There’s no question that skiing and riding can be expensive especially when you’re traveling on a big trip. Lift tickets, ski passes, new gear, transportation, lodging, food, the list goes on. Having visited over 30 countries, the most popular question I get asked is, “How are you able to afford it?!” One of the best recommendations I have for travelers on a budget is to avoid hotels and stay in a hostel.
Staying in a hostel during a ski trip provides an atmosphere like no other and gives you the opportunity to meet like-minded skiers and riders from every corner of the globe, all while avoiding expensive lodging costs. Below you’ll find a list, in no particular order, of 9 awesome hostels located in close proximity to world-renowned ski resorts that are equipped with all the amenities you can think of to help you save money on your next big ski trip.
The Bivvi Hostel – Breckenridge/Telluride, CO, USA
The Bivvi is a high-end mountain lodge crafted as a basecamp for adventurers, mountain gurus, and outdoors lovers, located in Breckenridge, Colorado. With the Rocky Mountains as the backdrop, this cozy ten-bedroom hostel sits within walking distance from downtown Breck with spectacular views of the Ten Mile Mountain Range from its outdoor fire pit and hot tub.
Fuel your day on the mountain with one of the best free breakfasts around and après in style at their daily happy hour with a local selection of craft beers and wines. Or, relax in their lounge or library after a long day on the hill. The Bivvi also has a location in Telluride if you find yourself at the foot of the San Juans. Their shared room is the most affordable option for sleeping up to six people in tall and sturdy triple-stack bunks.
$95.00 For a Mixed Dorm Bed in February
The Bunkhouse – Minturn, CO, USA
The Bunkhouse is Vail Valley’s only boutique hostel delivering a unique lodging experience to mountain enthusiasts who value affordability, and community. The Bunkhouse offers a sociable, and hip atmosphere with an array of inexpensive lodging options for backpackers, skiers, and any type of traveler exploring Colorado. If you’re a traveler who wants to spend money on cool adventures, not on expensive hotels this place is for you.
The Bunkhouse is conveniently located in Minturn, Eagle County’s historical gem, between Vail and Beaver Creek Resort. End your day by skiing the legendary side country run The Minturn Mile into town and roll the Saloon for the best margaritas in the valley before stumbling back to your bunk.
$95 For a Dorm Bed in February
Same Sun Backpacker Lodge – Banff, AB, Canada
It’s easy to soak up the breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Rockies when staying in the heart of the Town of Banff at the Same Sun Backpacker Lodge. With a central location, this top top-rated hostel has spacious dorm rooms with ensuites and privates, all with amazing mountain views.
The Lodge always has something going on at its onsite bar which offers nightly events and activities to keep the good times rolling during your trip to the Canadian Rockies. If you need help, Same Sun has a friendly and knowledgeable staff who can assist you with lift passes and transportation options to skiing at Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, and Norquay.
$30 For a Mixed Dorm Bed in February
The Hostel – Jackson Hole, WY, USA
The Hostel is known around the world for its value and exceptional atmosphere. Located in the heart of Teton Village, it’s about a one-minute walk to the gondola at Jackson Hole. Skiing magazine says, “The Hostel is arguably the best location in Teton Village.”
There’s also an array of après activities to help you get to know your fellow skiers and riders, like ping-pong, pool, shuffleboard, and foosball. The Hostel has options for both bunks and private rooms which are available for a higher price point. There’s a wax room to keep you fast on a pow day and The Hostel will even accommodate your pets in private rooms for an extra $10 a night.
$60 – $90 For a Dorm Bed in February
Park City Hostel – Park City, UT, USA
Park City Hostel was started by a family proud to call Park City home after their dream had come to fruition. Located 35 minutes away from the Salt Lake City International Airport, in the heart of Prospector Square, and just minutes from Park City Mountain, Park City Hostel is the newest lodging option in Summit County, Utah, for the snow-seeking traveler on a budget.
To add to the comfort, there is a large kitchen, pool table, coffee and tea bar, a library, and a walk-in fridge. Each bed has its own outlet, privacy curtain, and reading light, everything you’ll need for a comfy and cozy stay while in Park City.
$69 For a Mixed Dorm Bed in February
Whistler Lodge Hostel – Whistler, BC, Canada
The Whistler Lodge is a 42-bed adventurer’s hostel, centrally located between Whistler Village and Whistler Creekside. It’s a backpacker haven with endless amenities backed by an authentic Whistler ski lodge charm. It has a waxing room, onsite laundry, a quiet study room, and a pool table to enjoy during your stay. Après in style while you feel at home with their spacious lounge, cathedral ceilings, and comfortable lounge chairs, truly an authentic Whistler experience.
In the spring there’s no better place to soak in the sun while surrounded by the pine forest on their large outdoor wood deck and patio. For those looking for a little more privacy than bunks in the dorms, the Whistler Lodge Hostel offers semi-private rooms for a little higher price point.
$40 For a Mixed Dorm Bed in February
Zermatt Youth Hostel – Zermatt, Switzerland
The magic of the mountains surrounds the Zermatt Youth Hostel. Before you enjoy your free breakfast and hit the slopes at the highest ski resort in Europe, wake up to views of the Matterhorn at sunrise which glows yellow, like a bar of Toblerone.
Just 15 minutes from the resort, this hostel has all the comforts of a hotel minus the expensive price tag. The Zermatt Youth Hostel has a sun terrace, ski room, and super friendly staff ready to help travelers who want to take on the endless dreamy ski pistes in Zermatt.
$73 For a Standard 6 Bed Mixed Dorm Bed in February
Chamonix Lodge – Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
Just a 10-minute walk to the center of town, Chamonix Lodge is fully equipped with a sauna and a hot tub. Enjoy the free breakfast on its large terrace and take in incredible views of the Mont Blanc Massif. As you sit by the fireplace after a long day on the legendary slopes of the Chamonix Valley there’s a high possibility you will want to extend your stay.
At Chamonix, there are runs for all levels of skiing and boarding, including a stunning descent of 14 miles through La Vallee Blanche. With a 9,000-foot vertical drop, The White Valley has some of the most awesome glacial scenery on the planet and can easily top any skier or rider’s bucket list.
$48 For a Standard Mixed Dorm Bed in February
Moiwa Lodge – Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan
Conveniently located slopeside in Moiwa, Niseko, Moiwa Lodge is the perfect accommodation for pow hounds ready to explore the region and beyond. The northern Japanese Island of Hokkaido is known as the powder capital of the world, where the snow is deeper than anywhere else on earth.
The Moiwa Lodge offers authentic Japanese accommodation, a prime location, and perfect access to the steep and deep slopes of Niseko. If you are after an authentic Japanese experience with an on-hill location then there is no better place to stay than Moiwa Lodge.
$62 For a Standard Mixed Dorm Bed in February
