8 budget-friendly ski resorts in the U.S. and Canada

Skiing has often been seen as a pastime for the affluent. Since it first appeared in North America in the early 1900s, it has generally been enjoyed by those who can afford extended vacations to pricey locales like Colorado, Idaho, and New England.

Unfortunately, the situation hasn't improved much, and skiing costs have surged. During the 2022-23 ski season, 47% of skiers reported an income of $100,000 or more, according to Snowsports Industries America's annual participation study. For budget-conscious skiers, alternatives to the major resorts are essential, especially since a day at popular spots like Vail, Colorado; Deer Valley, Utah; or Jackson Hole, Wyoming can run nearly $300 per person, even with advance online booking. When you add in lodging, food, travel, and equipment rentals, expenses can quickly spiral out of control.

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce expenses. Many ski resorts are encouraging skiers to buy season passes or day tickets in advance by providing discounted rates. Multimountain passes such as the Epic and Ikon passes cost $1,025 until October 9 and $1,359, respectively, and grant unlimited access to their associated resorts. Even these passes become more affordable the earlier you purchase them. For instance, the Epic Pass includes options like the Northeast Value Pass, priced at $626 until October 9, which provides unlimited and limited access to select resorts in the Northeast. Additionally, there's the Indy Pass, offering two days at over 200 resorts (though it's currently available only via a waitlist for the 2024-25 season), and the Mountain Collective, which allows passholders two days at each of its 25 resorts for $659.

However, for those not ready to invest in a multiday or multimountain pass, numerous smaller ski areas provide lift tickets that won’t break the bank. You won’t necessarily need to compromise on snow quality, terrain, or atmosphere to save some cash.

Below, we've compiled a list of resorts that offer the most affordable lift tickets in North America.

Burke Mountain, Vermont

Vermont is celebrated for having some of the most substantial and dependable snowfall on the East Coast. While Burke's annual snowfall of 217 inches may not top the charts nationally or even within the state, it surpasses the typical amounts seen at many New England resorts.

Situated in northern Vermont, two hours from Burlington and under seven from New York City, Burke Mountain features 53 designated trails and glades across 270 acres, boasting a vertical drop of over 2,000 feet. Adult lift tickets are priced at just $89 per day on weekends and $45 during the week.

Mount Abram, Maine

Mount Abram is a quaint little ski area just south of Bethel, Maine, favored by locals. While it lacks the luxury of resorts like those in Park City, Utah, or Aspen, Colorado, it also means you won't encounter large crowds or long lift lines.

Similar to many New England resorts, Mount Abram isn't known for endless powder or steep chutes and open bowls, but with 42 trails and glades spread across 450 acres and a vertical drop of 1,150 feet, it offers plenty to satisfy most skiers and riders for a few days. Numerous short-term rentals are available near the resort, along with several hotels and lodges in nearby Bethel, Maine, which hosts the much larger (and pricier) Sunday River. Additionally, Mount Abram is only an hour away from Portland, Maine, a destination well worth a visit. If the hour-long drive isn't a concern, staying in the city—boasting more breweries per capita than anywhere else and a fantastic lobster roll—might be a great option.

Thanks to a partnership with LL Bean, lift tickets at Mount Abram are priced at just $39 per day, although the mountain is closed from Monday to Wednesday during winter. Indy Pass holders can also enjoy two days at this ski area.

Willamette Pass, Oregon

While Willamette Pass covers only 555 acres of skiable terrain, its impressive annual snowfall of 430 inches—partly due to its high base elevation of 5,120 feet—compensates for its smaller size.

Situated just an hour from the quaint city of Eugene, Oregon, Willamette Pass features a vertical drop of 1,563 feet, 225 acres of groomed terrain, and over 12 miles of Nordic trails. Like many smaller ski resorts, it offers a variety of easier slopes ideal for beginners and families, but it also boasts RTS—one of the steepest inbound runs in the nation. In fact, almost half of the trails here reach or exceed a 35-degree pitch in places, making it an excellent choice for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders. While lodging options at the resort are limited, nearby towns like Oak Ridge and Crescent provide several alternatives, or you can opt for a one-hour drive to Eugene, which offers numerous dining and accommodation options.

Lift ticket prices at Willamette Pass start at just $19, and for the first time in 20 years, the resort plans to operate daily during the 2024-25 ski season. Children aged 12 and under, as well as adults 75 and over, ski for free, though these tickets must be "purchased" online for $0.

