Cheapest Ski Resorts in the US 2026
Skiing doesn't have to cost $200+ per day. Here are America's most affordable ski resorts.
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Top 20 Cheapest Ski Resorts
| Resort | State | Day Ticket | Terrain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ski Granby Ranch | CO | $59-79 | 40 runs |
| Sunlight | CO | $69-89 | 72 runs |
| Monarch Mountain | CO | $79-99 | 66 runs |
| Loveland | CO | $90-110 | 94 runs |
| Ski Santa Fe | NM | $85-99 | 86 runs |
| Showdown | MT | $55-65 | 36 runs |
| Great Divide | MT | $50-60 | 140 runs |
| Lost Trail | MT | $58-68 | 60+ runs |
| Lookout Pass | ID/MT | $55-65 | 34 runs |
| Magic Mountain | VT | $69-89 | 50 runs |
| Mad River Glen | VT | $89-99 | 52 runs |
| Bolton Valley | VT | $79-95 | 71 runs |
| Ski Brule | MI | $55-65 | 17 runs |
| Caberfae Peaks | MI | $50-60 | 34 runs |
| Indianhead | MI | $55-70 | 30 runs |
| Snow King | WY | $75-85 | 32 runs |
| White Pass | WA | $65-80 | 47 runs |
| Anthony Lakes | OR | $55-65 | 21 runs |
| Mt. Ashland | OR | $55-65 | 23 runs |
| Whitefish (midweek) | MT | $89-109 | 105 runs |
Best Budget Skiing by Region
Colorado Budget Picks
| Resort | Day Ticket | Why It's Worth It |
|---|---|---|
| Ski Granby Ranch | $59-79 | Family-focused, 40% beginner |
| Sunlight | $69-89 | Hot springs nearby |
| Monarch | $79-99 | No crowds, authentic vibe |
| Loveland | $90-110 | Best value on I-70 |
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Montana Hidden Gems
Montana has incredible skiing at fraction of destination prices:
| Resort | Day Ticket | The Draw |
|---|---|---|
| Showdown | $55-65 | 8 feet of annual snow |
| Great Divide | $50-60 | 140 runs, under $60! |
| Lost Trail | $58-68 | Powder, no crowds |
| Big Sky | $149+ | Splurge: huge terrain |
Midwest Bargains
| Resort | State | Day Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Caberfae Peaks | MI | $50-60 |
| Ski Brule | MI | $55-65 |
| Spirit Mountain | MN | $60-70 |
| Granite Peak | WI | $55-70 |
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New England Value Options
| Resort | State | Day Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Magic Mountain | VT | $69-89 |
| Bolton Valley | VT | $79-95 |
| Mad River Glen | VT | $89-99 |
| Cannon | NH | $85-95 |
Money-Saving Tips
Season Pass Math
If you ski 5+ days at one resort, a season pass often beats daily tickets:| Pass | Price | Break-Even |
|---|---|---|
| Indy Pass | $349 | 2 days at premium resorts |
| Indy Pass XL | $449 | 3-4 days |
| Local passes | $300-600 | 4-7 days at home mountain |
Best Discount Days
- Weekdays - Often 20-30% cheaper than weekends
- Spring - Deep discounts March-April
- Night skiing - 50% off at many resorts
- Military/Veteran - Most resorts offer discounts
- College student - Many offer $50-70 tickets with ID
Bundle Deals
Beginner packages (ticket + rental + lesson) often save 30-40% vs. buying separately.---
The Indy Pass Advantage
The Indy Pass ($349) includes 2 days at 200+ independent resorts. For budget skiers, it's a game-changer:
Included resorts:- Monarch, Loveland (CO)
- Lost Trail, Great Divide (MT)
- Magic Mountain, Bolton Valley (VT)
- Caberfae, Indianhead (MI)
- Ski Granby Ranch (CO)
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Cheap Skiing Near Major Cities
Near Denver
| Resort | Distance | Day Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Loveland | 55 mi | $90-110 |
| Eldora | 66 mi | $100-120 |
| Echo Mountain | 40 mi | $55-75 |
Near Los Angeles
| Resort | Distance | Day Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain High | 85 mi | $80-109 |
| Mt. Baldy | 50 mi | $75-85 |
| Snow Valley | 85 mi | $60-80 |
Near Seattle
| Resort | Distance | Day Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Snoqualmie | 50 mi | $80-100 |
| White Pass | 105 mi | $65-80 |
| Mission Ridge | 130 mi | $75-95 |
FAQs
What's the cheapest ski resort in America? Great Divide in Montana often has tickets under $60. Many small resorts in Montana, Michigan, and Oregon are under $65. Is skiing expensive everywhere? No. While destination resorts charge $200+, hundreds of smaller mountains offer $50-100 tickets with great skiing. How do I ski on a budget? Buy an Indy Pass, ski weekdays, hit smaller resorts, and bring your own food/drinks. You can ski for under $100/day total. Are cheap resorts worth it? Absolutely. Many budget resorts have better snow, shorter lines, and more authentic vibes than mega-resorts.---