How to start skiing on a tight budget?

The thing is skiing really is expensive, but you can save money by renting from local shops near the slopes instead of renting directly at the resort (it's way cheaper).

Look for off-season deals and see if you can find combo packages that include lessons plus equipment together, sometimes it's cheaper than booking them separately. If you have friends who ski, ask them for tips on good beginner spots because some smaller resorts charge less for lessons.

And if you can, try to learn the basics on simulators or by watching videos beforehand so you don't waste time (and money) on the obvious stuff during your first hours.

Depending on where you live, it's really worth looking for ski clubs or local associations that sometimes offer group lessons way cheaper than private ones at the resorts - you might pay half the price.

Another thing that works is starting at a small or less touristy resort, because equipment rental there is significantly cheaper and lessons are too, and then once you get some experience you can go to bigger places if you want. I have a friend who started that way at a smaller resort in Andorra, learned the basics spending very little, and now skis anywhere without needing expensive lessons.

Also check Facebook groups or Meetup for people who want to learn together - sometimes you can split transportation costs or even private lessons which end up cheaper when you share.