From flights to lodges to lift tickets, planning a budget ski vacation can feel like an uphill battle. Thankfully, Ski.com’s more than 50 years of experience and team of Mountain Experts know the resorts where skiers and snowboarders can maximize wintertime fun without sinking into steep costs. Below you’ll find a treasure trove of tips and affordable ski resorts that will help you book a stress-free and affordable ski vacation.
Stay flexible: Book a ski vacation during off-peak season and opt for resorts with affordable options.
Plan in advance: Nearly everything, from lift tickets to hotel prices, are cheaper when you book ahead.
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: At the heart of Keystone is a focus on expansive terrain, a family-friendly mountain, and a warm, casual atmosphere. At Keystone, travelers can find free slopeside concerts, complimentary shuttle service, and afternoons spent at Kidtopia, a magical mountaintop snow fort.
Highlights: Affordable lodging, easy access to dining and shopping, free weekly events, and complimentary parking and shuttle services.
Closest airport: Denver International Airport (DEN) - 90 miles (1.5 hours) 1 hour 30-minute drive
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Winter Park is often considered an affordable Colorado ski resort thanks to its easy access to Denver, free shuttles, and affordable accommodations. Plus, the resort has more than 3,000 acres of terrain, which makes it ideal for every type of skier and rider.
Highlights: Budget-friendly accommodations, diverse terrain, and a wide range of winter activities including tubing and snowshoeing.
Closest airport: Denver International Airport - 90 miles (2-hour drive)
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Discover a charming mountain town and world-class skiing in Crested Butte. The mountain is fit for all levels, but with steep slopes and technical terrain, expert skiers and snowboarders will thrive. Planning and purchasing lift tickets in advance helps skiers save. Plus, it’s off-the-beaten path, so lodging tends to be more affordable than other Colorado resorts.
Highlights: Affordable ski-and-stay packages, a picturesque and historic town, and activities beyond skiing.
Closest airport: Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport - 30 miles (45-minute drive)
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Near the borders of New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado, skiers can discover the snowy — and affordable — resort of Wolf Creek. Here, lift tickets cost less than most other Colorado resorts at $105 a day during peak season. Plus, skiers aged 80 and older ski for free. Beyond affordable lift tickets, affordable accommodation is located in nearby towns like Pagosa Springs and South Fork.
Highlights: More than 1,600 acres of terrain in Colorado’s snowiest region, lower costs to get on the mountain, and a friendly, small-mountain atmosphere.
Closest airport: Durango-La Plata County Airport - 80 miles west (1.5-hour drive)
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: With slopes fit for every member of your family, Copper Mountain is not only a skier’s paradise, but it’s a great choice for the budget-minded traveler. Both lodging and lift tickets are lower than many luxury Colorado resorts, plus there’s plenty of choices when it comes to après-ski happy hour.
Highlights: Affordable ski-in, ski-out options, close proximity to Denver, epic terrain park, and 2,507 acres of skiable terrain.
Closest airport: Denver International Airport - 100 miles (2 hour drive)
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Revelstoke Mountain Resort is a dream destination for budget-conscious families of skiers. It’s home to North America’s highest vertical drop, 5,620 feet, and has 3,121 acres of legendary terrain. Perhaps even more thrilling is that it lacks a hefty price tag. Lift tickets are more affordable, and Ikon or Mountain Collective pass holders can ski for free. Plus, during the spring children under 12 ski for free with an adult.
Highlights: Steep runs, hike-to terrain with epic views and fresh tracks, free skiing for children, and nearby natural hot springs.
Closest airport: Kelowna International Airport - 116 miles (2.5 hours)
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Nestled in the stunning Banff National Park, Banff Sunshine Village offers world-class skiing without breaking the bank. The resort is known to have some of Canada’s best snow; plus, it’s part of Canada’s SkiBig3, where lift passes grant skiers access to Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay.
Highlights: Terrain for the whole family, bundled deals for lift tickets and rentals, unbelievable snow, and free ski shuttle.
Closest airport: Calgary International Airport - 98 miles (1 hour 45 minutes)
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: RED Mountain Resort, nestled in the picturesque town of Rossland, British Columbia, is a hidden gem that combines expansive terrain, a relaxed vibe, and unbeatable affordability. The resort is known for offering some of the most competitively priced lift tickets in Canada, where travelers can enjoy exceptional skiing without breaking the bank.
