The 10 Most Affordable Ski Resorts In The United States

Skiing can be an expensive hobby. Expenses can quickly add up with the cost of lift tickets, gear, travel to the resort, accommodations, and on-mountain food and drinks. However, with hundreds of ski resorts across the U.S., some are much more budget-friendly than others. 

Below, I’ve outlined the most affordable ski resorts in the United States to help you save money while still enjoying a great skiing or snowboarding experience this season.

1. Brian Head Resort, Utah

The first on the list is Brian Head Resort. This resort is in the southwestern part of Utah, between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. It’s a great place to visit for those looking to explore the parks during the winter season and combine the trip with mountain shredding. 

This resort has already announced that it will open on November 8th, 2024, which is pretty early in the season, thanks to the snowfall they’ve already received. So, if you are looking to ski early, this is the perfect option. 

But what really sets them apart is how affordable the resort is. They pride themselves on selling affordable lift tickets with various sales throughout the year. For instance, they sell some night lift tickets for just $25 on select dates, children ski for free under 12 years old, and they are part of the Power Pass, a more affordable ski pass alternative to the Epic or Ikon passes. 

2. Arapahoe Basin, Colorado

Next up on the list is one of my all-time favorite resorts, Arapahoe Basin. This resort is in Colorado, about one hour and fifteen minutes from Denver, making it super convenient to get to!

What I love about A-Basin is its local atmosphere. There are no on-mountain accommodations, which tends to keep crowds away. The resort is famous for its front-row parking, which locals turn into “The Beach,” where people grill out for breakfast and lunch by the slopes. The ambiance and ski culture here are next-level. 

My next favorite thing is how affordable the ski resort is. They sell some full-day passes for as low as $63 and have all types of sales and different packages for skiers and snowboarders to ride cheaply. They also pride themselves on their on-mountain dining and provide delicious options without prices that will break your bank account! 

3. Bridger Bowl, Montana

Bridger Bowl is next on the list. Located in Bozeman, Montana, it’s a fantastic spot for those wanting to explore the state and enjoy a charming town. While Montana has a reputation for being expensive, Bridger Bowl stands out by offering affordability to both locals and visitors.

Lift ticket prices at Bridger Bowl are very reasonable, with rates varying by age group, including adults, juniors, children, preschoolers, and seniors. This is especially great for families with kids of different ages, as it helps cut down costs. Additionally, they offer budget-friendly group lessons for under $100, making it easier for beginners to learn from a professional without overspending. 

4. Whitefish Mountain, Montana

Surprised to see another Montana resort on the list? I certainly was when I first looked into skiing in Montana and discovered that Whitefish is also very affordable compared to other resorts in the West.

Whitefish is consistently rated as one of the top ski resorts in the U.S. for its value. They even have a section on their website dedicated to various ways to save, which really impressed me. They clearly prioritize making their guests feel comfortable and satisfied, and their efforts show. 

The resort does a fantastic job of offering affordable lift tickets with special discounted rates for groups, military personnel, and more. One of my personal favorites is that if you stay on the mountain, you can call their reservations team to get discounts on lift tickets or gear rentals, helping you save even more.

5. Diamond Peak Ski Resort, Nevada

Next on the list is Diamond Peak Ski Resort, located in Incline Village, Nevada, near Lake Tahoe. I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable this resort is, especially given its proximity to Tahoe, where many nearby resorts like Palisades and Heavenly come with hefty price tags.

Diamond Peak is one of the most scenic ski resorts in the country, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, adding to its incredible value. The resort is committed to giving visitors a great experience without the burden of high costs.

Lift ticket prices vary by age and date, and kids 6 and under or seniors 80 and above ski for free, which is something I love as a mom! They also offer reasonably priced lessons for both kids and adults, which is a nice change from the often steep prices of lessons at other Tahoe resorts.

6. Donner Ski Ranch, California 

You might be surprised to see a California resort on this list, primarily since the state is known for its high prices. However, Donner Ski Ranch offers an affordable option for skiers and snowboarders looking to enjoy winter sports without breaking the bank.

Donner Ski Ranch is family-owned and operated in Norden, California, about 20 minutes west of Truckee. You can feel the care and passion they put into the resort, aiming to make visitors feel welcome and happy. They offer excellent value with reasonably priced lift tickets, affordable equipment rentals, and breakfast and lunch options that won’t shock your wallet. It’s a fantastic place to visit for its value, friendly atmosphere, and great skiing experience.

7. Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Idaho

Schweitzer Mountain Resort is located in northern Idaho. It is about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Spokane, Washington, and 8 hours north of Boise. Its northern location means it’s famous for its snowy atmosphere and excellent skiing conditions.

One of the things I love most about this resort is that it feels like a hidden gem. It’s not as well-known so that you can enjoy great skiing and snowboarding without the typical crowds.

Another standout feature is its affordability. Schweitzer consistently ranks as one of the most affordable resorts in the U.S., thanks to its low lift ticket prices, which is impressive considering it’s part of the Ikon Pass. They also offer budget-friendly lessons; if you stay on the mountain, you can score discounted lift tickets.

8. Bogus Basin, Idaho

Next up is Bogus Basin, a ski resort just 40 minutes from Boise, known for its budget-friendly prices.

Since 1942, this non-profit ski area has been dedicated to serving the people of Idaho, aiming to provide an enjoyable and affordable experience for skiers and snowboarders. They even offer learn-to-ski scholarships for low-income kids, which I absolutely love. As a former teacher, I’m passionate about supporting organizations that help children experience opportunities they might not otherwise have.

In addition to its community efforts, Bogus Basin offers lift tickets for under $100, with prices varying by age. It also has a night skiing option for just $19 for adults, which is an amazing deal. Rental and lesson prices are also very affordable, making it one of the best-value ski resorts with a super convenient location. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem this season!

9. Howelsen Hill, Colorado

No conversation about affordable ski resorts in the U.S. would be complete without mentioning Howelsen Hill. Located in Steamboat Springs, home to the well-known Steamboat Ski Resort, many overlook the more budget-friendly option right in town: Howelsen Hill.

While Howelsen Hill doesn’t offer the same extensive amenities as Steamboat, it stands out for its affordability, with adult lift tickets priced at just $47. Even better, everyone skis for free on Sundays. Yes, you read that right. If you’re looking to hit the slopes without the extra frills, don’t miss the chance to ski here on the weekend.

10. Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico

When it comes to affordable ski resorts in the U.S., I have to mention Taos Ski Valley but hear me out. While Taos is actually one of the more expensive resorts in New Mexico, it’s among the most affordable big-name destinations. Resorts like Vail and Breckenridge are known for their high costs, yet Taos attracts skiers from around the world, and in that sense, it’s quite budget-friendly for an Ikon Pass resort.

Taos offers lift tickets that vary by age and date, with adult passes typically around $115. While this may be higher than some resorts on this list, it’s relatively affordable compared to other Ikon destinations. 

Additionally, the area has a few lodging options that won’t break the bank, including more budget-friendly hotels and vacation rentals nearby. While not the most affordable resort overall, Taos is a great option for those wanting to experience a popular resort with excellent powder and amenities at a more reasonable price.

Do You Have A Favorite Budget-Friendly Ski Resort?

Let us know in the comments!