The 9 Most Affordable Ski Towns in America

Brent Thomas | | Post Tag for Industry NewsIndustry NewsPost Tag for BrainsBrains
utah
Just north of Salt Lake City and near Snowbasin Resort, Ogden is considered on of the most affordable ski areas in North America. Credit: Visit Ogden

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 cityโ€™s total score was determined from the total of its individual factor scores, which were weighted according to their impact on a ski tripโ€™s 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

holiday
Ellicottville, NY, is a charming village nestled in the scenic hills of western New York, known for its vibrant ski resorts, outdoor recreation, and quaint downtown filled with shops, restaurants, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere. Credit: findrentals.com
  • Affordability Score: 35.44

  • Nearby Ski Resort: Holiday Valley Ski Resort

  • Airbnb Nightly price (peak): $421

  • Airbnb Nightly price (year-round): $268

  • Daily Lift Ticket: $105

  • Round-trip flight cost: $338.93

#8 Whitefish, MT

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Whitefish is known for skiing, outdoor recreation, and proximity to Glacier National Park. Credit: momentmag.com
  • Affordability Score: 35.56

  • Nearby Ski Resort: Whitefish Mountain Resort

  • Airbnb Nightly price (peak): $207

  • Airbnb Nightly price (year-round): $196

  • Daily Lift Ticket: $110

  • Round-trip flight cost: $437.18

#7 Ogden, UT

utah
Ogden, Utah, is a vibrant city nestled at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, offering a unique blend of outdoor adventure, historic charm, and a thriving arts and culture scene. Credit: Brian Albers / KUER
  • Affordability Score: 35.78

  • Nearby Ski Resort: Snowbasin Resort

  • Airbnb Nightly price (peak): $207

  • Airbnb Nightly price (year-round): $196

  • Daily Lift Ticket: $110

  • Round-trip flight cost: $437.18

#6 Palmerton, PA

blue mountain resort palmerton
Blue Mountain Resort in the Pocono Mountains is nestled near Palmerton and boasts a tight-knit community atmosphere. Credit: discovernepa.com
  • Affordability Score: 36.34

  • Nearby Ski Resort: Blue Mountain Resort

  • Airbnb Nightly price (peak): $242

  • Airbnb Nightly price (year-round): $205

  • Daily Lift Ticket: $94

  • Round-trip flight cost: $391.90

#5 Bozeman, MT

Montana Campus
Bozeman, Montana, is a vibrant mountain town known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, thriving arts and culture scene, and proximity to Yellowstone National Park. Credit: Montana State University
  • Affordability Score: 36.63

  • Nearby Ski Resort: Bridger Bowl Ski Area

  • Airbnb Nightly price (peak): $223

  • Airbnb Nightly price (year-round): $168

  • Daily Lift Ticket: $97

  • Round-trip flight cost: $414.53

#4 Spearfish, SD

south dakota
Nestled in the scenic Black Hills, Spearfish is a charming town known for its stunning natural beauty, including Spearfish Canyon, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a vibrant arts and community scene. Credit: travelsouthdakota.com
  • Affordability Score: 38.28

  • Nearby Ski Resort: Terry Peak Ski Area

  • Airbnb Nightly price (peak): $204

  • Airbnb Nightly price (year-round): $152

  • Daily Lift Ticket: $71

  • Round-trip flight cost: $425.22

#3 Logan, UT

temple

Logan, Utah, nestled in the Cache Valley, is a picturesque city known for its vibrant arts scene, thriving Utah State University campus, and easy access to stunning outdoor recreation in the surrounding mountains. Credit: explorelogan.com
  • Affordability Score: 39.00

  • Nearby Ski Resort: Beaver Mountain Ski Resort

  • Airbnb Nightly price (peak): $185

  • Airbnb Nightly price (year-round): $173

  • Daily Lift Ticket: $70

  • Round-trip flight cost: $432.10

#2 Bellingham, WA

With the Puget Sound on one side and the North Cascades with Mt. Baker on the other, Bellingham is a vibrant coastal city known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a thriving arts and local food scene. Credit: scenicwa.com
  • Affordability Score: 39.47

  • Nearby Ski Resort: Mt. Baker Ski Area

  • Airbnb Nightly price (peak): $219

  • Airbnb Nightly price (year-round): $168

  • Daily Lift Ticket: $94

  • Round-trip flight cost: $359.47

#1 Missoula, MT

montana
Missoula blends small-town charm with progressive energy, stunning outdoor beauty, and a lively cultural scene. Credit: visitusaparks.com
  • Affordability Score: 40.61

  • Nearby Ski Resort: Montana Snowbowl

  • Airbnb Nightly price (peak): $199

  • Airbnb Nightly price (year-round): $135

  • Daily Lift Ticket: $79

  • 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.

  1. Park City, UT – Affordability Score: 10.60
  2. Truckee, CA – Affordability Score: 13.73
  3. Mammoth Lakes, CA – Affordability Score: 17.20
  4. Beaver Creek, CO – Affordability Score: 17.60
  5. South Lake Tahoe, CA – Affordability Score: 17.72
  6. Aspen, CO – Affordability Score: 18.82
  7. Ketchum, ID – Affordability Score: 19.90

When it comes to ski towns in America, the spectrum of affordability and luxury is as diverse as the mountains themselves. Whether you’re drawn to the charm and accessibility of budget-friendly destinations or the allure of high-end resorts with world-class amenities, thereโ€™s a ski town to match every lifestyle and budget. While some towns are renowned for their exclusivity and high price tags, others offer a welcoming haven for those who prioritize adventure over extravagance. No matter where you choose to carve your path, the joy of skiing and the sense of community that surrounds these towns remain a common thread.

downtown aerial
Park City, Utah, is the least affordable ski town. Credit: Expedia

Related Articles

Got an opinion? Let us know...