Skiing in the U.S. has become notoriously expensive—single‑day lift tickets at major resorts like Vail and Aspen can soar past $250 per day. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend luxury‑resort money to enjoy incredible snow, stunning mountain views, and a full day of carving turns

If you’re looking for the best budget ski destination in America, one resort consistently rises to the top:

🏔️ Brian Head Resort, Utah

A high‑altitude gem with low‑altitude prices.

According to Powder Magazine’s roundup of the most affordable ski resorts in the U.S., Brian Head Resort is one of the top places to ski on a budget, with advance‑purchase lift tickets dropping below $20 on select dates. That’s practically unheard of in today’s ski economy.

🌟 What Makes Brian Head So Affordable?

• Demand‑based pricing means huge savings when you book early
• Far less crowded than Utah’s big‑name resorts
• Family‑friendly terrain with options for beginners through advanced skiers
• Affordable lodging in nearby Cedar City
• High elevation (9,600 ft base) = reliable snow all season
• Ski more often without breaking the bank

Here are some other Budget Options

West (Mountain West) Budget Skiing

• Bridger Bowl
  • In Bozeman, Montana offers affordable skiing options without sacrificing vertical and terrain variety. It boasts a vertical drop of 2,600 feet and has 2,000 acres of terrain. Hardcore skiers should make a beeline for the new Schlasman’s Lift. It accesses expert-only backcountry-esque terrain. They should also head to The Ridge, which is Bridger Bowl’s in-bounds hiking terrain. Lift tickets for adults start at $84 when you buy online, while they’re $99 at the window. If you plan on skiing more than a couple days at Bridger Bowl, consider the 3-day pack, which costs $225. They go on sale close to opening day. The 3-day pack is a great value if you ski or ride all 3 days.
• Whitefish Mountain
  • Named one of the best uncrowded ski resorts in the U.S., is another beloved Montana ski with affordable day passes. Guests can access 15 chairlifts, 111 runs, and 3,000 acres of skiable terrain for around $100. Whitefish has a summit elevation of 6,817 feet. It receives an average of nearly 300 inches of snow per year. This makes it a great Montana ski getaway. Adult lift tickets are $115. Two-day tickets are $99. Frequent skier cards or half-day tickets can help you save even more.
• Sunlight Mountain Resort
  • When you think Colorado ski resorts, you may not think “affordable skiing.” But, don’t overlook this gem. It is located just 45 miles from Aspen. It has 730 acres of skiable terrain, 2,010 feet of vertical, and 72 trails. Lift tickets for adults start as low as $74 during the week and are between $90 to $109 on weekends. Kids 12 and under ski free at Sunlight when accompanied by a paying adult. This is part of the Ski, Swim, and Stay program offered through hotel partners. Adults over 80 also ski free.
• Donner Ski Ranch
  • Near Lake Tahoe, makes a ski vacation in the California High Sierra affordable, especially by Lake Tahoe standards. An all-day adult lift ticket costs around $119 per day (or $69 on “Old School Days”). Donner is near the California and Nevada border and is one of the oldest ski areas in the U.S. It offers beginner and intermediate skiers excellent terrain across its 500 skiable acres. Advanced skiers will also find plenty to love.
• Beaver Mountain
  • If you’re looking for an affordable Utah ski area closer to Salt Lake City, then check out this resort. It is two hours north near the Idaho border. Online adult tickets are just $70 for a full day and $50 for a half day. Beaver Mountain is a more humble mountain than Utah’s most popular ski resorts. However, it still enjoys generous snowfall with over 400 inches on average. It also has a respectable 800 acres of skiable terrain and 1,700 feet of vertical.
• Cherry Peak
  • Cherry Peak is located southwest of Beaver Mountain. Like Beaver Mountain, it may not have the frills associated with Utah’s bigger ski resorts. Nevertheless, there’s still plenty to play on at Cherry Peak across more than 400 acres of skiable terrain. Lift tickets begin at $55 for a full day and $45 for a half day.
• Snowy Range Ski Area
  • Like much of the west, Wyoming is generally not known for affordable skiing, but a is an exception. You won’t find the famous pitches of Jackson Hole. However, you will be able to snag a weekend lift ticket for $70 or less online. Weekdays start at $54 and weekends are $64, while children under four years old and adults over 70 ski free. Located in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, it offers 27 trails and 990 feet of vertical drop.
• Ski Cooper
  • As a ski area, Ski Cooper is humble, much like many of the other destinations on this list. It offers 480 acres of skiable terrain serviced by five lifts. While much of this terrain is beginner-friendly, there is also a zone for expert skiers. This area is serviced by the Little Horse T-Bar. Skiing might feel expensive and overly glamorous these days. At Ski Cooper, it isn’t.