Highlights: Ski-and-stay packages, bundling lift tickets and accommodation at discounted rates, 3,850 acres of terrain across three peaks, few crowds, and pay-per-run cat skiing.
Closest airport: Spokane International Airport - 127 miles (2 hours 30 minutes)
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Engelberg-Titlis in Switzerland is a top choice for budget-conscious skiers looking for big alpine adventures. The area’s range of accommodations includes budget-friendly hotels and apartments, making it easy to find a place that fits your wallet. Travelers can also save with a Swiss Travel Pass, which reduces transportation costs and may include discounts on ski passes.
Highlights: Year-round skiing on the Titlis Glacier, slopes for all levels, and unique attractions like the Titlis Cliff Walk, a thrilling pedestrian bridge along the cliff of Mount Titlis.
Closest airport: Zurich Airport - 45 miles (1 hour 15 minutes)
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Alta Badia is an ideal choice for budget-conscious skiers looking to enjoy the Dolomites without overspending. As part of the Dolomiti Superski pass system, it provides access to multiple top resorts with a single, affordable pass. Plus, a range of terrain is accessible from Alta Badia along with affordable après and restaurants.
Highlights: A small village atmosphere with reasonably-priced accommodations, unbelievable views of Italy’s Dolomite Mountains, and plenty of ski-in, ski-out options.
Closest airports: Bolzano Airport - 27 miles (1 hour 45 minutes) or
Innsbruck Airport - 55 miles (2 hours)
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Chamonix, the birthplace of alpine skiing and host of the first Winter Olympics, is a destination that dazzles with breathtaking views and diverse ski experiences. While it’s often linked with glitz and glamour, the ski town has plenty to offer for travelers on a budget, especially when you book in advance.
Highlights: Jaw-dropping views of Mont Blanc, activities beyond skiing like snowshoeing and ice skating, rich history, proximity to an international airport, and affordable restaurants.
Closest airport: Geneva Airport - 55 miles (1 hour 15 minutes)
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Tucked between Spain and France in the Pyrenees Mountains is Grandvalira. It’s a European ski dream. The resort is Southern Europe’s largest ski area, but it doesn’t come with large price tags. Instead, the country has some of the lowest taxes in Europe, affordable dining, and fairly-priced accommodations.
Highlights: Charming town centers with tax-free shopping, ski slopes for every type of skier, budget-friendly accommodations.
Closest airport: Andorra–La Seu d'Urgell Airport – 18 miles (20 minutes) or Toulouse-Blagnac Airport – 121 miles (2 hours 30 minutes) or Barcelona-El Prat – 124 miles (3 hours)
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Summit County, Colorado, is celebrated for its diverse skiing options, affordability, and prime location, featuring top resorts like Breckenridge and Copper Mountain. It caters to all skill levels with a range of budget-friendly accommodations and competitive prices for lift tickets and rentals. Summit County's free public transport between resorts adds convenience, while its laid-back vibe makes it perfect for everyone from families to solo travelers. Beyond the slopes, visitors can enjoy a great shopping and dining scene, various non-skiing activities, and winter festivals, making Summit County a great basecamp for an affordable ski vacation.
Unique Highlights: Free public transportation, access to multiple resorts, affordable lodging options, and many free activities outside of skiing.
Closest airport: Denver International Airport - 95 miles (2 hours)
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: With its close proximity to the airport, visitors have easy access to world-class ski resorts like Alta, Snowbird, Brighton and Solitude. Affordable lodging in the city, efficient public transport, and a solid après-ski scene enhance the appeal, making it an ideal winter getaway for those seeking both skiing excellence and city life.
Unique Highlights: Affordable lodging in the city, easy access to world-class ski resorts like Alta and Snowbird, vibrant après-ski scene in downtown Salt Lake City. The city's strategic location and amenities make it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking both skiing and city experiences.
