Top 16 Cheap Ski Holidays in North America
Cheap Ski Holidays in North America – With lift prices at some high-profile ski resorts topping out at more than $200 per day for adults, families, and skiers more interested in good snow looking for more budget-friendly mountains.
If you live in a snow area, there’s a good chance that smaller local ski areas and cheap ski resorts are within reach and much less expensive, but many offer a wide choice of terrain or amenities for a family vacation. Do not offer such nearby accommodation, meals, and off-slope activities.
The mountains below provide, for the most part, all these ingredients for an affordable ski vacation, professional beauty and snow making, and abundant natural snow.
You may have heard of some of these, like Solitude and Brighton of Utah; There are other well-kept local secrets. They represent the most famous ski areas and some that you might not think of as ski destinations at first.
All the ski areas on this list have tickets for the 2020/2021 season for around $100 or less, some for much less. Some ski resorts offer discounted tickets at considerable savings when you shop online in advance.
Buying three-day or weekly passes, multi-mountain passes like Epic, and taking advantage of ski-and-stay packages can also dramatically reduce vacation costs. So one can opt for off-mountain lodging at nearby budget inns.
What to expect for the 2021/2022 ski season: As ski resorts continue to create protocols to protect skiers and staff, each lodge has its policies. But as procedures can change throughout the season, check with the resort before planning a vacation.
Discover the most affordable places to hit the slopes on your next winter vacation with our list of the cheapest ski vacations in North America.
- Whitefish Mountain, Montana
Despite being located only 20 miles from Glacier Park International Airport, Whitefish—and Northwest Montana—are not on most skiers’ radars.
This keeps its devotees happy, as well as keeping the crowds and prices down. Daily lift tickets are $85 and buy access to 3,000 acres of powder-covered terrain, which rivals any to the West.
By buying multiday lift tickets online, you can get up to 25 percent off on buying them at the ticket window.
Of the 94 runs, half are classified for advanced skiers and boarders, a third for intermediates, and the rest for beginners.
On-mountain lodging is plentiful, and ski-and-stay packages offer a bit more value. Arrive by train to add romance to your ski vacation – Amtrak’s Empire Builder route between Seattle and Chicago stops just minutes from the mountain resort village.
Although Big Sky gets all the attention, Whitefish Mountain is one of the best ski resorts in Montana.
Official Site: https://skiwhitefish.com/
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Bear Mountain, California
California may not be the first to think of a cheap ski vacation, but you can find reasonable rates at some lesser-known resorts.
Near San Bernardino and about 100 miles from Los Angeles, Bear Mountain is part of the Big Bear Mountain Resort in Big Bear Lake.
The elevation of over 8,000 feet gives the two mountains the best snow conditions and the most extended season in Southern California.
The ski area is spread over four mountains accessed by 12 lifts, so there are plenty of options, especially for intermediate skiers (40 percent of the trails are rated for them) and freestylers, who take pleasure in its terrain park. The courses are illuminated for skiing at night on weekends and holidays.
Weekly lift tickets are under $80 and up to 20 percent off if you buy more than 72 hours in advance. Although there are no on-property inns, a number are nearby.
Official Site: https://www.bigbearmountainresort.com/winter
- Brighton, Utah
Brighton is known for its superb powder and high-speed quads that reach all terrain, one of several ski resorts near Salt Lake City and about 35 miles from Salt Lake City’s airport. But despite this, and with adult day tickets being cheaper than its neighboring resorts.
It’s beautiful for families looking for a low-cost ski vacation, with two children up to 10 years old and a paying adult with little skis free.
The estimated 500 inches of annual snowfall includes 66 runs; Grooming is excellent, but powder-hounds will find plenty of fresh powder on its 1,000 acres of skiable terrain.
Utah Transit Authority ski buses ply the mountain from Big Cottonwood Canyon several times daily.
A Ski City Super Pass makes skiing here even less expensive and offers skiing in Alta, Snowbird, and Solitude. Money-saving Go cards can be shared for $345 for five days or $645 for ten days. Brighton is a member of the Icon Pass system.
Official Site: http://www.brightonresort.com
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Bridger Bowl, Montana
Montana offers some cheap skiing options without sacrificing powder and fun terrain. Known for the powder that often covers its 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, Bridger Bowl typically receives about 350 inches of snowfall a year.
Despite its $84 ($69 if you shop online) daily lift ticket and its 20-minute drive from the college town of Bozeman, Bridger Bowl is rarely crowded, and long waits on any of its eight chairlifts are rare.
