Just because the economy is in the tank doesn’t mean you have to hang up your skis, park your snowboard, and abandon your dream of whooshing down a powdery paradise followed by après time in front of a cozy fire. Quite the opposite. While there are many small ski resorts across the country that continually remain affordable to anyone who wants to take to the slopes without the spotlight and celebrity cache, there are also some amazing ski-and-stay deals to be had at those better known ski resorts, too—for those who want the scene without the high price. With a little research, you can have your memorable ski holiday this winter without breaking the bank.
Most Affordable Lift Tickets
Everyone knows Colorado has world-class terrain for winter activities. But, Colorado also has some of the best rates for a day lift ticket, too. As a resident of the Centennial State, I’ve personally visited these places and stamp them with an honest-to-goodness affordable ski adventure seal of approval. Each of these places has plenty of snow for whooshing, fireplaces for cozying, and hot toddies for sipping.
SolVista, located in Granby, Colorado, has a full-day, adult lift ticket for $49 in the low season and $54 in the high season. This family-friendly resort is only fifteen miles from Winter Park Ski Resort and Frasier, both lively towns to stay, have dinner, and enjoy après activities. And both have a vast array of lodging accommodations to suit any budget. This area is a quick hour-and-a-half drive from Denver International Airport, making it an attractive, easy destination.
Ski Cooper in Colorado gets an average of 300 inches of snow each year and is located in some of the Rocky Mountain’s best terrain. Better still, single-day adult lift tickets are just $42 all year long. That’s a crazy bargain! And for no extra fees, you’ll enjoy some of the most amazing views of the Rockies, the Continental Divide, and Colorado’s two highest mountains—Mount Elbert and Mount Massive. Ski Cooper is just ten miles from the funky mountain town of Leadville, the highest incorporated town in the United States at 10,200 feet. Leadville offers plenty of bars, restaurants, lodging options, and an extra helping of personality. If you’re looking for the most authentic Colorado ski experience, this is it.
Monarch Ski Resort is also reasonably priced at $54 a day for an adult lift ticket. It gets over 350 inches of snow a year and is conveniently located near three towns—Salida, Buena Vista, and Poncha Springs. Each town has its own unique experience, but all offer a warm atmosphere that’s more about having fun than being fancy. Though Monarch is a bit of a hassle to get to unless you live in Colorado or adjacent states, it’s worth it once you arrive. Located in the midst of three breathtaking mountain ranges, every run on the mountain provides dramatic vistas fit for a postcard.
Loveland Ski Area is at the front door of Summit County, Colorado’s playground. At just $56 a day for an adult lift ticket, you can afford to have all the après-mountain fun you want in four adjacent mountain towns without their hefty lift tickets. Located off Interstate 70, just before the Eisenhower Tunnel ushers you into Colorado’s more well-known winter recreational area, Loveland has over 1300 skiable acres, gets plenty of snow at its elevation of 10,600 feet, and also has a quaint on-mountain restaurant for a midday meal or après-ski drink. After you’re done killing it on the mountain, it’s just a short drive to Silverthorne, Keystone, Frisco, Dillon, or even Breckenridge. All are quintessential Colorado mountain towns that you can actually afford to stay in when you’ve saved a bundle on your lift ticket.
Though the elevation is dramatically less and the scene is a little slower, you can still worship the snow gods in other states.
