Top 10 Most Affordable Ski Resorts in the West (2024)
This article originally appeared on Ski Mag
As with most things in these inflation-ridden times, skiing is getting more expensive, not less. But that doesn’t mean we’re going to give it up. Far from it: We’re more determined than ever find the ski resorts with the best deals, from lift tickets to lunch prices, and everything in between.
See the Full Rankings: The Top 3o Resorts in the West for 2024
Luckily, our readers all across North America are happy to help. Below, find the 10 ski resorts in the West that offer the best bang for the buck.
Top 10 Ski Resorts in the West for Value
No. 10: Snowbasin Resort, Utah
Score: 7.82
Other Strengths: Grooming, Lifts
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Lodging
What Readers Say
“Love the LOONG runs! Great access up the slopes. Impressive lodges--the best! Great mix of on- and off-piste.”
“Quiet during the week. Rarely lift lines after initial morning opening. Great terrain with many options.”
No. 9: Lake Louise, Alb.
Score: 8.11
Other Strengths: Family Friendly, Local Flavor
Weaknesses: Challenge, Snow
What Readers Say
“Amazing terrain and spectacular views. Nearby town of Banff serves as a reasonably-priced go-to for lodging, apres-ski. and dining.”
“Lake Louise is authentically local and Canadian. Great place for all variety of skiers.”
No. 8: Taos Ski Valley, N.M.
Score: 8.14
Other Strengths: Challenge, Local Flavor
Weaknesses: Lifts, Apres
What Readers Say
“The terrain is sick and thats all that matters, as long as it snows. It’s way less crowded than comparable resorts in the Western U.S., which is also a big bonus.”
“I’ve been skiing for over 40 years and Taos reminds of me what skiing was like when I was kid. Uncrowded, simple, challenging, tiring, and fun. I appreciate the updates and that the resort still isn’t a mega-resort, but a place I’m happy to bring my kids and let them roam free.”
No. 7: Brighton Mountain Resort, Utah
Score: 8.16
Other Strengths: Guest Service, Grooming
Weaknesses: Terrain Variety, Nightlife
What Readers Say
“Just an absolutely amazing resort from gorgeous views to amazing people.”
“I love the atmosphere here! It’s a party every day on the mountain, everyone is here to have a fun time and they’re so happy to be on the mountain. I love the variety of runs and most of the time lift lines aren’t long.”
No. 6: Alta Ski Area, Utah
Score: 8.23
Other Strengths: Challenge, Snow
Weaknesses: Grooming, Nightlife
What Readers Say
“I love the quality if snow and variety of terrain. I like the laid-back vibe. It is not too corporate. I feel safer at Alta than I do at the more touristy resorts because the skiers know what they are doing (not crashing into me).”
“Even if you like someplace better, you have to ski Alta to get the proper perspective.”
No. 5: Whitefish Mountain Resort, Mont.
Score: 8.29
Other Strengths: Local Flavor, Parking
Weaknesses: Lifts, Grooming
What Readers Say
“No crowds! Amazing terrain, and totally uncrowded. Best value ski resort I’ve been to--food and drinks are normal non-ski resort prices, and there are a lot of great affordable ski-in/ski-out options for lodging.”
“New lifts, good lift ticket prices. We were there as a ski club for race week. Food at the base was reasonably priced. Nightlife is really in town, 15-20 minutes away.”
No. 4: Revelstoke Mountain Resort, B.C.
Score: 8.42
Other Strengths: Parking, Overall Satisfaction
Weaknesses: Family Friendly, Grooming
What Readers Say
“Great conditions and terrain, easy to stay close to the resort for reasonable prices. Snow always seems to be excellent on the top of the mountain.”
“The people come from all over the world and everyone is so stoked to be there. The culture around this place is amazing. And the skiing is so good. The amount of terrain that is accessible with merely two lifts is crazy.”
No. 3: Arapahoe Basin, Colo.
Score: 8.57
Other Strengths: Challenge, Overall Satisfaction
Weaknesses: Lodging, Nightlife
What Readers Say
“A-Basin is not a corporate area, it’s a throwback area where they still want the locals to come and day tickets are not $200-plus per day.”
“My favorite resort in the U.S. Great variety of terrain, reasonable pricing, awesome access to expert off-piste terrain.”
No. 2: Loveland Ski Area, Colo.
Score: 8.92
Other Strengths: Parking, Access
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Lodging
What Readers Say
“Great snow, trails, staff; food is excellent and lots of it. Parking is easy and free. Mid-week there’s never a lift line. It can be windy but no one is perfect.”
It’s my local hill, and I think it’s one of the best values in Colorado. The terrain off the divide is incredible, and the free cat is an incredible bonus. The partner days at other resorts in the state also gave me the chance to take some good road-trips which is an awesome perk.”
No. 1: Powder Mountain, Utah
Score: 8.94
Other Strengths: Local Flavor, Snow
Weaknesses: Lifts, Nightlife
What Readers Say
“The lifts are slow, the day passes are limited and we like it this way. We don’t want Powder Mountain to change a thing. Keep it slow and old.”
“I love the laid-back atmosphere. People that work at and visit Powder Mountain genuinely want to be there and are friendly and accommodating. All the fresh pow is just a bonus. There are almost never any lift lines.”
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