East (Northeast) Skiing

• Mad River Glen, Vermont:
  • Unique, old-school charm with fair-priced passes and a dedicated local feel. It has 64 trails and 3 lifts
• Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont:
  • Offers family-friendly pricing and a great value experience. 
• Wildcat Mountain
  • Tucked away in Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire is a classic East Coast ski area. With a vertical drop of 2,112 feet, Wildcat is one of the steepest mountains in the region. It has 225 skiable acres, ranging from beginner to advanced, and the longest summit-to-base novice trail, at 2.75 miles, in the state. Wildcat Mountain is now on the Epic Pass, making it a great choice for New England Epic Pass holders. If you’re not a pass holder, you can ski for as low as $109 a day. You may even save more by purchasing lift tickets early or buying lift tickets for multiple days.
• Mad River Glen,
  • Fayston, Vermont, has a “ski it if you can” moniker. The trails are challenging, thanks in part to a vertical drop of 2,037 feet. Snowboarders will have to leave their board at home. Mad River Glen is one of just a few skier-only resorts in North America. The vibe is very laid back. There aren’t the crowds that you’ll find at other Vermont ski resorts. However, don’t expect a high-speed chair or machine-made snow. Full-day lift tickets for the 2025-26 season start at $125 for adults. They are $100 for those under 18 and older than 65. Only shredding for a half day? You can save even more money by purchasing a half-day or late-afternoon ticket.
• Magic Mountain,
  • This ski area is part of a triangle of Vermont resorts. It consists of the destination resort Stratton Mountain and the venerable Bromley. Magic Mountain is another throwback New England ski area, though relatively new owners have improved the ski area considerably. The resort has 1,500 feet of vertical. There are 50 trails, 11 glades, and 5 lifts. It offers a lot of terrain for advanced skiers, with 28% being expert terrain. Online lift tickets start at $65.
• Mohawk Mountain
  • If you live in Connecticut you needn’t go far for a good deal. in Cornwall is a fun ski area with a 650-foot vertical drop, 8 lifts, and 27 trails over 107 acres. Mohawk is also an Indy Pass member. A full-weekday lift ticket starts at $45 for ages 13 to 64. On weekends and holidays, tickets start at $81. Half day and night skiing passes are also available.
• Cannon Mountain
  • One of the beauties of Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire. Located just off I-93, in the White Mountain National Forest, Cannon is New Hampshire’s only state-owned ski area. This New Hampshire resort has some of the best expert terrain in the area. It boasts a 2,180′ vertical drop. There are 10 lifts that serve 285 acres of skiable terrain. Purchased in advance online, lift tickets are as low as $99 for adults. At the window, they’re approximately $140. Cannon Mountain offers a special deal. New Hampshire residents can enjoy a $54 day rate on Wednesdays. A valid proof of residency is required. Cannon Mountain is another Indy Pass ski area

Midwest Ski Areas

• Chestnut Mountain
  • Chicago and Milwaukee residents only need to travel three hours to ski at in Galena, Illinois. It’s a small ski area with 475 feet of vertical, 18 trails, and 10 lifts. However, it’s still a good time for a great price. It’s just $55 for an adult ticket Monday through Thursday and $87 on holidays and weekends.
• Shanty Creek Resort’s Schuss Mountain
  • In Bellaire, Michigan is one of the most affordable options in the state. Lift tickets are just $90 Sunday through Tuesdays, while on Saturdays and holidays they’re $109. Schuss Mountain’s 7 lifts lead to 42 runs when the conditions are prime. Last but not least, 
• Nub’s Nob
  • Located north of Boyne in Northern Michigan, is tiny. It packs in a lot of skiing and riding with its 53 trails. These are served by 10 lifts. Adult tickets are as low as $60 when purchased in advance. Bonus: All these Midwest ski areas are on the Indy Pas
• Devil’s Head
  • Over in Wisconsin is a mid-sized, 260-acre Midwest ski area formed by a glacier in Baraboo Bluffs. Nine lifts (including 5 quads) move fairly quickly, while guests will appreciate the 100 percent snow coverage. Adult weekend and holiday rates are $97 and weekday rates are $87.

Pacific Northwest Budget Skiing

• Magic Mountain
  • A small, affordable ski area is located just above Utah. It is ideal for those who live in Southern Idaho or who fly into Boise. An adult full-day lift ticket is $49 for access to its 11 trails across 120 acres of terrain.
• 49 Degrees North
  • Over in Washington, one of the Pacific Northwest’s best values awaits. It is conveniently located an hour away from Spokane International Airport. There are 2,300 acres of skiable terrain. The vertical drop is 1,871’. Tickets are around $50 on select days. Weekends are around $80.
• Mt. Spokane
  •  Another gem of a Pacific Northwest ski area with 1,700-plus acres of skiable terrain and 2,000 feet of vertical. Lift tickets can be as low as $55 when purchased online, while weekend tickets are around $80.

• Mt. Hood Ski Bowl,
  • Last, but not least, near Portland, is one of Oregon’s best values. In total, it features 1,500 feet of vertical and 960 acres of skiable terrain. It offers 10 chairs and surface lifts. The area also has the largest range of night skiing terrain in the country. Lift tickets for the day are typically under $100, while tickets for night skiing are $64.

Affordable skiing isn’t a myth—it’s a smart strategy for travelers who want maximum mountain time without the premium price tag. You can find affordable ski areas in Utah’s high‑altitude powder. New England’s laid‑back local gems are also budget-friendly. These ski areas prove that you can have unforgettable runs. You don’t need a luxury resort. If you’re craving big adventure on a small budget, seize the moment to plan your trip. Secure those low‑cost lift tickets. Then explore the slopes that deliver.