BUDGET-FRIENDLY SKI VACATIONS
Overview
Craving deep powder without breaking the bank? Don't let steep prices deter your ski or snowboard vacation dreams! With over 50 years of experience, Ski.com specializes in creating memorable winter getaways. Thanks to our solid industry connections, we secure incredible deals, helping you save on your next ski vacation.
We've got a treasure trove of affordable ski resorts offering killer package deals. Think top destinations with budget-friendly options like economy hotels, discounted lift tickets, reduced airfare and car rentals, and even bargains on ski or snowboard lessons.
Our Mountain Travel Experts are pros at finding ways to keep costs down, so you can shred stress-free without breaking the bank.
Featured Properties
Top tips for saving on a ski vacation
Flexibility is your friend
To secure the best ski vacation deals, be flexible with your travel dates and location. Avoid peak times like Christmas, President's Day weekend, and spring break. By opting to rent a car or taking a shuttle for a mere 10-15 minutes to the lift, you can uncover some fantastic deals!
Plan in advance and bundle it up
To lock in the most advantageous deals on lift tickets, steer clear of purchasing single-day tickets at the resort. Opt instead to buy your lift tickets in advance through a Mountain Travel Expert. For maximum savings, explore options like the Epic Day Pass or Ikon Session Pass before the season begins. While these passes may be non-refundable, they offer validity across numerous destinations
Stay in a condo with a kitchen
To save on ski trips, choose lodgings with kitchens to cut down on dining out. Cooking meals and picking ski-in, ski-out condos can greatly lower costs, letting you enjoy the slopes without breaking the bank on food. Places like Keystone’s River Run Condominiums, along with options in Steamboat and Snowmass, Colorado, provide great value with their convenient access and kitchens.
Look for resorts with free activities
Keystone delivers an affordable family experience in North America. At the same time, Breckenridge offers free activities like visiting historic Engine No. 9. Lake Tahoe's Heavenly resort presents the ultimate après-ski, Unbuckled, with free entry, half-price drinks, and exciting entertainment from 3 to 5 p.m.
Jump on early-booking deals
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.
Take advantage of ski travel experts
There’s a ton of info out there, and finding the best affordable ski resorts for your group can be daunting. Let Ski.com’s 65+ Mountain Travel Experts do the heavy lifting. They can cut out hours of online research and have access to the industry’s best prices, thanks to our vast selection of 1,000 online deals (and tens of thousands more in our system) across thousands of accommodations and 120-plus ski resorts worldwide. They'll quickly pinpoint the best options for your needs, interests, and budget.
THE BEST SKI RESORTS FOR A BUDGET-FRIENDLY VACATION
KEYSTONE, COLORADO
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Keystone, Colorado, stands out for its exceptional value, extensive terrain, and family-friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking a stellar ski vacation. It offers a range of affordable lodging options, three mountains with diverse skiing experiences for all levels, and unique features like free night skiing on arrival days.
The resort's central village area provides easy access to dining and shopping, while its Kidtopia program ensures plenty of fun for younger guests. The resort provides a complimentary shuttle service that simplifies navigation around the premises, enabling guests to save both time and transportation costs.
Highlights: Affordable lodging, free night skiing on arrival days, extensive terrain across three mountains, and convenient access to dining and shopping options.
Closest airport: Denver International Airport - 90 miles (1.5 hours)
WINTER PARK, COLORADO
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Winter Park, Colorado, stands out for its relaxed atmosphere, affordable pricing, and diverse skiing options, making it a top choice for a budget-friendly vacation.
Known as one of Colorado's most affordable ski resorts, it caters to families and individuals seeking a quality ski experience without breaking the bank. The resort offers budget-friendly lodging, easy access from Denver, and a range of terrain suitable for all skill levels. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, guests can enjoy various winter activities, ensuring a memorable and stress-free getaway for everyone.
Highlights: Budget-friendly accommodations, easy access from Denver, diverse terrain for all skill levels, and a wide range of winter activities including tubing and snowshoeing.
Closest airport: Denver International Airport - 90 miles (2 hours)
CRESTED BUTTE, COLORADO
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Crested Butte, Colorado, celebrated as the "last great Colorado ski town," offers an authentic mountain town experience with its charming atmosphere, budget-friendly options, and rich history. Known for its excellent value ski-and-stay packages, Crested Butte provides a range of lodging options suitable for every budget, alongside competitive lift ticket prices. The town itself enchants visitors with its colorful Victorian architecture, vibrant culture, and stunning mountain views. Beyond skiing, guests can enjoy activities like snowshoeing and ice skating, making Crested Butte an affordable yet memorable destination for a ski vacation.
Unique Highlights: Affordable ski-and-stay packages, a picturesque and historic town, a range of activities beyond skiing, and a charming, authentic mountain experience.
Closest airport: Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport - 30 miles (45 minutes)
SUMMIT COUNTY, COLORADO
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)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
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)
FAQs
Many ski resorts are family-friendly, offering amenities and activities for all ages and skill levels. You’ll find beginner-friendly terrain, ski schools, and childcare services, making it easy for everyone to enjoy. Off the slopes, there’s family-friendly dining, and après-ski activities like ice skating, sledding, and tubing, as well as accommodations with larger rooms or condos with kitchens. Many resorts also offer special deals or packages to make family ski vacations more affordable. Our Mountain Travel Experts can help you find the perfect resort for your family and budget.
Ensuring an affordable ski vacation depends on several factors. The least expensive times to ski are outside busy holidays and weekends, such as Christmas, New Year’s, President’s Day Weekend, and spring break. Early and late-season periods—like November, early December, and late March through April—may have less snow, but lodging and rental prices are often lower. Purchasing lift tickets in advance instead of buying day passes will also help save money. Our Mountain Travel Experts are invaluable for planning affordable ski vacations.
The good news is that any destination on your bucket list can be made budget-friendly with the right planning. Purchasing a pass from ski.com in advance helps avoid the high cost of day passes. Staying farther from the resort and using public transportation or driving can save money. Opting for hotels with larger rooms or condos can reduce dining expenses, especially for larger groups. Contact a Mountain Travel Expert to design a dream ski vacation that fits your budget!
Ready to plan your perfect vacation on a budget?
Our Mountain Travel Experts are here to help you plan the perfect ski getaway. Reach out and let’s make some snowy memories!