Winter has begun in the beautiful state of North Dakota. In this time of freezing temperatures and extreme blizzards, some very popular outdoor activities are skiing and snowboarding. Sadly, winter sports are often not cheap, but it can be done affordably if you just know all the tricks!
Before you head out to the slopes, you are going to need some basic equipment and supplies. MAFB residents can rent ultra-affordable boots, skis or snowboards and a helmet for only 30$ at Minot AFB Outdoor Recreation (ODR). They usually have plenty of equipment available, so going in on Friday before your weekend trip shouldn’t be a problem. However, make sure to be aware of the family days when ODR is closed. If you don’t already have good quality snow outwear like ski pants, coats and gloves, the MAFB Thrift Shop offers some great options for well under retail price.
Another way to save some cash on your ski trip is to pack your lunch and snacks instead of purchasing at the resorts. You can get bread, peanut butter, jelly, small bags of chips, beef jerky, and water for less than $30 at the MAFB Commissary. Or, for dorm Airmen who are using their meal card, going to the Dining Facility and stocking up on grab and go meals makes packing food totally free!
Once you’re ready to hit the slopes, make sure to take advantage of the great military discounts offered at all three of the closest ski resorts around MAFB: Bottineau Winter Park in Bottineau, ND, Frost Fire Park in Walhalla, ND, and Huff Hills Ski Resort in Fort Mandan, ND. All three locations offer a 10% discount for Military members and their families. The discount covers lift tickets as well as rentals (if you choose not to rent from ODR). It is important to note that gear will be more expensive if rented through the park, even with the mil discount. Lift ticket prices are around $30 on a weekday after the military discount at both Bottineau Winter Park and Frost Fire Mountain. Huff Hill is slightly more expensive with their lift tickets being $50 after the mil discount.
Make sure to watch out for all the promotional days as well! Bottineau Winter Park usually has a Military Appreciation Day on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January. In the past, all Military members and families were able to ski or snowboard for $30 total! This included rentals, lift tickets, and two hours of tubing too. The price may be different this year so be sure to keep an eye on the Northern Sentry Facebook page for any updates on upcoming events at Bottineau Winter Park as well as the other ski parks in the area.
Gas prices are also something to consider when trying to have a ski trip on a budget. Bottineau Winter Park is only a short one-hour drive from Minot AFB, so a last-minute trip is easy on the pocketbook! Huff Hills Ski Resort is another great option for a day trip, and it’s only a two-hour distance from Minot AFB and perfect for a nice day trip or even an overnighter. With a 3.5-hour drive, Frost Fire Park is a great option for an affordable weekend getaway. Take a good glance at the beautiful scenery and enjoy the ride knowing some great prices and slops await. Frost Fire has a wonderful affordable hotel, the Forestwood Inn and C-Store, and their room prices start at only $88 per night. Grab a few friends and split the cost of the room, with a group of four, you can spend $22 and stay overnight and ski/snowboard for two days!
After considering about $30 for gear, $30ish for a lift ticket, $10-$50 for gas and hotel cost, $30 for food, even those on the tightest of budgets can afford a day snowboarding and skiing in North Dakota! The most important part of a Minot winter is to get out and have a great time! So, grab a few of your most adventurous friends, stop at one of these ski/snow resorts for under $150, and check one thing off your winter checklist in Minot, ND!
