Skiing and snowboarding don't have to break the bank. As a seasoned traveler and budget-savvy skier, I've discovered countless ways to hit the slopes without hitting my wallet too hard. Whether you're a family looking for a winter getaway or an intermediate skier ready to explore new terrain, finding affordable ski resorts can make the difference between one trip a year and several. Affordable Skiing — Not an Oxymoron Skiing is an exhilarating way to experience winter, but many people shy away due to the perceived costs. However, affordable skiing opens the door for more people to enjoy the sport, build memories, and stay active during the colder months. From inexpensive lift tickets to budget-friendly lodging, there are many ways to enjoy the powder without blowing your budget. Criteria for Selecting Budget-Friendly Ski Resorts When choosing affordable ski resorts, focus on a few key criteria: Reasonable lift ticket prices: Some resorts offer tickets well below the national average of $100 per day. Value accommodations: Lodging options like condos with kitchens can save you big on meals. Accessibility: Resorts closer to airports or cities cut down on travel costs. Family-friendly pricing: Discounts for kids or bundled deals can make a huge difference. Resort amenities: Resorts that boast a vast range of amenities like hot tubs or on-site dining can provide more value for the cost. Let's dive into our top picks for the most affordable ski resorts in America, complete with where to stay and what makes each spot special. Top 10 Most Affordable Ski Resorts in America 1. Mount Bachelor in Bend, OR Features and Pricing Mount Bachelor is a hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest. Known for its long ski season and stunning volcanic terrain, it offers over 100 runs spread across 4,300 acres. And its Woodward Mountain Park is a hit with snowboarders, featuring jumps, rails, and halfpipes. The resort has 12 lifts, including high-speed quads and gondolas, making it easy to access diverse terrain. Lift tickets start at around $70 when purchased online in advance. Check Mount Bachelor lift ticket pricing here. Where to Stay Stay at WorldMark Bend – Seventh Mountain Resort, just minutes from the slopes. The resort offers cozy amenities such as hot tubs and fire pits and spacious condo-style suites with kitchens, perfect for whipping up a post-ski meal. 2. Jiminy Peak Mountain in The Berkshires, MA Features and Pricing Jiminy Peak is ideal for East Coast skiers. With 45 trails and 9 lifts, the mountain caters to beginners and intermediates. Snowmaking covers almost all the terrain, ensuring reliable conditions. Jiminy Peak also offers night skiing and snowboarding until 10 pm! Lift tickets range from $50 to $120 for an 8-hour weekend/holiday ticket. But they also offer a savings card to save on tickets for the entire ski season. With the resort's compact size, family-friendly atmosphere and learning programs, it's perfect for families or beginners. Check Jiminy Peak lift ticket pricing here. Where to Stay Club Wyndham Bentley Brook is a ski-in/ski-out property at the base of Jiminy Peak Mountain, making it easy to maximize your time on the mountain. After a day of skiing or snowboarding, unwind back in your suite featuring separate bedrooms and a full kitchen. 3. Wolf Creek Ski Area in Pagosa Springs, CO Features and Pricing With some of the best powder in Colorado, Wolf Creek is a must-visit for ski enthusiasts. The resort boasts more than 100 trails across 1,600 acres with 10+ lifts, and ranges from beginner to advanced terrain. Lift tickets are incredibly affordable at $91 for adults and $50 for beginners. Wolf Creek prioritizes a lift and trail system that makes the terrain accessible to all levels of skiers. Check Wolf Creek lift ticket pricing here. Where to Stay Club Wyndham Pagosa provides spacious accommodations near the slopes, with suites with kitchens and washer/dryers, and plenty of amenities to relax after a day in the snow. 4. Shawnee Mountain in East Stroudsburg, PA Features and Pricing Shawnee Mountain is a fantastic option for families. It features 23 trails, two terrain parks and a snow tubing park, serviced by 10 lifts. Tickets range from $60–80, and the resort's ski school gets rave reviews for teaching kids and beginners. Check Shawnee Mountain lift ticket pricing here. Where to Stay Book a stay at Club Wyndham Shawnee Village, offering affordable and family-friendly lodging surrounded by breathtaking views of the Poconos Mountains. Enjoy amenities such as a hot tub and indoor pool, or unwind in your spacious suite in front of the fireplace. 5. Beaver Creek near Avon, CO Features and Pricing Nestled in the heart of Colorado's Vail Valley, Avon provides access to world-class skiing at Beaver Creek. The resort features over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, 150+ trails, three terrain parks, and 24 lifts, including gondolas. While not as affordable as other resorts mentioned, with lift tickets around $250, you should expect to pay a premium for riding some of the best snow in the world. If you want to take advantage of some deep discounts at resorts like Beaver Creek, or nearby Vail, CO, plan ahead and get the Epic Pass before they're sold out. Check Beaver Creek lift ticket pricing here. Where to Stay Stay at Club Wyndham Resort at Avon, where you'll enjoy luxurious accommodations at a fraction of the price of nearby resorts. Each suite features private bedrooms, a full kitchen, fireplace, washer/dryer and private balcony. In addition to top-notch amenities like an indoor hot tub, game room, and convenience store, skiers can take advantage of a ski-valet service and storage lockers. 