Climb The Ridge for chutes, steep and open powder fields, not to mention spectacular views. (Ski Holidays in North America)
Official Site: https://www.bridgerbowl.com/
- Sugar Mountains, North Carolina
You can find incredible value at many of North Carolina’s top ski resorts. The 125 skiable acres at Sugar Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains may not seem like much compared to the Rockies.
Still, its location in the southeast makes it a popular destination for those who don’t travel to New England or the West for skiing. Like to do. ,
The elevation of Sugar Mountain – at 4,100 feet at the base and 5,300 feet at the summit – combined with snow cover over 100 percent terrain and the promise of snow-packed state-of-the-art aesthetics.
Half of the terrain is intermediate, with the rest divided equally between beginner and advanced. Most mountains are illuminated for skiing at night, and the resort offers ice skating, snowshoeing, and a tubing park.
Weekend tickets for the 2021/2022 season are $49 and $80 on weekends, even cheaper for “March Madness” spring skiing after March 7.
You can be located in the town of Banner Elk, two hours from Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte and only 10 minutes from the slopes of both Sugar Mountain and Beach Mountain. (Ski Holidays in North America)
Official Site: www.skisugar.com
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Cranmore Mountain, New Hampshire
Cranmore Mountain is not only the birthplace of sport skiing in the East but the town of North Conway, which overlooks the slopes, has been named the #1 ski town in the country.
The city and mountains share a laid-back vibe that attracts families, and a vacation here doesn’t need to break the bank.
All ski lift tickets must be purchased online, and prices will vary according to demand that day. For the best prices, reserve tickets as early as possible. Children under five skis free.
North Conway offers many accommodations at all price points, including several family-oriented resorts and inns.
Although the mountain doesn’t look formidable and has excellent beginner and intermediate terrain on its 57 trails, experts have plenty of challenges here.
Non-skiers also have access to a tubing park and mountain coaster, as well as the fictional discount shopping scene of North Conway. (Ski Holidays in North America)
Official Site: http://www.cranmore.com/
- Red Lodge Mountain, Montana
Casual about everything except skiing, Red Lodge Mountain is all about getting the most out of the experience without the overcrowded lifts and trails that cover 1,635 acres of accessible terrain.
Six chairlifts, including a high-speed quad, access 70 runs, 19 percent beginner runs, 25 percent intermediate, 36 percent advanced, and 20 percent specialist.
The longest race is 2.5 miles, and riders can choose between a beginner’s terrain park or a separate park for intermediate and advanced.
Spend some time downtown at Red Lodge, a charming combination of the Old West and the 21st century. (Ski Holidays in North America)
Official Site: https://www.redlodgemountain.com/
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Schweitzer Mountains, Idaho
The largest ski resort in Idaho or Washington, Schweitzer Mountain, covers an area of 2,900 acres, including two large bowls and legendary tree skiing.
Ninety-five marked trails and 200 miles beyond the bowl stretch into the Idaho Panhandle and Washington.
Annual snowfall over 300 inches covers the terrain well enough for skiing, boarding, cross-country, and snowshoeing.
Cat skiing facility is available to reach remote areas. The rustic alpine-style village at the base has accommodations near Sandpoint. (Ski Holidays in North America)
Official Site: https://www.schweitzer.com/
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Sunlight Mountain, Colorado
This is the place to come if you are looking for excellent conditions and cheap skiing in Colorado. With its charming combination of snow (average 250 inches a year) and Sun (more than 300 sunny days a year), it’s unsurprising that this Colorado ski resort isn’t crowded with skiers.
But its 730 acres of skiable terrain are not congested, and the lift line is virtually unknown. They live up to their claim that “the skiing and snowboarding experience at Sunlight Mountain does not include lift lines.”
The recent addition of five new runs gives skiers more room to play, and all 67 trails lead back to the lodge. Daily rates range between $49 and $65, and the budget-friendly ski/stay package includes free skiing for kids 12 and under.
A new grab-and-go menu and additional outdoor seating mean you can take full advantage of all that sunshine. Famous for its hot springs, Glenwood Springs has plenty of lodging options.
The town of Glenwood Springs makes an excellent base for a ski vacation. After a day of skiing, soak in one of the hot springs. (Ski Holidays in North America)
Address: Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Official Site: www.sunlightmtn.com
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Bromont, Quebec
Don’t forget about Quebec, Canada, for an affordable family ski vacation. The largest ski resort in the Eastern Townships, Bromont offers a fantastic variety of terrain in its 155 trails, covering seven sides of the Four Mountains.
