Ski trips are not known to be the most affordable holidays, with expensive lift passes costing as much as $300 per week and food typically priced at what you would find at an airport; it can take a bite out of your wallet for the ski addicts.
Fortunately, Home2Go, a vacation rental marketplace, has released its survey of the most affordable ski destinations in North America, and they’ve also grouped them by the most popular searches.
The 6 most affordable destinations have been based on the daily lift ticket price and the median accommodation price during peak season.
The study found that more U.S. skiers this year are searching for longer accommodations, around 9+ days this season (a 12% increase from last year), while more people are looking to cut costs by teaming up with 4-5 people. These destinations provide some great budget-friendly alternatives if you can’t make it to Europe’s most affordable skiing destinations.
Some other findings on popular ski destinations included:
- Skiers are looking to stay longer in Snowbird, Utah. Snowbird has been a popular destination for longer-term guests, with people looking for stays over 3 weeks.
- Big groups are heading to Deer Valley in Utah. With the most expensive lift tickets and costly accommodation, skiers are teaming up together and traveling with an average group size of 8+.
- British Columbia is the best value for money on mountain mileage. Snow enthusiasts in Whistler pay an average of $1.15 per mile for their lift ticket, while in Fernie, you pay $1.20 per mile.
- Prepare to splurge in the Rocky Mountains, it comes in as number one as the most luxurious ski destination. Visitors to Deer Valley in Utah pay an average of $585.49 per day for accommodation and lift tickets. This is followed by Beaver Creek (CO), Aspen Mountain (CO), Vail (CO), and Big Sky (MT).
- Colorado has the most ski resorts in North America¸, with 10 ski resorts to choose from, but prices can range between $215.73 and $433.63.
- Fernie, Alberta is the most underrated ski destination: with over 2,500 acres of snow-filled terrain to explore, gorgeous scenery, and a charming town, this British Columbian gem will offer a unique skiing experience without the crowds.
- Prepare to pay an average of $160 for ski lift tickets. You’ll find the cheapest ski lift tickets in Mount Hood Meadows in Oregon for $79, while Deer Valley in Utah boasts the most expensive ski lift ticket at $259
Most Affordable 6-Person Vacation Rentals (per person)
Mission Ridge, Washington ($115 per night)
- Lift Price: $97
- Average Nightly Accommodation: $18.13
Known for its light, dry powder due to its regular sunshine and higher location, Mission Ride has more than 36 designated runs across its 2,000-acre basin. With a 2,250-foot vertical drop, this ski location will have you shredding all day long.
Kimberly, British Columbia ($125 per night)
- Lift Price: $84
- Average Nightly Accommodation: $40.61
With consistent Purcell powder in the winter and a rich town history with plenty of arts and culture, this charming town was voted as the best small town in all of British Columbia. With an average snowfall of 13 feet per season and night skiing under the stars, the quaint location has something for everyone.
Kicking Horse, British Columbia ($130 per night)
- Lift Price: $105.82
- Average Nightly Accommodation: $23.77
With the highest dining experiences in Canada and one single gondola ride to the summit, this unique alpine ski location provides stunning views of the Rocky Mountains while you glide through 3,400 acres with 120+ runs. Its title of Champagne Powder Capital of Canada comes from its ridges and bowls that store snow deeper and for longer.
Mount Hood Meadows, Oregon ($144 per night)
- Lift Price: $79
- Average Nightly Accommodation: $65
With some of the most incredible skiing and snowboarding in the Northwest, this location is just 90 minutes from Portland and offers different challenges for all levels with steep front side bowls or gentle, friendly slopes. With over 2,000 acres to explore and the highest elevation of 7,300 feet, you won’t be able to beat the views.
Lake Louise, Alberta ($147 per night)
- Lift Price: $112
- Average Nightly Accommodation: $36
Situated in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, this world-famous lake has been known for its turquoise color. From sleigh rides to dog sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, this magical playground has activities to suit everyone.
Gore Mountain. New York ($150 per night)
- Lift Price: $87
- Average Nightly Accommodation: $63
New York’s largest ski resort is in the Adirondacks and boasts a vertical drop of 2,537 feet with four mountains to ski down. With 107 trails, 7 freestyle areas, and 11 cross-country and snowshoe loops, this location offers fantastic glade skiing up high and plenty of family-friendly terrains down below while admiring the Adirondack vistas.
