Save big on your next ski trip

It's wintertime and that means it's time to hit the slopes. But as a lot of us know, planning a ski trip can quickly add up. Luckily, there are a few ways to enjoy that fresh powder without putting a dent in your savings.

First, renting skis at the lodge is costly and renting day of is even worse. So, if you don't already own skis, get them from a third-party rental house to save up to 30 percent off. If you have to rent from your lodge, try to reserve your skis online at least 48 hours in advance, and you should see discounts of up to 25 percent.

Next, try to buy your lift tickets online for more savings. At Liftopia.com, you can save an average of 27 percent off your lift tickets. Alternatively, you can check out larger ski and sporting retailers, such as Sports Authority and Dick's Sporting Goods. And don't overlook big box stores like BJ's, Sam's Club and Costco for some great deals.

Finally, look for all-inclusive ski packages to get the greatest value. Lift ticket and lodging packages are often great deals. Many hotels and B&Bs in ski towns negotiate special deals with resorts to offer ski tickets for free or discounted prices. Typically, you have to schedule these packages well ahead of time, so look into this option early to find the best deals.

Before you go on your next ski trip, remember these tips. You'll see that with a little pre-planning, going skiing doesn't have to be a slippery slope for your savings.