Tax Cut Could Make Canadian Ski Trips Cheaper

These are the goods and products that are included in the tax break:

• Prepared foods, including vegetable trays, pre-made meals and salads, and sandwiches.
• Restaurant meals, whether dine-in, takeout, or delivery.
• Snacks, including chips, candy, and granola bars.
• Beer, wine, cider, and pre-mixed alcoholic beverages below 7 percent ABV.
• Children’s clothing and footwear, car seats, and diapers.
• Children’s toys, such as board games, dolls, and video game consoles.
• Books, print newspapers, and puzzles for all ages.
• Christmas trees.

Christmas trees aren’t something American skiers tend to grab when they head up north. But food and alcohol? That’s a different story.
 
The potential savings here aren’t immense. The Canadian government estimated that if a family spent CAD 2,000 on qualifying products over the two-month period, they’d save CAD 100. In provinces where the HST is also slated for removal—Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island—the savings jump to CAD 260.

However, the tax break could slightly boost the primary financial advantage American skiers have when they visit Canadian resorts—the US dollar is significantly stronger than the Canadian dollar.
 
For instance, a mid-season lift ticket at Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, currently costs CAD 252 on January 8th. In US dollars, that same ticket is only $181.

The tax break, of course, wasn’t crafted with American skiers in mind. Canadians, like Americans, have recently struggled with affordability. Yet, according to the CBC, some economists fear that the tax break could trigger inflation this spring.

Be the first to read breaking ski news with POWDER. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of skiing. From ski resort news to profiles of the world’s best skiers, we are committed to keeping you informed.