At Natives, we are always being asked how you can spend the season in the snow without working. It's easier said than done, but we recently came across www.slide4less.com who have a whole bunch of tips on how to skibum in the States. In fact they have written a whole book, called The Ski Bum's Guide.

How far would you go for a free day on the mountain?
It shows you a side of skiing and snowboarding you probably never expected to see, with a few great tips about getting in some real cheap skiing and snowboarding. This book is part pocket guide and part silly story, which will make you feel better about yourself once you see the humiliating lengths that real skiers and snowboarders go to, all in an effort to get up on the hill (without paying).

How it all began
Steve was working at Safeway and one day noticed that there were coupons attached to bottles of mouthwash and to packs of razors. The coupons were for a free lift ticket to a resort which had just made some improvements, and wanted to attract some attention and get some people out on the hill

He borrowed $850.00 from his mom, bought an RV for $1,000.00, and moved up to the ski resort. Armed with 200 lift tickets, semi-clean breath, and a five o-clock shadow (even though he had tons of razors), he set out on his first mission to make money while skiing for nothing. 13 years later he is a pro ski bum living a life of luxury with his ski bum friends and dogs.

From strength to strength
Today, they even have a motor home that, assisted by income from 3rd party advertising, helps through their Ski Bumming. When parked strategically in front of the right lift, the free flowing, built-in keg and tap serves to attract lift attendants who then become generous in allowing the crew to go up the lift for free…

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