Finding the Best Value Ski Resorts in the U.S.
As ski season approaches, planning a winter vacation involves making choices that can be challenging. Skiers have a wide range of options to consider, from scenic views and powder conditions to the size of the resort. For some, the primary concern is the cost, as skiing, particularly when it involves travel, can be quite expensive.
To help you identify the best value ski resorts in the U.S., Forbes Advisor conducted a comprehensive analysis. We compared the costs of a two-day, two-night winter vacation at various popular resorts, focusing on holiday weekends to ensure a representative sample. Our criteria included snow conditions, available lifts and runs, and the cost of lift tickets, rental equipment, airfare, accommodations, and car rentals. Our research led us to discover the top 10 ski resorts that offer excellent value for your money.
- Brian Head Ski Resort in Utah emerges as the best ski resort for budget-conscious travelers, with an average cost of $981.11 for a quick winter getaway. Two other Utah destinations, Eagle Point Resort and Beaver Mountain Ski Resort, also make it to our top five list, both costing under $1,000.
- The western United States dominates our list, boasting more resort choices and consistently high-quality snow. All 10 positions for the best value ski resorts in the country belong to western destinations.
- On the flip side, Beaver Creek Resort in Colorado claims the title of the least cost-effective ski resort, with a visit costing nearly double that of our top choice, totaling $1,806 for an adult skier.
- Out of the 51 ski resorts we evaluated, 39 accept multi-pass options like Epic or Ikon, which provide skiers and snowboarders with expanded access and discounts at partner resorts.
- Seven of the 51 ski resorts considered offer over 150 runs, catering to all skill levels. Park City Ski Resort in Utah tops the list with an impressive 324 runs.
How to Save on Your Winter Vacation
While we have gathered average costs for various ski resorts, it’s important to note that your actual expenses may vary depending on your specific travel plans.
Given the often high cost of airfare to certain destinations, the overall value of your trip can change significantly if you can find ways to eliminate or reduce airfare expenses. This can be achieved by driving to your destination or utilizing frequent flyer miles if applicable.
When driving is an option, consider exploring alternate airports. For example, opting for the less than three-hour drive from Denver to the #9 ranked Snowy Range instead of flying to Cheyenne can result in savings of nearly $250 per person.
Dedicated skiers may also benefit from various discounts that can impact the rankings of ski resorts. Multi-passes can offer substantial savings on lift tickets, ski or snowboard rentals, lodging at partner establishments, and even food and beverages. Passes such as Epic or Ikon can provide access to multiple ski locations throughout the season, ensuring you have plenty of skiing variety. In fact, seven of the resorts we evaluated offer more than 150 runs, so boredom won’t be an issue even if you stick to one location.
Don’t overlook discounts that may be available to you. Careful planning and checking for limited-time promotions can lead to significant savings, even if you don’t hold ski passes or memberships. Additionally, consider pre-paying for lift tickets and bundling equipment rentals and lodging into a single package to potentially reduce your overall expenses.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, forbes.com