Picture above – Image appears courtesy: Marmot Basin
We’ve talked about where to ski for less than $57 & who has the largest snowmaking systems. Heck, we’ve even showcased ten resorts that aren’t on the Epic or Ikon passes to consider visiting. But what about the most affordable cheap places to ski? The folks at Hometogo have generated a ski index that takes into account cost of ski rental, a daily lift ticket, lunch, and overnight accommodation to get a better idea on the most affordable options. Of course, like any study, take it for what it is. You can agree or disagree, but at least it gives you a clue to what can be considered the ten most affordable cheap places to ski in North America.
Most Affordable Ski Resorts In North America
10. Sun Peaks, British Columbia
Total: $251.70/day
Average Accommodation Cost: $115.26
Lunch: $14.66
Lift Ticket: $84.56
Ski Rental: $35.33
The largest destination ski resort within interior British Columbia is also one of the most affordable cheap places to ski. With a vertical drop of 2,894 feet and skiable acreage of nearly 4,270 acres spread across three peaks, there’s a lot to explore. A great option for groups since all the trails flow right into a European-style ski-through village.
9. Fernie Alpine Resort, British Columbia
Total: $251.16/day
Average Accommodation Cost: $113.66
Lunch: $13.53
Lift Ticket: $82.66
Ski Rental: $41.31
Looking for a laid-back vibe on your powder seeking trip? Although Fernie is gaining in popularity, it still manages to find the right balance between being pure & peaceful but at the same time developed. The reputation of getting deep powder days is valid, and it often has the dryness of the Rockies’ powder but in higher volumes.
8. Revelstoke Mountain, British Columbia
Total: $251.16/day
Average Accommodation Cost: $113.66
Lunch: $13.53
Lift Ticket: $82.66
Ski Rental: $41.31
Like many other ski resorts in places such as Colorado and Montana, Revy was chosen due to its terrain and the potential of massive dumps. Combine that with easy access to cat & heli-skiing operations such as Selkirk Tangiers based out of the town of Revelstoke, and you have the mecca for those looking for the ultimate powder paradise. It also helps that it has the longest vertical in North America (5,620 feet) and over 3,121 acres to play in.
7. Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho
Total: $239.67/day
Average Accommodation Cost: $101.67
Lunch: $16.00
Lift Ticket: $86.00
Ski Rental: $36.00
Words that come to mind when you think of Schweitzer Mountain – unpretentious, peaceful, serene. This is a great option for families that want all the bells & whistles of a destination resort but without the big bill that typically comes with it. Across its 2,900 acres, it offers a lot of variety from wide open cruisers, steep corduroy (some of the steepest groomed runs we’ve personally skied), open bowls, and even glades to keep it interesting.
6. Mission Ridge, Washington
Total: $227.47/day
Average Accommodation Cost: $91.48
Lunch: $15.99
Lift Ticket: $75.00
Ski Rental: $45.00
When it comes to skiing & snowboarding in Washington, the first thing that comes to mind is “Cascade Concrete.” Deep. Wet. Heavy snow. Fortunately, due to its location on the eastern side of the Cascades, Mission Ridge normally gets dry snow that’s more reminiscent of something you’d find in Colorado than the wet stuff to the West. Another plus is that this ski area gets 300 days of sunshine annually, and it’s far enough away to keep the day trippers from Seattle off the hill.
5. Mont Tremblant, Quebec
Total: $225.06/day
Average Accommodation Cost: $102.52
Lunch: $12.78
Lift Ticket: $74.43
Ski Rental: $35.33
There’s a reason why this ski resort out East typically ranks in the top ten, year-in & year-out. Besides the 102 trails, one of the largest snowmaking systems in North America, and breathtaking views on the Laurentians, it also gives skiers and snowboarders an opportunity to get a little bit of international flair with their trip. Why is that? It’s located only 80 miles north of Montreal!
4. Silver Star Mountain, British Columbia
Total: $213.35/day
Average Accommodation Cost: $95.71
Lunch: $13.91
Lift Ticket: $79.69
Ski Rental: $24.05
This fun, family friendly resort may look “small” because it only has seven lifts, but don’t let that fool you. At over 3,282 acres, it’s the third largest in the province. There’s A LOT of terrain to play in but still keep track of the family. In addition, they get nearly 23 feet of quality, dry snow you’d want on a trip out West. Due its location, the temps stay cold enough to keep the snow in pristine condition but not so cold that you freeze your tuckus off.
3. Lake Louise Ski Resort, Alberta
Total: $212.84/day
Average Accommodation Cost: $72.26
Lunch: $15.79
Lift Ticket: $93.22
Ski Rental: $31.57
There’s a lot of places to ski or snowboard that are scenic. Even a few that are downright jaw-dropping. Lake Louise in Banff National Park is in a different dimension. As the snow blankets the landscape, it transforms into a magical place you’d imagine in a Walt Disney film. Nearly every angle provides scenery that will leave you breathless… and with over 4,200 acres to explore, your legs will appreciate the breaks to take in the views.
2. Bolton Valley, Vermont
Total: $206.58/day
Average Accommodation Cost: $59.58
Lunch: $14.00
Lift Ticket: $84.00
Ski Rental: $49.00
Surrounded by 5,000 acres of pristine forest, Bolton Valley provides a truly authentic Vermont ski experience… and it’s even on the Indy Pass. Besides the 71 trails and a host of glades to ski, their goal is to become the “first slopeside backcountry center in the East.” They do this by having a shuttle service on certain weekends to their sidecountry known as Nebraska Valley. In fact, they even opened up a hut called Bryant Camp nestled high among the alpine forests just for the Nordic and alpine ski trails.
1. Marmot Basin, Alberta
Total: $176.43/day
Average Accommodation Cost: $48.81
Lunch: $13.53
Lift Ticket: $78.94
Ski Rental: $35.15
Located in Canada’s largest national park, this region is wild in every sense. Pristine subalpine forests, the massive Columbia icefield, colossal mountains, and wildlife. A great option for those who embrace nature and want to get away from it all. Although they only get 160 inches/year, the quality tends to stay great for days after a storm due to the consistent cold temps. Together with adventures like an ice walk in Maligne Canyon or dog sledding on a frozen lake, you have the ultimate winter vacation for the budget conscious traveler.
The interesting thing is even when you remove the rental cost from the equation, the top 10 has a bit of a shuffle but for the most part, stays the same. In summary, if you’re planning a trip this winter out West and looking for the most affordable cheap places to ski, consider a Canadian one. With the current strength of the American dollar, you’ll find the biggest deals across the border. And even if you’re looking to stay in the U.S., then try heading to a lesser known region like Schweitzer.
*Ski rental and lift ticket prices for the 2019-20 season were provided by the resorts, while online menus were used to determine lunch prices. As an accommodation search engine, HomeToGo used its own metasearch data to calculate the average price of accommodation (per person, per night) to stay in a vacation rental in the respective resort.
A real affordable treasure is Ski Lookout Pass just off I-90 on the Idaho / Montana State Line! Noted as a Powder mecca – averaging 400 + inches a year. The costs are incredibly affordable with Lift Tickets for winter 2019-20 costing only $52 on a holiday, $49 for a regular weekend and just $45 for a midweek day. Season Passes are an even better deal at only $265 for an adult if purchased by 10/31 and lower for youth, Seniors and only $99 for College Students all with no blackout dates. New American Made Quad chairlift is being added for this winter. Give this treasure a try: http://www.SkiLookout.com I think this is more in line with the headline of this article than some of the other areas featured.