Nov 12th 2025
Top 20 Affordable Ski Spots in the US You Might Not Know
Ski season is almost here and it's the time to start planning your ski trips. Big-name resorts like Vail or Telluride are amazing, but their day lift tickets can sting. Good news: the US has plenty of lesser-known mountains with great terrain, solid snow, and tickets often under $100—sometimes way less if you book early. These 20 spots deliver epic skiing, diverse runs, and a friendly vibe for all skill levels. Grab your gear and check out these budget-friendly gems for your 2025 ski trip!
Near Salida, this indie resort has 800 acres, 116 runs, and a 1,162-foot vertical drop. Expect 350 inches of snow and tickets from $69 online. Great for intermediates with some spicy tree runs. They are opening a lot of new terrain this season in 2026. For some extra info, check out this Colorado Experience: Monarch Mountain video on YouTube.
In Durango, Purgatory spans 1,655 acres with a 2,029-foot vertical. Tickets start at $9 on select days, and kids 12 and under ski free. Mixed terrain for everyone, plus hot springs nearby.
Leadville’s local spot offers 400 acres and a 1,200-foot drop for $45 midweek tickets. Mostly intermediate runs with no crowds—perfect for relaxed laps.
4. Loveland Ski Area, Colorado
Just off I-70, Loveland’s 1,800 acres get 400 inches of snow. Tickets start at $76, with a 2,210-foot vertical and 93 runs. Quiet and budget-friendly.
5. Wolf Creek Ski Area, Colorado
Pagosa Springs’ powder haven gets 430 inches across 1,600 acres, typicially the most snow in Colorado. Tickets around $89, with 43% advanced terrain and hike-to chutes for experts.
Bozeman’s gem has 2,000 acres, a 2,700-foot drop, and tickets from $82. Steep ridges and open bowls with minimal lines—pure skiing bliss.
7. Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana
Near Glacier National Park, Whitefish offers 3,000 acres and 300 inches of snow. Tickets around $100, with a 2,353-foot vertical and night skiing.
8. Red Lodge Mountain, Montana
This 1,600-acre resort near Beartooth Pass has a 2,400-foot drop and tickets as low as $35 midweek. Diverse runs and a chill vibe.
9. Grand Targhee Resort, Wyoming
Teton’s hidden star: 2,602 acres, 3,000 feet vertical, 500 inches of snow. Tickets under $100 for uncrowded bowls and glades.
Southern Utah’s 650 acres feature a 10,000-foot summit and tickets from $20–$100. Great for beginners with solid expert runs too.
In the Tushar Mountains, 600 acres and 43 runs for $64 weekdays. A 2,400-foot drop with freestyle-friendly terrain.
Largest in the US with 8,464 acres, Powder Mountain’s tickets start at $88. Night skiing and vast open runs—never crowded.
Ogden’s 140-acre spot has a 1,700-foot drop and tickets under $100. Freestyle-focused with a low-key feel.
14. Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, New Mexico
Los Alamos’ 280 acres offer a 1,200-foot drop and cheap Indy Pass tickets. Steep tree runs and zero crowds.
15. Lookout Pass, Idaho/Montana
Straddling the border, 600 acres get 1,000 inches of snow. Tickets $75 weekdays, with a 1,430-foot drop and deep powder.
Kellogg’s 1,871 acres feature a 1,500-foot vertical and $75 weekday tickets. Tram-accessed bowls for all levels.
17. Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho
Selkirk’s 2,900 acres have a 2,400-foot drop and tickets under $100. Lake views and expert terrain without the hype.
Near Walla Walla, 400 acres offer 1,140 feet of vertical for under $100. Tree-heavy blacks and quiet slopes.
19. Mount Baker Ski Area, Washington
Cascade’s snow king: 1,000 acres, 1,500 feet vertical, 1,000 inches of snow. Tickets $94 for backcountry-style runs.
Vermont’s skier-owned co-op has 115 acres, a 2,037-foot drop, and tickets $50–$100. Tough bumps and East Coast charm. This is a one of a kind place with a single chairlift to the top and an old school base lodge. In other words, it's awesome!
These mountains prove you don’t need to break the bank for great skiing. Look into multi-day passes or the Indy Pass for extra savings. Ready to hit the slopes? Check out our gear at The Outdoor Geeks store for gloves, goggles, and more. Share your favorite hidden ski spot in the comments—we’d love to hear it! Happy shredding!
