Itching to hit the mountain but money is tight? Or perhaps you want to give skiing a try on vacation without breaking the bank? Though you may dream of posh resort towns like Aspen, destinations like that aren’t really in the cards for skiing on a budget. However, there are some excellent places to ski in the US for very little money if you’re willing to widen your search a bit. 

The Cheapest Mountain in the US

If you’d prefer to ski down an actual mountain rather than the hills offered by ski resorts in the Midwest, it’s hard to get much cheaper than Wildcat Mountain in New Hampshire. An Epic 7-day pass only costs around $40 per day. But don’t go thinking that this is just a beginner’s mountain. Wildcat has some of the steepest terrain in the state, with a vertical drop of more than 2,000 feet and 225 acres of runs to enjoy.

Colorado Skiing on a Budget

Though Colorado is one of the most popular places in the world to ski, it’s not typically for the budget-conscious. However, there are some affordable options if you look outside of the main resorts. Eldora is a fantastic skiing destination located near Boulder, and just an hour west of Denver with 10 lifts, 61 trails, and nearly 1,500 feet of vertical drop. Daily lift passes are around $90, which is quite affordable by Colorado standards.

Spending the Least Money Possible

Minnesota may not come to mind when you think of skiing, but there are some excellent ski hills here. Buck Hill offers 282 vertical feet with 16 runs spread out over 45 aces. That might not sound like much, but some Olympic ski racers have got their start here. The best part is that you can ski here all weekend for less than $60, and nearby Minneapolis offers plenty to do off the mountain, or rather, the hill. 

Affordability Meets Adventure

If you can afford to spend a little more, Schweitzer Mountain Resort in Sandpoint, Idaho should be on your list. This expansive resort boasts some 3,000 skiable acres, including open bowls and over 90 runs. The ski village here is amazing, and there are plenty of other winter activities such as snowmobiling and snowshoeing where you can take advantage of 300 inches of annual snowfall. A lift ticket here costs around $100, but you can save if you’re willing to invest in pass. 

The Place for Experts

Advanced skiers in search of a backcountry experience should head to Bridger Bowl in Bozeman, Montana. With expert-only backcountry skiing accessible via the Schlasman’s Lift, 2,700 feet of vertical and more than 2,000 acres to ski, Bridger Bowl offers backcountry adventure on a budget. Lift tickets here start at just $85.

Close to the West Coast

The Lake Tahoe area is legendary for skiers, and it’s only about three hours from San Francisco. Luckily, there are still cheaper options to enjoy here as well. Donner Ski Ranch near Lake Tahoe is one of the oldest ski areas in the US, but still offers 1,000 feet of vertical and more than 500 acres to explore for beginner and intermediate skiers. Lift tickets start at under $90, but can drop as low as $50 on “Old School Days.”

Ski Trip Travel Insurance

All the money you’ve saved on a ski trip can be gone in a flash if something unexpected happens. This is why it’s imperative to have the right travel insurance for your ski trip. A travel insurance plan can help protect your pre-paid, nonrefundable trip costs (such as hotels and life tickets) through trip cancellation coverage, plus many other benefits. Want more flexibility in canceling your trip? Consider cancel for any reason travel insurance.

Click the link above to get your free quotes.