6 of the Cheapest Ski Resorts In The USA
For all ski lovers, there’s no denying the thrill of going down a slope as you test your strength and agility. But that feeling also comes with a price– a steep one.
It all adds up from travel to gear to lift passes and accommodations. While skiing fitness is a fantastic workout, it’s not always the most cost-effective unless you live on a mountain with a membership for easy access to ski slopes.
Fortunately, there are some budget-friendly options to ensure you don’t have to be deprived of your favorite hobby this year.
Here’s our list of cheapest ski resorts in the USA:
Whitefish Mountain in Montana
The allure of Whitefish Mountain in Montana is not just that it’s only 20 miles from Glacier Park International Airport. It’s also shockingly one of the cheapest ski resorts in the USA.
One of the reasons is due to how it is not as well known as other popular locations. However, less hype means epic skiing fitness opportunities without too many tourists or crowds.
But don’t confuse affordable with being low-rate. Whitefish Mountain’s slopes cover 3,000 acres of terrain and include 94 runs for advanced, intermediate and beginner skiers alike.
In fact, the majority of the slopes are for more experienced skiers, so if you’re looking to up your skiing fitness challenge and test your limits, this is one of the cheapest ski resorts in the USA that you’ll want to make sure is on your bucket list.
- Lift Tickets: $89
- Special Discounts: 25 percent off when buying multi-day lift tickets online.
- Travel: Fly into Glacier Park International Airport or take the Amtrak’s Empire Builder route that goes between Seattle and Chicago.
- Perk: Numerous advanced and intermediate slopes
Pats Peak in New Hampshire
When you think of going to one of the cheapest ski resorts in the USA, you probably envision a lackluster slope in the middle of nowhere that makes skiing a challenge to enjoy. With Pats Peak in New Hampshire, nothing could be further from the truth.
This mountain resort is perfect for the whole family. With easy access from Boston via bus, which is only an hour and a half away and close to a major airport, it is very accessible, so travel with the kiddos can be a breeze.
Admittedly, there aren’t a ton of advanced trails, and the majority of the slopes are geared toward beginners. But there is something for everyone, and it’s the perfect way to help your family or friends who are new to the world of skiing fitness to get a fun and fresh start before you hit the expert and advanced trails later.
Plus, the whole mountain is lit up at night, so the skiing fitness can continue into the night.
- Lift Tickets: $79 a day on the weekends.
- Special Discounts: If you go during the week, the lift ticket is $69.
- Travel: 29 miles from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and has direct bus service from Boston on Saturdays throughout ski season.
- Perk: Wonderful for the entire family and newer skiers.
Winter Park in Colorado
While Winter Park in Colorado may seem pricier than some of the other cheapest ski resorts in the USA, it is a steal compared to some of the more popular luxury ski resorts in Colorado.
Winter Park is the longest continually operated ski resort in the state of Colorado– a haven for ski lovers everywhere. The terrain is perfect for new skiers and experts searching for a steep thrill. Winter Park is the ideal place to get some good skiing fitness during a vacation for a fraction of the price.
When you choose to visit one of the cheapest ski resorts in the USA, you can afford a longer trip! Plus, the longer you stay, the cheaper your trip will be! Talk about the ultimate perk.
- Lift Tickets: Flex plans start at $113
- Special Discounts: Get your fourth night of lodging and fourth day of lift access for free.
- Travel: 67 miles away from the Denver International Airport
- Perk: Amazing terrain at a fraction of a cost compared to popular Colorado locations.
Heavenly in California
Lake Tahoe is a desirable location in California on its own, but add in skiing while gazing upon that gorgeous view, and you really are in paradise. That’s what skiing in Heavenly is like. And while it seems like a location this majestic shouldn’t be on the bargain side; this skiing fitness destination is one of the cheapest ski resorts in the USA.
They recently reduced their rates to ensure more people could enjoy the mountain instead of increasing their prices as other businesses do.
Now you can enjoy a breath-taking location with 34 miles of well-groomed trails that range from easy to expert level without breaking the bank.
- Lift Tickets: $111
- Special Discounts: Heavenly recently reduced all prices by 20 percent to make sure more people could enjoy the mountain. Also more discounts are available with Epic Pass.
- Travel: Only an hour drive from Reno-Tahoe International airport which usually will offer some of the better flight deals.
- Perk: Location, location, location!
Schweitzer Mountain Resort in Idaho
This may be one of the most luxurious of the cheapest ski resorts in the USA. Schweitzer Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in Idaho and an excellent location for families and skiers to enjoy skiing fitness at its finest. It’s not some tiny, remote mountain town here. This resort offers dining, shopping, atmosphere, events, things for kids, and amazing skiing.
If you like skiing on slopes with trees for added excitement, this is the place for you.
- Lift Tickets: $82.52 (using a 3-day lift ticket)
- Special Discounts: Cheaper prices for kids and various deals on other winter sports.
- Travel: The best way to ensure a deal on travel is to fly into Spokane, Washington and endure the 2-hour drive.
- Perk: Largest resort in Idaho
Brighton Resort in Utah
If you want to get the kids out on the slopes on a budget so you can share your love of skiing fitness, Brighton Resort is a dream come true. With special discounts that allow kids to ski for free, the packages don’t get much better than this for the cheapest ski resorts in the USA. This resort is significantly lower in cost than other nearby resorts but still offers excellent terrain for all experience levels, with 66 runs across its 1,000 acres. The weather also allows for an expected 500 inches of annual snowfall that truly complements the well-groomed, always perfectly powdered slopes.
- Lift Tickets: $99
- Special Discounts: Up to two children 10 years and younger ski free with a paying adult.
- Travel: 35 miles from Salt Lake City’s airport. For extra travel ease, the Utah Transit Authority has ski buses that travel up to the mountain daily.
- Perk: Awesome for families!
- Website: http://www.brightonresort.com
Save More Money with Aeroski
While taking a trip to the cheapest ski resorts in the USA is great for a discounted vacation, it doesn’t solve the major problem skiing fitness lovers everywhere face: it’s still expensive to ski regularly, especially if you don’t live near a ski resort or in a touristy town.
Thankfully, there’s a perfect solution to keep up your skiing fitness training that allows you to enjoy your favorite sport in between vacations and even ski season as a whole.
Aeroski is a revolutionary full-body workout machine that mimics the movements of skiing fitness. And when you pair it with VR Goggles, it’s almost like you’re there.
Now you can ski from your own living room. The best part? Aeroski is significantly cheaper than an entire skiing vacation that only lasts a weekend.
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