6. Sapphire Valley Ski Area in Sapphire, NC Features and Pricing This small but charming resort is perfect for families and beginners. It features a main slope and a beginner slope, with lift tickets starting at just $65. A snow tubing park, ski school, and a relaxed atmosphere make it a hit for first-timers. Check Sapphire Valley lift ticket pricing here. Where to Stay Club Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Sapphire Valley, located within the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, offers a relaxed vibe and a convenient location to the nearby ski area. Each suite features a private balcony or patio to enjoy the views, along with a full kitchen and washer/dryer. Plus, guests can take advantage of amenities such as an indoor swimming pool, game room and two on-site restaurants. 7. Smugglers' Notch, VT Features and Pricing Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Smuggler's Notch boasts more than 75 trails and eight lifts over three interconnected mountains. The resort also offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and terrain parks catering to snowboarders and adventurous skiers. Lift tickets start at $65 for all three mountains, with cheaper ticket options available for just one mountain. Check Smuggler's Notch lift ticket pricing here. Where to Stay Club Wyndham Smugglers' Notch Vermont® provides excellent accommodations with direct access to the slopes. From nightly entertainment to heated pools, this self-contained mountain resort village offers everything you need right on site. Suites include private bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a fireplace for cozy nights after a day on the slopes. 8. Sunrise Park Resort near Pinetop, AZ Features and Pricing Sunrise Park Resort offers the most runs and ski acreage in Arizona. It features 65+ trails and eight lifts across three mountains and 1,200 acres. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers snow tubing, an alpine coaster, and ski biking or “skibobbing.” Lift tickets start at $72, and the resort boasts numerous lessons offerings for skiing, snowboarding and ski biking. Check Sunrise Park Resort lift ticket pricing here. Where to Stay WorldMark Pinetop, located 7,200 feet high in the White Mountains, offers rustic, comfortable lodging. This resort is perfect for families, boasting amenities like hot tubs and an arcade. And suites offer all the comforts of home with separate bedrooms, kitchen facilities, washer/dryer, fireplace, and private balcony with a barbecue grill. 9. Taos Ski Valley in Taos, NM Features and Pricing Taos Ski Valley is renowned for its unique blend of Southwestern charm and thrilling terrain. With 110 trails and 13 lifts, it's a playground for all levels of skiers, but with a staggering 51% expert trails. Lift tickets start at $80, with discounts of up to 45% off for early bookings. Check Taos Ski Valley lift ticket pricing here. Where to Stay WorldMark Taos provides a perfect basecamp at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, blending convenience with Taos' artistic spirit. When not on the slopes, relax in the outdoor hot tub or in front of the gas fireplace in your spacious resort suite. 10. Purgatory Resort in Durango, CO Features and Pricing Purgatory Resort in Durango offers affordable lift tickets with prices ranging by the day, with some days as low as $25. It features over 100 trails, four terrain parks and 11 lifts with varied terrain for all skill levels. Visitors can also enjoy a mountain coaster, snowmobiling, tubing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The laid-back vibe, excellent snow conditions, and variety of activities make it a favorite. Check Purgatory Resort lift ticket pricing here. Where to Stay Club Wyndham Durango offers cozy accommodations just minutes from Needles Mountains. In addition to the convenient location, guests can enjoy excellent resort amenities such as laundry facilities and two outdoor hot tubs, and spacious suites that include a full kitchen and private balcony. Budget-Friendly East Coast Ski Destinations For East Coast skiing, Jiminy Peak in Massachusetts and Smuggler's Notch in Vermont top the list. Jiminy Peak offers 45 trails with a compact layout, making it ideal for families, while Smuggler's Notch provides expansive terrain with 78 trails and excellent snowboarding parks. For accommodations, you can enjoy ski-in/ski-out lodging at Club Wyndham Bentley Brook or Club Wyndham Smugglers' Notch Vermont® for maximum convenience. Cheapest Ski Options on the West Coast On the West Coast, Mount Bachelor in Oregon and Sunrise Park Resort in Arizona deliver incredible value. Mount Bachelor boasts 4,300 acres of diverse terrain, while Sunrise Park offers over 65 trails across three mountains. Both resorts are perfect for families and intermediate skiers looking for affordable lift tickets. Stay nearby at WorldMark Bend – Seventh Mountain Resort or WorldMark Pinetop for a memorable winter getaway. Tips for Budget Skiing: Maximizing Value How to Find Discounted Lift Tickets Online Marketplaces: Websites like Liftopia and GetSkiTickets offer discounted lift tickets. Season Passes: Multi-resort passes like the Ikon Pass or Epic Pass can save money if you plan multiple trips. Local Deals: Don't forget to check for regional promotions or discounts through local ski clubs. Should I Ship My Gear or Check It? Shipping your gear can save money if airlines charge high baggage fees. Alternatively, rent equipment at the resort to save on transport hassles. For even more savings, instead of renting at the resort, look for rental shops away from the base area for lower prices. Renting for multiple days often comes with discounts. Other Budget Considerations and Tips Pack meals: Resorts often allow packed lunches, saving you from overpriced lodge food. If you stay in a suite or condo style resort, you can take advantage of having kitchen facilities to prepare your meals. Off-peak travel: Midweek or early-season trips typically offer the best deals. Affordable accommodations: Be sure to keep an eye out for discounts on Extra Holidays. And sign up for Insider Extras for free to earn rewards and 20% off most bookings on Extra Holidays. Affordable ski trips are within reach with a little planning and creativity. By focusing on inexpensive ski resorts and maximizing value through savvy booking strategies, you can enjoy the slopes without breaking the bank. The mountains are calling, and they don't have to cost a fortune.
