If you are looking for a mountain getaway, it is no secret that ski towns can be pretty spendy. From lodging, lift tickets, dining, and more, the cost can add up significantly. Thankfully, Upgraded Points has published its latest report on the most affordable ski towns.
The study looked at a list of 50 of the most popular ski towns and towns with the highest-rated ski resorts nearby, according to Travel & Leisure,ย Ski Magazine, andย Peak Rankings. It then identified seven cost-related ranking factors most relevant to ski tourists such as lift ticket prices, rental rates, flight costs, rental cars, and meals. It then assigned each town with a score of 0 to 5 for each cost factor, with a score of 5 representing the most affordable. Each cityโs total score was determined from the total of its individual factor scores, which were weighted according to their impact on a ski tripโs cost. Individual factor scores were then added together to give each town a final affordability score from 0 to 50. Higher scores indicate that towns are more affordable, while lower scores indicate that towns are less affordable.
Below are the ski towns that ranked the most affordable.
#9 Ellicottville, NY
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Affordability Score: 35.44
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Nearby Ski Resort: Holiday Valley Ski Resort
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Airbnb Nightly price (peak): $421
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Airbnb Nightly price (year-round): $268
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Daily Lift Ticket: $105
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Round-trip flight cost: $338.93
#8 Whitefish, MT
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Affordability Score: 35.56
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Nearby Ski Resort: Whitefish Mountain Resort
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Airbnb Nightly price (peak): $207
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Airbnb Nightly price (year-round): $196
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Daily Lift Ticket: $110
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Round-trip flight cost: $437.18
#7 Ogden, UT
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Affordability Score: 35.78
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Nearby Ski Resort: Snowbasin Resort
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Airbnb Nightly price (peak): $207
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Airbnb Nightly price (year-round): $196
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Daily Lift Ticket: $110
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Round-trip flight cost: $437.18
#6 Palmerton, PA
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Affordability Score: 36.34
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Nearby Ski Resort: Blue Mountain Resort
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Airbnb Nightly price (peak): $242
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Airbnb Nightly price (year-round): $205
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Daily Lift Ticket: $94
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Round-trip flight cost: $391.90
#5 Bozeman, MT
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Affordability Score: 36.63
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Nearby Ski Resort: Bridger Bowl Ski Area
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Airbnb Nightly price (peak): $223
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Airbnb Nightly price (year-round): $168
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Daily Lift Ticket: $97
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Round-trip flight cost: $414.53
#4 Spearfish, SD
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Affordability Score: 38.28
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Nearby Ski Resort: Terry Peak Ski Area
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Airbnb Nightly price (peak): $204
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Airbnb Nightly price (year-round): $152
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Daily Lift Ticket: $71
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Round-trip flight cost: $425.22
#3 Logan, UT
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Affordability Score: 39.00
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Nearby Ski Resort: Beaver Mountain Ski Resort
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Airbnb Nightly price (peak): $185
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Airbnb Nightly price (year-round): $173
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Daily Lift Ticket: $70
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Round-trip flight cost: $432.10
#2 Bellingham, WA
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Affordability Score: 39.47
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Nearby Ski Resort: Mt. Baker Ski Area
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Airbnb Nightly price (peak): $219
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Airbnb Nightly price (year-round): $168
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Daily Lift Ticket: $94
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Round-trip flight cost: $359.47
#1 Missoula, MT
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Affordability Score: 40.61
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Nearby Ski Resort: Montana Snowbowl
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Airbnb Nightly price (peak): $199
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Airbnb Nightly price (year-round): $135
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Daily Lift Ticket: $79
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Round-trip flight cost: $414.53
What about America’s Least Affordable Ski Towns?
It may come as no surprise that the least affordable ski towns are some of big names that are known for luxury and popularity. The top seven all scored below 20 on the affordability scale and are listed below.
- Park City, UT – Affordability Score: 10.60
- Truckee, CA – Affordability Score: 13.73
- Mammoth Lakes, CA – Affordability Score: 17.20
- Beaver Creek, CO – Affordability Score: 17.60
- South Lake Tahoe, CA – Affordability Score: 17.72
- Aspen, CO – Affordability Score: 18.82
- Ketchum, ID – Affordability Score: 19.90