Tips

Five Ski Vacations that Won’t Cost You a Fortune

Avoid the pricey ski holiday this season and check out these five surprisingly affordable destinations?

By Claire Newell /

Credit: Flickr/gregor_y

Loveland Ski Area in Denver is the most affordable ski resort in Colorado

A ski vacation can actually be more affordable than you might think. These North American ski destinations offer a great time on the slopes without the luxury resort prices

With $100 lift tickets, sky-high room rates and $8 hot chocolate, a ski vacation can really break the bank, even in our own backyard. It doesn’t have to be that way, however, if you know where to go. There is plenty of excellent and affordable terrain in North America, and even in BC.


So, with the ski season upon us, here are five ski destinations in North America that won’t cost you a fortune.


Loveland Ski Area

Located 60 miles west of Denver, this bare-bones resort is a local favourite. The $56 adult full-day lift tickets are among the most affordable in Colorado, which is home to the famous Vail and Aspen ski resort areas. The lift lines are short, especially on weekdays, and you’ll find plenty of varied terrain.


Whitefish Mountain Resort

This resort in northwest Montana offers a “40/40 Deal,” which means 40 per cent off lodging plus $40 lift tickets, Sunday through Thursday, until the end of the season. There are 3,000 acres of terrain, and most of it is accessible with a single lift ride.


Red Mountain Resort

A little closer to home, over in Rossland, B.C., Red Mountain has been named one of the Top 10 Resorts in North America by Forbes magazine. With more than 1,685 skiable acres and 880 metres of vertical terrain serviced by six lifts, there is a lot to explore at Red Mountain. Lift tickets start at a very reasonable $49 for a full-day pass.


Crystal Mountain Resort

Located in Westbank, this small BC resort has just two chairlifts and a T-bar but boasts great skiing conditions. Lift passes at Crystal Mountain (not to be confused with the Washington State mountain of the same name) are $46 for adults.


Mount Washington Alpine Resort

On the eastern edge of the Vancouver Island range, this hill boasts more than 60 trails and a gladed ski area with varied terrain that everyone from beginner to pro skiers can enjoy. Skiers and snowboarders currently have more than 1,600 acres of terrain to choose from, serviced by nine lifts including a high-speed six-pack and a high-speed quad. Plus, the Ozone Snow-Tubing Park offers a fun alternative to skiing or snowboarding and is also a great après-ski activity.


Ski for Less throughout North America

Willing to travel a little farther to find a reasonably priced ski holiday? Check out these other options:


Originally published in TV Week. For daily updates, subscribe to the free TV Week e-newsletter, or purchase a subscription to the weekly magazine.