Recently a friend who recently got back into skiing (we will call him “Louis”) shared what he thought was some amazing news for me.

“I found some really great used ski boots on Facebook Market and they are pretty much my size!” he said excitedly.

I grabbed him by the collar, shook him hard, looked in his eyes and repeated the oath all skiers should know and adopt: “Never, and I mean never, cheap out on ski boots.”

He listened and headed to a great ski shop to be fitted. He might not realize it, but he not only dodged a possible bullet; he did his feet and his entire ski experience going forward a solid.

So how is one just joining the sport or coming back from a long break to know what to cut cost corners on and what to go all out paying for? Because let’s be honest about this: skiing and riding are not exactly economic sports. We all must save where we can. Here’s my advice on when to hold your wallet tight and when to open it wide.

Boots: To me, once you are ready to commit to the sport, good quality and well-fitting boots should be priority number one. Think about it; boots are the foundation of your entire ski experience. Too loose or too tight and you’re going to end up with cold, wet feet and a lack of feeling for carving turns. Bleh.

I scream it from the hilltops: go to a Masterfit-certified boot fitter and trust them with your feet. A certified and well-trained boot fitter will guide you to the boot that is best for your legs and feet and well as your skiing type. True, it costs a little bit more (from $150 up, depending on your unique needs) but it’s worth every penny. Ski boots are never going to feel like slippers, but the technology in boots paired with the growing expertise is making them more and more comfortable. Make this spending priority number one. How to find a fitter? You can check this site for a listing: https://bootfitters.com/, or call the shop you are considering and ask them if they are Masterfit certified.

Two this writer has high praise for (and there are plenty more) include Chip at Country Ski & Sport in Quincy (https://countryski.com/locations/quincy-store) and Shon and team at The Boot Pro (https://www.thebootpro.net/) in Ludlow, Vt., where I like being able to get my boot fitted, head out skiing just a mile up the road and then return for tweaks if needed.

Soft goods: When it comes to the clothing you wear to head out skiing, there are places you can save a bit. Prioritize the base layer, though, making sure to start your set up with quality wicking base layers. Just as your boots are your foundation for gliding, your base layer is your foundation for comfort. Choose a quality brand; they’ll keep you warm and dry and last a long time. I’m a fan of Artilect (https://www.artilectperformance.com/); their base layers are super comfortable, not bulky at all and oh so very warm. You can also find quality at a lower price with brands like Smartwool, Hot Chilly’s (https://www.hotchillys.com/) and L.L. Bean. Pro tip: TJ Maxx and other stores often have the prior year’s base layers in stock in the fall months.

Mittens/gloves are another place you should not skimp. There’s not much worse than cold and damp hands; it chills your entire body. I’m a fan of mittens with thin glove liners under them; you get the warmth of the mitten with the feel of a glove. There are some combo mittens as well that are two in one. Hestra (https://www.hestragloves.us/) is a personal favorite. To be sure you’re getting quality whatever brand you choose, make sure they have a fully waterproof/breathable membrane, durable palms for grip and longevity, and high-performance insulation like down. Don’t feel silly asking at the ski shop.

Jackets and ski pants are the place I feel you can save a bit. While it’s always nice to have high performance, so long as your coat and pants are waterproof for the most part, have a good layer of insulation and have easy-to-work zippers and pockets, you’re good. And of course, jackets and pants are where hand-me-downs are perfectly fine.

Ski socks are important to have. Do not toss on a thick pair of woolen socks or multilayer socks. While it sounds counterintuitive, this actually makes you colder. Rather, find a thin, wicking pair that feels good on your feet. Once you find the brand that works for you, stick with it. Your custom fit boots will thank you.

Helmet: Protect your noggin and always wear a ski helmet. If you are one of the last holdouts, believe the rest of us: not only are they safer, they are more comfortable be it a warm or ice cold day. As long as your helmet is for skiing (get it as a ski shop) feel free to get one that’s the lowest price. Don’t purchase online though – or if you do, go to a ski shop first to be sure you get the right size.

Ways to save on lift tickets

At this point of the year, if you don’t have a season pass or didn’t purchase multi-day passes in advance, you are a bit at the whim of the ski areas when it comes to paying for lift access.

But there are ways to save. Try these tips to find an affordable lift ticket.

Shop ahead: Even though most resorts are not selling season passes now, purchasing ahead of time for day tickets still somewhat pays off and, usually, the more ahead you can be, the more you save. But even purchasing a couple of days before will save you a minimum of 10 percent and often even more. Choose your ski resort and go on their website to find buy ahead deals. Purchasing more than one day’s ticket can get you a deeper discount in most cases as well.

Buddy up with your pass holder friends: Many passes come with discount tickets for friends and family. If you have friends who are pass holders, ask. For instance, EpicPass (https://www.epicpass.com/) comes with a minimum of six buddy passes, depending on when they were purchased. My daughter is sharing hers with a friend so she skis for 50 percent off the window price and – even better – the money spent on the buddy pass can be applied to a season pass of your own the coming season. Other passes have deals too. Don’t be shy: ask your friends. I know more people who never use them than you might guess.

Ski the smaller spots: McIntyre Ski Area (https://www.mcintyreskiarea.com/) in New Hampshire might not look big, but it brings big fun. And at $62 for adult all day on weekends  and less for kids as well as weekdays, it’s refreshingly affordable, comparatively speaking. There are so many other spots too: Ski Ward, Berkshire East and Blue HIlls in Massachusetts (among others), Cochoran’s Ski Area and Bolton Valley in Vermont, Black Mountain of Maine and Black Mountain in New Hampshire to name a few. Thing smaller; you’ll save and have just as much fun.

Find the super special days: Do a little on line hunting or call your favorite ski areas and ask them if they have any upcoming specials. You can find some amazing deals like two for one days, and you can find a list of them at spots like skiing.com and skivermont.com.

One to purchase your ticket for now and mark your calendar is King Pine’s roll back ski day. On Friday, March 20 (their second one this season, well done!) you can ski or ride all day for – this is not a typo – $4. Tickets must be purchased in advance and online.