Don’t let a trimmed-down budget prevent you from hitting the great outdoors this winter. Downhill skiing and snowboarding are two totally Canadian ways to upgrade your workout: Bye-bye drab gym walls, hello clean, frosty air and snow-covered hills!

You can expect to burn at least 365 calories per one-hour ski workout (based on a body weight of 160 pounds), about the same if you’re snowboarding.

Although cross-country skiing torches more calories and offers greater cardio benefits, says Dr. Stuart Phillips, a Professor of Kinesiology at Hamilton, Ont.’s McMaster University, “there are a lot of static and dynamic muscles activated in downhill skiing, which lead to it being a decent workout.”

The downside: Skiing and snowboarding can get pricey, particularly for families. But there are ways to pare back on costs without cutting back on the quality of your experience. Read on for insider tips that can save you a ton while you’re out having snowy fun!