One-quarter is rated for beginners, over one-third for intermediate, and the remaining 39 percent is divided equally between single- and double-black diamonds.
A separate learning area for all ages is easy to access to the lodge and Mont Soleil’s green and blue trails, a good arrangement for learners and anyone looking to renew old skills.
Tickets to ski the Mont Soleil trails are only $29, and all trail tickets are $52; Rates on all tickets are the same daily, with no increase on weekends.
Family or groups of friends can save even more money on an already low-priced lift ticket by purchasing multiple tickets at the same time. Ski tickets on the Mont Soleil trails are only half the price.
Because its seven faces vary in direction, there is almost always good skiing somewhere on the mountain, regardless of the season.
Full resort amenities at the foot of the mountain include the luxury Chateau Hotel Bromont. Check the Bromont website for the latest information on this season and travel to Quebec. (Ski Holidays in North America)
Official Site: https://www.skibromont.com/
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Kimberley, British Columbia
Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and the city’s Bavarian-like style, Kimberly’s has been blessed with the perfect combination of powder and plenty of sunny days to enjoy.
There are 68 runs and 12 glades in five lifts; One-fifth of the trails are for beginners, 42 percent for intermediates, and 38 percent for experts. The longest track, the Ridgeway, is just under four miles.
Families especially love the kids’ activities, the family skating rink, and the wide variety of ski-in/ski-out accommodations.
Lift rates vary daily, starting as low as $54 for adults in early January, and maxing out at less than $100 throughout the season.
For even more savings on lift tickets, Kimberly is part of the Epic Pass, which has unlimited access to 65 ski resorts in the US, Canada, and Europe, at the cost of just five days’ worth of tickets.
Americans should be aware that there are limits to who can travel in Canada this season, so it’s essential to check before planning. (Ski Holidays in North America)
Official Site: https://skikimberley.com/
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Solitude, Utah
The Solitude is well named, near the end of the long Big Cottonwood Canyon, and favored by local skiers who are bent on avoiding the overcrowded mountains in Park City.
Its 77 runs and three bowls are spread over 1,200 acres and are served by eight chairlifts.
Guaranteed 500 inches of annual snow is the legendary feather-light powder Utah is known for. The resort is well set up for families, with all trails converging on two base areas. One of these has on-site accommodations, and the other has facilities for skiers and boarders.
The terrain is particularly heavy with intermediate and beginner runs, but experts can find it quite challenging in Honeycomb Canyon Powder.
The Ski City Super Pass is a good deal for those planning to spend a vacation in the area, as it is good at Solitude, Alta, Brighton, and Snowbird. Money-saving multiday ticket packs have rates as low as $69 per day. (Ski Holidays in North America)
Official Site: https://skisolitude.com
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Bolton Valley, Vermont
Its location near Burlington’s airport and I-89 makes it easy to reach this secluded Vermont canyon, and its 71 well-groomed trails and lift tickets from $69 to $99 per day make it well worth the trip. Better yet, buying tickets online can save up to 60 percent of the price.
Surrounding the mountain and its compact alpine-style village are more than 5,000 acres of undeveloped forest, and Bolton’s award-winning environmental initiatives aim to keep it pristine.
In addition to its trails, which are split evenly between skill levels, Bolton Valley offers more than a dozen glades, three terrain parks, and 62 miles of Nordic and backcountry trails.
There is ski-in/ski-out lodging below the lifts and a sports center with a heated pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna. (Ski Holidays in North America)
Official Site: https://www.boltonvalley.com/
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Silverton Mountain, Colorado
Of course, Silverton Mountain isn’t for everyone—not even all skiers. But experts looking for the perfect powder (they get about 400 inches of snow in an average year) and unique off-piste ski adventures can’t find a better ski resort.
A vintage double chairlift takes skiers and boarders up the mountain, where they hike to reach more than 18,000 acres of pristine back country terrain.
At the bottom of the runs, an old school bus shuttles them back to the base “Lodge,” a tent-like hut heated by a wood fire. Your ticket includes full avalanche gear – we never said this place was for the faint-hearted. (Ski Holidays in North America)
Official Site: http://silvertonmountain.com
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Sipapu, New Mexico
Only 20 miles from Taos, Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort is about family: It’s been family-owned since the 1950s and caters to generations of kids and their parents.
Plenty of slope-side lodging, a good learning program, and free season passes for those under 12 explain the appeal, plus the adult ticket price confirms their claim to be the best deal in the Rockies. Is. This is one of the best ski resorts in New Mexico.
