11 Affordable Ski Destinations in the U.S. to Visit This Year

Without a doubt, skiing in the U.S. has become very expensive. Tickets in Aspen this season start at $244 for a single-day pass in January, while one-day tickets at Vail are $259 and one-day passes at Stowe are a relative steal at $165 over the same time frame. And we'll let you do the math on what this all works out to if you're skiing with a family of four. But that doesn't mean all hope is lost if you're looking for an affordable ski trip.

"While many skiers think lift ticket prices are out of control, they’re only partially correct. Lift ticket rates at the window in North America are expected to surpass $300, but it’s easy to pay less if you plan ahead," Dan Sherman, the chief marketing officer of Ski.com, shared with Travel + Leisure. As Sherman explained, "If you buy a seven-day unrestricted Epic Pass in the spring at its lowest rate, you can ski for just $110 a day ($93 for restricted). If you buy a four-day Ikon Pass Session Pass in the spring at its lowest rate, you can ski for just $112 a day."

But if you miss that window, there's still hope. Sites like Ski.com offer advanced ticket rates; their advanced rate for a seven-day ticket for Vail brings the price down to $198 a day in January.

It's not just lift tickets — usually, you need to think about lodging, too. Again, Sherman says your best bet is to book early and look around for condos and other short-term rentals as an alternative to pricey hotels.

And in a critical piece of advice for both skiing and life, Sherman shares that it's a good idea to "be flexible."

"Ski-in/ski-out comes at a premium, so you can save a bundle if you’re willing to walk a little or hop on a short skier shuttle," he says. "Some resorts are more expensive than others. It can sometimes pay off if you’re willing to consider resorts that don’t have all the cachet associated with their name. There are plenty of great resorts that may not be as well known."

It's also important to be flexible with your dates to save money. "The holidays, Presidents Day, and spring break are peak times for pricing. However, you can save a bundle if you go early or late," Sherman explains. "If you’re looking for the best snow, fewer crowds, and a great price, look at the period between the holidays and Presidents Day in January through early February."

You can search around for deals on Ski.com by searching via geographic region or by ski pass, but if you need a little direction and inspiration, Sherman shared the best affordable ski resorts in the U.S. for this winter, factoring in lift ticket and nearby hotel prices.

Winter Park Resort, Colorado

Lift Ticket Price: $112 per day with a four-day Ikon Pass

With more than 3,000 acres of skiable, family-friendly terrain and a direct train connection from Denver, Winter Park is an easy place to get to for plenty of adventure. "This is the closest resort to Denver," Sherman adds. "There’s actually a Ski Train that goes from downtown Denver right to the resort. It’s on the Ikon Pass and has a large selection of more affordable hotels, motels, and condos."

Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Colorado

Lift Ticket Price: $110 per day with a seven-day Epic Pass

Known as "The Last Great Colorado Ski Town," Crested Butte is the place to be for old-school skiing and uncrowded slopes. It's also a mountain where everyone can have a little fun thanks to its plentiful beginner-friendly runs and thrill-worthy steeps.

Sunlight Mountain Resort, Colorado

Lift Ticket Price: $82 per day for a five-day lift ticket

Sunlight Mountain is a smaller mountain, but don't let that fool you — it's an absolute diamond in the rough. Here, you'll find 75 trails, more than 2,000 vertical feet, and more than 730 skiable acres to explore, all with more than 200 inches of snow a year.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Lift Ticket Price: $110 per day with a seven-day Epic Pass for Park City, $112 per day with a four-day Ikon Pass at Deer Valley, Snowbird, Alta, Solitude, and Brighton

Salt Lake is really just the gateway to great skiing in Utah. Landing here means you can access six world-class resorts within an hour's drive, including Snowbird and Alta, both ideal for powder hounds, along with Park City and Deer Valley for those looking for great skiing and a fantastic après-ski scene that's hard to beat. Just remember, Deer Valley is only open to skiers, so snowboarders will want to stick to Park City — but with nearly 350 trails, that's not really a sacrifice.

Wolf Creek Ski Area, Colorado

Lift Ticket Price: $90 per day for three-day ticket

Those seeking knee-deep powder need not look further than Wolf Creek. The mountain boasts the most annual snowfall in Colorado, averaging 430 inches a season. It's an uncrowded mountain, meaning you'll likely be able to find plenty of powder stashes to burst through on your way down its 1,600 acres of skiable terrain.

Purgatory Resort, Colorado

Lift Ticket Price: Daily tickets in this time frame range from $59 to $72 per day

Purgatory is affordable, friendly, and a whole lot of fun. The mountain offers 105 trails and a charming mountain village to explore. It's got plenty of well-groomed intermediate slopes for those looking to either level up or take it easy, making it an ideal spot for casual skiers and riders hoping to have a fun and relaxing ski vacation.

Jay Peak, Vermont

Lift Ticket Price: $102 per day for a five-day ticket

Located in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, Jay Peak experiences some of the best snow quality in New England, and you can ski both inbounds and in the glades. It's also a great spot for families, thanks to its expansive kids camp programming that will have your toddler hitting the slopes with you in no time.

Grand Targhee Resort, Wyoming

Lift Ticket Price: $112 per day with four-day Ikon Pass

Go deep and steep at Grand Targhee. While the Wyoming resort certainly has plenty of powder-filled slopes, it also comes with one more perk: Spectacular views of the Tetons. It's also a mountain known for a relaxed vibe compared to its more famous neighbor, Jackson Hole, as well as much shorter lift lines.

Mt. Bachelor, Oregon

Lift Ticket Price: $112 per day with four-day Ikon Pass

This Pacific Northwest favorite is home to 4,300 acres of terrain and a long ski season that typically extends into May. Mt. Bachelor's diverse runs cater to all levels, each giving stunning views that are worthy of stopping and taking a break for along the way. And the mountain hosts a ton of events, giving a true ski community feel.

Mount Snow, Vermont

Lift Ticket Price: $134 per day for a seven-day lift ticket

Mount Snow is a staple of New England skiing. Here, skiers and riders will find 600 acres of trails, a massive terrain park, and a vibrant après-ski scene that will have you sipping spiked cocoa until the early hours. And its high-speed lifts and consistent snowmaking make it a reliable choice for good skiing throughout the season.

Summit County, Colorado

Lift Ticket Price: $110 per day with a seven-day Epic Pass at Breckenridge and Keystone; $112 per day with four-day Ikon Pass at Copper and Arapahoe Basin

"Summit County is just a little over an hour from Denver and is home to four outstanding ski resorts: Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, and Arapahoe Basin," Sherman explains. "Arapahoe Basin doesn’t offer any lodging options, but Keystone and Copper Mountain are more affordable. However, for the best bang for the buck, consider staying in a neighboring Summit County town, including Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne." If you're searching for a longer season or bigger terrain, head to Arapahoe Basin, beloved for its expert runs and extended season; in 2024, the mountain closed on June 16.  

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