The Best Value Ski Resorts for 2024

Gear up for an epic ski trip this winter without busting your budget or compromising on quality. Forbes Advisor recently released their rankings and data on the best ski slopes for the money this season; similarly, HomeToGo.com found the overall cheapest resorts in the country. The data features both regular favorites and hidden gems, with options from all over the country. Take a look at the best value resorts this season and start planning your next getaway in a winter wonderland.

Perfect powder in Idaho

A skier speeds down a mountain

Silver Mountain Resort in Idaho—just across the state line from Spokane—comes in an impressive fourth place on Forbes Advisor's best value resorts. Not only does it boast 73 outdoor runs, but there's also an indoor waterpark to keep the thrills going even off the slopes. Airfare for this destination will be the biggest expense, with travelers paying an average of $432 for peak season flights. However, thanks to affordable lift tickets, ski rentals, and opportunities to save even more if you're a Powder Alliance member, costs stay low. Visitors can expect to budget around $254 for two-nights of overnight accommodations.

Also in Idaho is the fifth most affordable ski slope Schweitzer Mountain, nestled in the Selkirk Mountains, with a day on the slopes costing about $210. With lift tickets around $110 and nightly lodging prices coming out at an average of about $100 per person, this is a more affordable option than Silver Mountain but doesn't disappoint with an average snow depth of over 88 inches and over 2,900 acres of terrain. Don't forget to take in the view at the top: from here, skiers can see three states, Canada, and Lake Pend Oreille.

An all-around favorite in Montana

Winter in Whitefish, Montana by Roberto Nickson - Unsplash

The 10th best value ski slope according to Forbes Advisor, Whitefish is also the 7th overall cheapest thanks to lift tickets and ski rentals that are priced reasonably. Like many of the locations on this list, airfare will hurt your wallet the most: with an average cost of $529 per flight. On average, a two-night stay will cost around $322. However, the investment is worth it, with 98 runs to choose from and lift tickets only cost $94.

Phenomenal slopes in New Mexico

Powder flies as a skier head down a slope by Robson Hatsukami Morgan - Unsplash

Skiing in the southwest is some of the best in the country. Taos Ski Resort has more than 100 runs and participates in the Ikon Pass, launching it to the 7th place spot for best value. Unlike some of the destinations on this list, transportation costs to New Mexico won't break the bank, as airfare and car rental costs are much lower than the ever-popular destinations like Denver and Salt Lake.

This year, Taos Ski Valley also has two new packages for beginner skiers. There's certainly less to lose when the price is this nice (if you discover skiing isn't quite your thing, at least you didn't blow your savings on a fancy Colorado resort town!). The "First Timers Package" will offer new skiers and riders a deeply discounted rate to try out the sport for the first time. The package includes instruction, a novice lift ticket, and equipment rental from Taos Sports. The package starts at $205 for a one-day first time lesson, $330 for a two-day first time lesson, or $395 for three days. (A savings of $179 or more than 50% for the one-day option, up to $757 savings for the three-day).

Then, there's Ski Week, a full week of instruction to inspire and improve visitors’ skiing, renew their spirits, and create long-time friendships. These personal connections and friendships are vital to the core of the Ski Week, and the traditions of legendary Taos ski instructor, Jean Meyer. Taos offers the only full-week ski program in North America. New this winter, guests can book a Ski Week package, which includes five days of immersive lessons, two five-day lift tickets, five nights of accommodations at the slopeside Blake Hotel, five-day demo ski rentals and daily breakfast at 192 at The Blake. Ski Week themes include a classic ski week, women’s ski week, and race ski week, as well as a s Starting at $3,690 for two people. Additional packages include the Weekday Getaway and the Ski and Stay, which offer special rates for those who visit on weekdays or bundle lodging with other purchases.

Nearby, Angel Fire is the eighth most affordable ski resort, with $115 lift tickets and low costs for accommodations. Between these two resorts and the money saved on flights, eager skiers could even squeeze both ski areas in during the same trip.

Affordable, under-the-radar spots in New England

Snowy Vermont by Kevin Wiegand - Unsplash

While you won't find any East Coast resorts on Forbes Advisor's list this year, that doesn't mean there isn't great skiing to be found in the northeast. Jay Peak, Vermont came in as the fourth most affordable ski resort, with lodging costs per person just under $100 and lift tickets roughly the same at $109. Both Sunday River and Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine had decent showings, landing 6th and 12th respectively in HomeToGo rankings. Of special note, Sunday River has the cheapest lift tickets at just $65.

Additionally, while it isn't technically in New England, Gore Mountain is close—not too far from Vermont, in northern New York. It ranks as the third cheapest place to ski this year, with incredibly low lodging costs and an average day trip totalling around $200.

Budget-friendly favorites in the Pacific Northwest

Mount Baker, Washington by Daniel Bynum - Unsplash

Mount Baker in Washington is one of the few ski areas that made both lists for value and affordability. Ranked 6th for its value, and 9th for its overall affordability, it's the best place for fresh snow with an average snow depth of 76.3 inches and over 62 miles of runs. Even airfare through Seattle isn't too bad, with plenty of affordable flights and lower average ticket costs. While lift tickets are only around $91, ski rentals can be more expensive than other locations ($102 for two days) so be sure to bring your own if you can.

Skiers who want practically guaranteed fresh snow should head directly to Mt. Baker. With a snow score of 84.5—the highest of resorts that made our list for overall value—it’s sure to please. Plus, airfare to Seattle will only set you back about $361, the third-cheapest in the country which helps drive costs down. Keep an eye on the cost of ski rentals, though: at about $102 per two days, you may prefer to bring your own.

However, if you're looking to save the most money, Mission Ridge Ski Area is your best bet in the country. Also in Washington State, it is consistently ranked as the most budget-friendly ski slope in the US with a total average cost of lift tickets and lodging coming out to about $178 per person, per day. Behind Mission Ridge in second place for affordability, is fellow Pacific Northwest ski area Mount Bachelor in Oregon. With an average nightly lodging price per person of around $55, it is the cheapest place to stay on the list.

Top resorts in Utah

Snowy mountains in Logan, Utah by Courtney Smith - Unsplash

Utah ski resorts snagged all three top spots when it came to Forbes Advisor's list. While they may not be the overall most budget-friendly, they will be the best investment for those looking for a truly amazing experience in the mountains.

Close to Salt Lake City, Beaver Mountain ranks third for its value. Visitors can get incredible deals with two-day lift tickets at $140 and two-day ski rentals at just $60, plus there are potential discounts for those with an Epic Pass. The resort only has three lifts and 23 runs, though, so it may not be the most adventurous for some. If you're looking for more terrain, try Eagle Point, Utah, which came in as the second-best ski resort for value. Data from Airbnb showed it was one of the most affordable destinations, and the resort accepts the Indy Pass (which could help offset its slightly higher lift ticket costs).

Brian Head Resort took the top spot for best value. Options for flights are a little better here, as the resort is roughly equidistant from both Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. With great deals on two-day lift tickets and ski rentals ($228 combined), affordable lodging options, and 65 runs, skiers are sure to have an incredible winter trip at this Utah resort.