I've heard it said over and over: I don't ski because it's too expensive.

True, it can be — if you buy the best skis, boots and designer parka after all the sales have ended and then wait until the lifts open and step to the window to buy a pass for the day.

A little planning, however, can cut down on the dollars spent by substantial amounts.

Starting, of course, with the pass. Most of the Utah resorts realized early on that a good season rested with the locals, so they began offering locals preseason discounts.

And, it makes perfect sense. True, locals don't spend the way out-of-town visitors do for hotels, food and gifts for family and friends back home.

But locals are minutes away and ski and snowboard more often, as opposed to a few days a year.

Shopping the preseason sales can mean paying substantially less for a day on the slopes. With an initial investment of $99, a local, with proper ID, can buy a day pass at Alta for $39. Purchased early, a 10-pass book at The Canyons cuts a day pass cost to $48.90. A 10-day book at Deer Valley lowers a day pass to $55. And 10 passes at Solitude, purchased early, cut the day pass to $35.

There are deadlines. Date and pass information came be found on www.skiutah.com under the "locals only" heading. Proof of local residency is required.

Some ski shops are carrying over their Labor Day sales, where they offer new goods at greatly discounted prices. In most cases, the equipment is from last season, but it's still new and undated.

One of the best places to look for real bargains, however, is at the annual ski swaps.

They work this way:

People with used or slightly used equipment register it with one of the swap sites. They attach a price — any price — to the idem or items.

The rule of thumb, however, is to price it low or you'll be taking it back home. Many times the equipment has seen little use, particularly the children's equipment.

The organizing groups collect a percentage of the selling price. In a couple of instances, this money goes toward supporting young racers, as in the case of the Park City swap on Nov. 6-8.

That's where families often have to dig deep into the budget. Equipment — skis, snowboards, boots, pants and parkas — purchased one season is often too small come the next season. If there's no one to pass equipment down to, parents simply want to get rid of it and price the equipment accordingly.

These sales are not only good for the very good skiers who know equipment, but for the inexperienced shopper looking to outfit a family. There are always knowledgeable staff on hand to advise and recommend.

When I was shopping for kids gear years back, I remember buying a pair of nearly new skis and bindings for $40 and selling them a year later at a swap for $35.

A list of swaps and dates can also be found on the Ski Utah Web site.

Shopping early for passes and hitting the swaps can, indeed, make skiing and snowboarding a much less expensive sport.