Episode 13: Where Is It More Expensive? Snow Edition
Since we’ve done our annual ski trip to the south island, I thought it was time to do a Where Is It More Expensive? Snow Edition. To be clear, the ski fields here aren’t going to be akin to anything you’d find in the Rockies or Alps. They’re relatively small, gentle slopes, and so they are just fine for once-a-year-not-aggresive skiers like us.
Helmets - This year we needed to get new helmets. After a lot of trying on and comparison, the most comfortable one I found was the Giro NEO Mips Helmet, sold at several Auckland ski shops for NZ$279. On the US Giro website, it retails for US$145 + tax. That equates to about NZ$261, the difference being NZ’s 15% sales tax versus what I reference, Texas’ 8.25% sales tax.
Advantage: US
Lift Day Pass - I realize that this can vary wildly in the US depending on where you are skiing, but for the sake of this comparison, I chose Breckenridge, Colorado. A day pass will cost between US$95 and US$113 depending on the day. At Cardrona in New Zealand, a day pass runs NZ$150, or about US$90 with today’s exchange rate.
Advantage: New Zealand
5 Day Lift Pass - But who goes skiing for just one day? A 5 day pass will cost US$430-US$508 in Breckenridge. At Cardrona, that will run you NZ$500, or US$300.
Advantage: New Zealand
5 Day Equipment Rental - This is for five days of skis, boots, and poles. At Cardrona, this will cost NZ$230. Pre-booking in Breckinridge means you can get five days for about US$150. If you don’t pre-book, be prepared to pay US$42 per day.
Advantage: New Zealand
Ski Lessons - At Cardrona, a one hour private lesson will cost NZ$149. At Beaver Run in Breckenridge, a one hour class will cost US$70 + tip. A three hour lesson in New Zealand will cost NZ$429 while at Beaver Run that will be US$190 + tip.
Advantage: US. This one surprised me because typically anything that requires tipping ends up being more expensive in the long run.
Kids Programs - Cardrona’s Skiwees club is the main kids offering. It is a Monday-Thursday full day of childcare, food, and skiing all in one and costs NZ$499. It’s a bit frustrating that there isn’t a way to do one day of a kids program, but fortunately my kids seem to love it and wouldn’t want to go for just one day. A similar four day offering at Beaver Run is US$360. There are some difference, though. In Colorado, the parents have to pick up their kids and figure out lunch. In New Zealand, it really is a drop-off and I’ll see you at the end of the day situation. The ski day is shorter in Colorado - only 10-3 - while at Cardrona it is 8:30-4:00. But there is the added flexibility of doing one day of a kids’ program at a time in Colorado.
Advantage: New Zealand
Any way you look at it, a ski trip is certainly a splurge, especially if you aren’t an avid skier who can take advantage of discounted season passes and owning all of your own equipment. However, as a family trip that everyone looks forward to and enjoys, are trek to Queenstown/Wanaka is an experience that is worth it.