Closest airport: Salt Lake City International Airport - 10 miles (15-30 minutes to downtown, 30-45 minutes to ski resorts)
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Innsbruck, Austria, offers an affordable alpine getaway with a unique blend of skiing and city charm. The SKI Plus CITY Pass provides access to 12 ski resorts, 22 attractions and even a swimming pool, allowing visitors to easily combine skiing with cultural and leisure activities. Ski rentals at Die Boerse start at €50 EUR per day, including full gear, and nearby resorts like Axamer Lizum and Stubai Glacier cater to all skill levels. Budget-friendly ski-and-stay packages, affordable accommodations and free public transport with the pass make Innsbruck perfect for cost-conscious travelers.
Highlights: One of the only ski destinations in the world where you can hit the slopes in the morning and explore a historic European city in the afternoon on the same ticket, two-time Winter Olympics host (1964 & 1976) and home to one of the most urban ski jumping stadiums in the world, a gateway to 12 unique ski areas, more affordable lodging, dining, and entertainment options compared to resort-centric destinations and jaw-dropping 360° alpine views of the towering peaks on all sides.
Closest airport:
Innsbruck Airport (INN)- 3 miles (15 minutes), Munich International Airport (MUC) - 100 miles (2 hours)
Save on ski trips by staying in condos with kitchens. Cook your own meals, and you’ll save on transportation, too.
Focus on free: Whether it’s an afternoon of sledding or a resort with free transportation, plan an affordable ski vacation by considering budget-friendly amenities.
Book early with Ski.com for great ski vacation deals and hard-to-get lodging during peak periods. Take advantage of early-booking deals and flight promotions.
Save money with our experts: Ski.com’s Mountain Travel Experts have the best strategies for making the most and spending the least on a ski vacation.
Mel, California
Europe is home to world-class skiing, striking views, fairytale towns, and often cheaper prices. Lift tickets and ski rentals tend to cost less in Europe than in the US, along with on-mountain dining. And if you’re willing to book far in advance, you can snag even better deals.
A "Budget Basecamp" is an affordable gateway city near multiple mountains, perfect for ski adventures with variety! Enjoy affordable accommodations, delicious dining options just steps away, and a rental car arranged by our Mountain Travel Experts. With everything set, you’ll be hitting the slopes at multiple resorts and chasing fresh powder in no time. Stay in spots like Summit County, Salt Lake City, or Interlaken — and if you’ve got an Epic or Ikon Pass, even better!
Finding the cheapest month to ski involves considering factors like timing, location, and available deals. To save money, avoid busy holidays and weekends such as Christmas, New Year’s and spring break. Instead, plan your trip during early-season periods in November or December, or late-season months like March and April. While these months may have variable snow conditions, higher-elevation resorts or those with snowmaking capabilities often offer great skiing at a fraction of peak-season prices.
Take advantage of early-season skiing deals and late-season discounts on lodging, lift tickets, and rentals. Purchasing lift tickets in advance can lead to significant ski lift ticket savings, with discounts of up to 30% compared to buying on the day of skiing. For personalized assistance, our Mountain Travel Experts specialize in finding affordable ski vacations tailored to your needs. From budget-friendly lodging to all-inclusive packages, they make skiing on a budget simple and stress-free.
The good news is that the cheapest ski holidays are within reach with a little smart planning. Start by purchasing ski passes in advance through Ski.com to save significantly compared to day-of prices. Look for budget-friendly ski resorts or consider staying off-resort, where lodging costs are lower. Public transportation or carpooling to the slopes can also help cut transportation expenses.
Opt for accommodations with kitchens, like condos or larger rooms, to reduce dining costs — especially for families or groups. Many resorts offer early-bird deals or discounted packages that combine lift tickets, rentals, and lodging for additional savings. Contact a Mountain Travel Expert to find the best deals and design a budget ski vacation tailored to your needs. Whether you’re planning for a family, a group, or a solo adventure, they’ll ensure your ski dreams fit your budget.
Yes, ski packages are often worth it, especially for travelers looking to save on costs and simplify planning. Bundled ski packages typically include accommodations, lift tickets, and sometimes equipment rentals or lessons, offering significant discounts compared to purchasing these elements separately. Some packages include extras like discounted ski lessons, complimentary après-ski activities, or free transportation between the resort and accommodations. Connect with a Mountain Travel Expert to discover the perfect deal for your ski or snowboard adventure.
Our Mountain Travel Experts are here to help you plan the perfect ski getaway. Reach out and let’s make some snowy memories!
