5 Stellar but Surprisingly Cheap Ski Resorts

Hit the slopes without breaking the bank

Let’s face it: skiing isn’t exactly an inexpensive hobby. Between ski gear, lift tickets, and plane flights, your fave sport starts to really add up! Luckily, there are some pretty awesome yet cheap ski resorts that can fill your ski needs without emptying your wallet.

Not sure where to plan your next ski trip? Check out these slopes for an outrageously affordable ski vacay.

• Alpine Meadows, CA

  Looking for a way to ski Lake Tahoe, without paying Lake Tahoe prices? Then do what the locals do, and ski Alpine Meadows instead.

  It’s a no-frills version of the classic Tahoe experience: no cute mountainside village to explore after hours. But a gondola and frequent shuttles connect it to amenities-packed Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort, and there are plenty of budget-friendly lodging and dining options nearby.

  For the price and the scenic views of Lake Tahoe, Alpine Meadows simply can’t be beaten.

• Canaan Valley Resort State Park, WV

  East Coasters, this one’s for you! One of the most expensive things about any vacation is the plane tickets, but this mountain’s right in your backyard, making flights more affordable.

  Plus, this Allegheny Mountains resort has some pretty awesome wallet-friendly accommodations. You guys can decide whether you’re brave enough to choose one of the campsites, or if you’d rather upgrade to a cabin.

  Speaking of options, any non-skiers in the group will have plenty of fun alternatives to choose from, including ice skating, snowshoeing, and snow tubing.

• Schweitzer Mountain, ID

  We don’t blame you if you think of cheap ski resorts as being on the smaller side. But in this case, you’d be wrong: this incredibly affordable slope is actually the biggest ski resort in Idaho!

  Not only that, but it was also voted “The Best Kept Secret in North America” by Ski Magazine. That’s some pretty serious kudos for this charmingly unpretentious resort!

  As befits the state’s largest resort, there are plenty of ski opportunities, with 95 trails and open bowl skiing covering 3,000 ski-ready acres. Schweitzer’s particularly known for its renowned wooded terrain, with some pretty amazing trails for fans of tree skiing.

  For après-ski fun, visit quaint Schweitzer Village, a European-style town with plenty of charming dining venues.

• Snowbird, UT

  There’s a reason why Utah was chosen for the 2002 Winter Olympics: it’s an amazing venue for winter sports. Unfortunately, it’s not exactly a cheap area to ski… unless you head to Snowbird.

  Frequent snow—we’re talking upwards of 40 feet per year!—keeps the powder fresh and light.

  Snowbird is one of our fave spots for experienced skiers: 67% of its trails are expert-rated and its vertical drop hits 3.240 feet. There’s a tram if you want to tackle its toughest terrain, or you can stay close to the base of the mountain if you want to take it a bit easier.

• Whitefish Mountain, MT

  Montana, in general, is a great choice for awesome but cheap ski resorts. Even better, the slopes here offer gorgeous mountain scenery on relatively uncrowded runs.

  Whitefish Mountain offers 3,000 acres and 94 trails that cover all skill levels. There’s even backwoods skiing on the north side, for experts who prefer their terrain steep and deep. And for amazing views into nearby Glacier National Park, grab a bite to eat at the Summit House cafeteria.

  The whole area has a laid-back, welcoming vibe, perfect for families or anyone looking for an easy-going, old-school ski vacay.

Ready to hit the slopes? These cheap ski resorts are kind to your wallet, but still chock-full of powdery fun!

And to maximize your fun, and your time on the mountainside, ship your skis to your hotel, cabin, or Airbnb with LugLess. We’ll make sure your ski gear is waiting for you, and all you have to do is hop off your flight and head to the slopes.