6 Budget Friendly And Beautiful Ski Destinations You Need To Visit

There’s nothing that compares to zipping down the slopes on a set of skis but anyone who skis regularly will admit that the winter hobby isn’t exactly affordable. Popular destinations like Aspen and Whistler might get a lot of the glory, but there’s plenty of incredible powder all across North America that’ll cost you a lot less.

Looking to plan your own ski trip this season? We rounded up some of the most affordable ski resort destinations across the U.S. whether you’re looking for an East Coast getaway or something in the West, these ski towns are at the ideal intersection of budget-friendly and beautiful.

# Driggs, Idaho

Located right next to Grand Targhee Ski Resort, Driggs is a very budget-friendly alternative to bigger ski towns.

The quaint rural destination is packed with various cabins and rustic lodging that will foster a sense of relaxation but it’s still close enough to world-class skiing to make it well worth dropping your bags for a ski weekend.

# Truxton, New York

Located about 30 minutes away from the previously mentioned Cortland ski town, Truxton is a great spot for those hoping to find a female-friendly spot to ski. Offering more than 15 ski trails (that light up at night) Truxton’s Labrador Mountain hosts a dedicated women’s program led by expert female ski coaches.

The two-hour sessions include a variety of different lessons including skiing/riding tips and terrain tactics that help you move better on the snow.

# Yosemite, California

The Badger Pass Ski Area, located within Yosemite National Park, is a small family-friendly spot that beginners will particularly appreciate. You won’t find any judgement or flashy ski gear here but rather helpful instructors onsite to help out beginners and novices.

And, of course, there’s the 84 miles of incredible views of Half Dome and Glacier Point.

# Scranton, Pennsylvania

If all you know about this Pennsylvania town is from what you learned on “The Office,” you likely never realized that Scranton was a ski town.

Montage Mountain offers the steepest vertical drop in all of Pennsylvania as well as 27 slopes, tubing, a full-service lodge, and a myriad of restaurants to recoup and relax after a day in the snow.

# Flagstaff, Arizona

You might not immediately think of Arizona as a hotspot for skiing but the Snowbowl in Flagstaff has been attracting skiing enthusiasts since 1938, which makes it the longest continuously operating ski area in the United States.

Snowbowl is also a great spot for families with skiers of different levels and abilities. The slopes offer a vertical drop of 2,300 feet but also offer the best and the biggest beginner terrain in the Southwest.

# Ogden, Utah

This beloved ski town is situated just outside of Salt Lake City and offers a total of three different ski resorts at the base: Powder Mountain, Snowbasin and Nordic Valley.

It might be smaller than some of the more expensive resort towns nearby, but locals and visitors love it for the quaint and cozy atmosphere and very limited crowds.