The scenic mountain terrain has something for every skill level, with a fifth of its 41 trails for beginners, 40 percent for intermediates, a quarter for advanced skiers and boarders, and 15 percent for experts.
Three terrain parks keep freestyles and boarders happy. (Ski Holidays in North America)
Official Site: https://www.sipapu.ski
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Magic Mountain, Idaho
It may not be the most prominent mountain you’ll ski in the West, but with a $39 adult ticket and $29 for kids, this mountain south of Boise may be the biggest deal for significant snow.
Its 11 trails begin at an elevation of 6,500 feet, where annual snowfall is about 230 inches. The longest race is just under a mile, and four of the 11 trails are named for experts, with steep pitches and tight turns.
Smaller in scale than many other western resorts, it has all the amenities for excellent family ski experiences with learning programs, rentals, and a tubing hill. (Ski Holidays in North America)
Official Site: https://magicmountainresort.com
Best cheap skiing for experts
Bargain skiing for thrill-seeking skiers is not limited to the specialist runs of Whitefish, the famed tree skiing at Schweitzer Mountain, and the 2,600-acre powder bowls and glades at Ski Cooper. Below are some others to consider. (Ski Holidays in North America)
Taft Trail, Cannon Mountain
Cannon Mountain, New Hampshire: Some of the most complex and challenging terrains of the White Mountains are on this state-owned mountain, where Olympic gold medalist Bode Miller learned to ski.
A bonus is riding the historic 80-passenger Aerial Tramway cable car to the 4,080-foot summit before rolling down muddy trails. Lift tickets are $82, and on some non-holiday-week days, they can drop for much less. (Ski Holidays in North America)
Official Site: http://cannonmt.com
Magic Mountain, Vermont: The mountain may not reach the height of other Vermont peaks, but the topography is reminiscent of alpine slopes, with its ridgeline falling into deep-cut valleys with natural bends and dips.
With some of the steepest steeps already in New England, Magic Mountain added another double-diamond specialist summit last season, and a new fixed-grip quad reached a recent East Side Glade summit. Tree skiing is fantastic. Lift tickets are $74.
Official Site: https://magicmtn.com
Best cheap skiing for families
Almost all ski resorts have some facilities for young skiers with conveyor belt lifts, learning programs, and even a supervised play center.
But few mountains combine an incredibly welcoming environment for kids with bargain prices for the whole family. (Ski Holidays in North America)
Tubing on Camelback Mountain
Camelback Mountain, Pennsylvania: Easy to reach in the Poconos and from New York City and Philadelphia, Camelback Mountain Resort has more than 30 trails for beginner and intermediate skiers and boarders, and adult lift tickets are $62 per day on weekdays and weekends are $95.
There is a full range of learning options for all ages. Other family activities include snow tubing, a mountain coaster, a water park with ziplines and slides, and a wave pool. (Ski Holidays in North America)
Official Site: https://www.skicamelback.com
Pats Peak, New Hampshire: Only 90 minutes from Boston, Pats Peak has direct bus service from the city on Saturdays during ski season.
Families appreciate its compact base area, friendly atmosphere, and reasonable prices of $79 per day ($69 on weekdays) for access to its three beginner areas, 14 novice trails, nine glades, five expert trails, and three advanced experts.
Huh. One-fifth of the landmass is for the intermediate regions, and 100 percent of the mountain is covered by snow.
The fun doesn’t stop at dusk: the entire mountain is illuminated for night skiing. Pat’s Peak has the largest rental store in northern New England and a new base lodge with ski boots and a lift and stairs suited to trim feet.
Extended outdoor seating features heaters, windscreens, and outdoor pickup for freshly cooked foods ordered through the resort’s app. (Ski Holidays in North America)
Official Site: https://www.patspeak.com
Wilmot Valley, Wisconsin: Close to Chicago and Milwaukee, Wilmot Valley has 120 skiable acres with 23 trails, a Progressive Terrain Park, and a starting area with two new surface conveyor lifts.
These and the new chairlifts, which increase capacity by 45 percent, are just the beginning of improvements that began with the acquisition of Wilmot by Vail Resorts.
This also means that Wilmot is included in Vail’s Epic Pass system, although daily rates remain low, at $59 on weekdays and $74 on weekends. A dedicated and state-of-the-art children’s ski and snowboard center has been added next to the learning area.
Official Site: https://www.wilmotmountain.com
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