Howelsen Hill, Colorado

With only 50 skiable acres and a vertical drop of less than 440 feet, Howelsen Hill isn't necessarily a destination worth flying across the country for. However, its convenient location in downtown Steamboat Springs, Colorado, along with free lift tickets on Sundays (and non-Sunday tickets priced at just $47 during the 2023-24 ski season), makes it a great option to consider if you're in the area and looking to save some money on lift tickets for a day or two.

Opened in 1915, this city-owned hill is the longest-running ski area in North America and has gained recognition as an Olympic training site due to its outstanding ski jumping facilities.

Brian Head, Utah

Thanks to its lofty base area, which is the highest in Utah, Brian Head Resort receives more than 360 inches of light, powdery snow each year. This makes it an ideal destination for skiers and snowboarders eager to enjoy powder days while keeping their expenses in check. Located in southern Utah, it's just an hour's drive from Bryce Canyon National Park—a must-see in winter—and about three hours from Las Vegas. Brian Head features 650 acres of skiable terrain and 71 designated runs across two interlinked mountains.

The mountain has a lodge located only a two-minute shuttle ride from the slopes. Lift ticket prices can vary, but when purchased online ahead of time, they can be as low as $52 on Saturdays and just $24 during the week. Early and late in the ski season, tickets can be snagged for under $20. Additionally, kids aged 12 and under ski for free with the Power Kids Pass, which is also valid at its 12 partner resorts, including Willamette Pass. Adults aged 75 and older can ski for free as well.

Ski Cooper, Colorado

Established in 1942 as a training facility for the 10th Mountain Division, Ski Cooper stands out as one of Colorado's oldest and most budget-friendly ski areas. The resort averages 260 inches of snow each year, ensuring ample powder without the hassle of large crowds. With a base elevation of 10,500 feet, skiers can expect soft, dry turns throughout the season.

While Ski Cooper's 480 skiable acres may seem modest by Colorado's standards, it offers a good mix of beginner-friendly trails along with some challenging glades in the Tennessee Creek Basin area.

Ski Cooper offers basic amenities — there's no on-site accommodation — but it’s only a 15-minute drive to Leadville, Colorado, a historic mining town filled with restaurants, shops, and inns. If you're in the mood for shopping, visit Melanzana for locally made outdoor gear, but be sure to schedule an appointment in advance to access their complete collection.

During the 2023-24 season, weekend day tickets at Ski Cooper are priced at $95 (exact pricing for this year isn’t available yet, but significant changes are unlikely). Adults aged 75 and above can snag a season pass for only $10. Additionally, the resort is reintroducing $30 Thursdays, offering $30 lift tickets, ski rentals, and $30 off lessons when booked two days in advance.

Bridger Bowl, Montana

Featuring a vertical drop of 2,700 feet, 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, and an annual snowfall of 300 inches, Bridger Bowl stands tall against North America's largest resorts. While nearby Big Sky tends to grab the spotlight, Bridger retains its relaxed, local atmosphere. Expert skiers won’t be limited to gentle groomers here; the resort offers challenging terrain, including a ridge with steep chutes, cliff bands, and expansive snow fields that demand avalanche awareness and backcountry gear.

At Bridger Bowl, you'll find a few base lodges where you can enjoy meals, tune your skis, or warm up with hot chocolate. However, most lodging is situated in the nearby town of Bozeman, Montana, just 25 minutes away.

When purchased online in advance, adult day tickets at Bridger Bowl are priced at $82.

Baldy Mountain, British Columbia

Renowned for its rugged landscape and consistent, dry powder, Baldy Mountain Resort exemplifies British Columbia's skiing allure. With a base elevation of 5,665 feet, it boasts the sixth highest starting point in Canada, ensuring excellent snow coverage from top to bottom. Each winter, the resort receives between 300 and 420 inches of snow, transforming its 600 acres of groomed and natural terrain into a haven for skiers and snowboarders.

Baldy features multiple lodges and rental options across the resort, including the ski-in, ski-out Tinhorn Lodge located in the upper village. Additionally, it partners with several nearby accommodations to offer "ski and stay" packages that provide discounts on lodging when you present your lift ticket.

Adult day tickets are priced at $87 on weekends, and the resort also participates in the Indy Pass, allowing for two days on the slopes. It's closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the ski season, so if you can make it on a Thursday following a snowfall, you’re in for a treat!