Brains
There are some incredible resorts in the U.S. that offer amazing terrain and plentiful snowfall. However, many of the major and most popular resorts often come with expensive lift ticket prices. Fortunately, for skiers and snowboarders looking to score deep powder without spending a fortune, some ski resorts in the U.S. offer the perfect balance of affordability and epic snowfall. These gems provide incredible terrain and reliable powder at a fraction of the cost.
To compile a list of the best-valued resorts for scoring powder, we took the True Snow numbers from ZRankings and cross-referenced them with lift ticket price data from OnTheSnow.com. The annual snowfall was simply divided by the price of a weekday adult lift ticket to obtain a basic snow-to-price ratio. The higher the number, the better the value. To qualify, a resort had to have at least 350 inches of average annual snowfall.
Of course, some resorts may have dynamic pricing and offer discounts for multiple days, or if you plan to ski the same ski area all season then a season pass may be even more cost-effective. But if you’re looking for the most snow your money can buy, and if you can hit it right, these ski areas prove that you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy some of the best snow in the country.
#11 Wolf Creek, CO – Snow-to-price ratio: 4.25
Wolf Creek receives the most snowfall in Colorado and is known for its laid-back atmosphere and affordable lift tickets.
True Snow: 387 inches
Weekday Adult Lift Ticket: $91
#10 White Pass, WA – Snow-to-price ratio: 4.47
White Pass Ski Area, located in Washington’s Cascade Mountains, is known for its scenic terrain, family-friendly atmosphere, and deep powder, offering a great experience for all skill levels while remaining a more affordable and less crowded alternative to larger resorts.
True Snow: 380 inches
Weekday Adult Lift Ticket: $85
#9 Alyeska, AK – Snow-to-price ratio: 4.48
Alyeska Ski Area is well known for its deep powder and having some of the most challenging terrain in North America, making it a top destination for skiers and snowboarders looking for adventure in a true alpine wilderness.
True Snow: 488 inches
Weekday Adult Lift Ticket: $109
#8 Snoqualmie, WA – Snow-to-price ratio: 4.66
The Summit at Snoqualmie, located just an hour from Seattle, is one of the most accessible ski areas in Washington, offering a mix of beginner-friendly terrain, night skiing, and deep Cascade powder while providing a variety of runs for all skill levels, including the expert terrain and legendary backcountry access at Alpental.
True Snow: 387 inches
Weekday Adult Lift Ticket: $83 (Dynamic Pricing)
#7 Eaglecrest, AK – Snow-to-price ratio: 4.67
Eaglecrest Ski Area, located in Juneau, Alaska, and known for its deep maritime snowpack, uncrowded slopes, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ocean, is a gem for skiers and snowboarders looking for great powder without the big resort crowds or high prices.
True Snow: 350 inches
Weekday Adult Lift Ticket: $75
#6 Brighton, UT – Snow-to-price ratio: 4.80
Located in Utah’s Big Cottonwood Canyon, Brighton is known for its incredible snowfall, laid-back atmosphere, and excellent terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, all while being one of the most affordable resorts in the state.
True Snow: 504 inches
Weekday Adult Lift Ticket: $105 (Dynamic Pricing)
#5 Hoodoo, OR – Snow-to-price ratio: 5.00
Hoodoo Ski Area, located in the Central Oregon Cascades, is known for its affordable lift tickets, family-friendly atmosphere, and a mix of groomed runs, glades, and steep terrain that caters to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Hoodoo is Central Oregon’s only nighttime ski destination, open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Hoodoo also caters to Skibikers and has Nordic Trails.
True Snow: 375 inches
Weekday Adult Lift Ticket: $75 (Don’t miss Hoodoo’s Cheap & Deep deals: Wear-A-Onsie Wednesday: Lift Tickets $30, and Thrifty Thursday: $35)
#4 Silver Mountain, ID – Snow-to-price ratio: 5.19
Silver Mountain Ski Area, located in Kellogg, Idaho, is known for its deep powder, diverse terrain, and uncrowded slopes, making it a great destination for skiers and snowboarders seeking an authentic mountain experience at an affordable price.
True Snow: 353 inches
Weekday Adult Lift Ticket: $68
#3 Mt. Baker, WA – Snow-to-price ratio: 6.90
Mt. Baker is known for its steep terrain, record-breaking snowfall, and laid-back atmosphere as well as being a favorite among hardcore skiers and snowboarders seeking an authentic, no-frills mountain experience.
True Snow: 651 inches
Weekday Adult Lift Ticket: $94.27
#2 Mt. Hood Meadows, OR – Snow-to-price ratio: 7.66
Day tickets at Mt. Hood Meadows, located on the southeastern side of Oregon’s iconic Mt. Hood, are highly dynamic, but if you catch it on the right day, you can enjoy diverse terrain, stunning alpine scenery, and deep powder at a bargain price.
True Snow: 452 inches
Weekday Adult Lift Ticket: $59 (Dynamic Pricing)
#1 Lookout Pass, ID – Snow-to-price ratio: 7.72
Abundant snowfall and affordable lift tickets land Lookout Pass at the top of this list. The resort offers a mix of beginner-friendly and challenging terrain, as well as one of the oldest ski schools in the Northwest, making it a great destination for both families and powder seekers.
True Snow: 448 inches
Weekday Adult Lift Ticket: $58
As you can see, finding a ski resort that offers both deep powder and budget-friendly prices is possible if you know where to look. Whether it’s a smaller, lesser-known mountain with incredible snowfall or a resort with great early bird pricing, there are plenty of options for powder hounds who don’t want to overspend. By planning ahead and taking advantage of discounts, you can enjoy epic days on the slopes without breaking the bank.
