. https://keshikadventures.com/
School / Employer Related
Club(s)
If they don't have one you could start one!
Check with your school (primary to post secondary) or your employer to see if there is a club in existence. If there isn't you need to start one. These clubs usually are package deals and can accommodate "Nuskiers" with Bus Transport, Rentals, Lift Ticket and Lessons. Let the Captain know when you are going, he has been know to show up.
Snow Hawks
Adults ($770+) or Kids ($1235)
This club is rather unique as it offers multi week one day lessons programs that travel to different hills in the region. Their programs run mid week ( for adults playing hooky from work) and weekend programs for kids. They also offer seasonal rentals that you take home between lessons and week long instruction trips.
Military
Only for those who have served
Epic Season Pass
(Capt's Best Discount Ever)
Best time to buy is before end of September.
If you are a Serving (Cdn, US or Au) or Former Member (10 yrs+) and thinking about travelling to a Vail Resort (includes Whistler), you DO NOT NEED to look any further. This is a season's pass at 32+ resorts for less than what one day paying walkup rate will cost you. If purchased before the end of Sept a seasons pass costs $161 USD and they even offer a payment plan. If purchased early passes also come with 6 Buddy Discount tickets. The pas will also get you discounts on Vail run accommodations, restaurants and ski services. Pass is usable in Whistler, Vermont, Western US, Europe and Australia Capt Bob can say nothing bad about this deal, it is the best out there for those who have served. https://www.epicpass.com/info/military.aspx
Ikon Season Pass
(Tremblant, Canada & US)
Annually in Oct
This is multi resort seasons pass that give unlimited access to owned hills (14) (Tremblant) and up to 5 days at partner hills (32) (Killington) in Canada, US, South America, Europe, Aus/NZ or Japan. The pass is currently around $700 (no tax) CDN for adults and around half that for kids up to 12yrs. Pass will also give the holder discounts on resort owned restaurants and guest services. https://www.ikonpass.com/en/military. NOTE: In the past if bought in Feb/Mar timeframe for the following season, Apr was made avail in the current season. Passes may also be slightly cheaper for the kids. https://www.ikonpass.com/en/military
Lift tickets
(Members, sometimes Families)
Varies by Hill, check out our Hill pages
These discounts vary by hill and to whom they are extended. Please consult our Hill pages to see if a discount if known to exist. Don't be afraid to ask if we don't have it listed and be sure to report back to Capt Bob if a discount is not listed. Usually ranges from15 to 50% off on tickets, rentals and lessons.
If you find a discount not listed please report it to Capt Bob
Capt is always looking for another deal
Capt Bob has listed most of the deals that have been encountered on a regular basis, but would like to engage his fellow discount hunters to add to the group knowledge. Please report other verifiable deals through the website submissions form or at info@nuskier.com with "UNREPORTED DEAL" in the subject line. Thanks in Advance, Capt Bob.