Let’s face it. Ski resorts are no longer cheap. There’s the lift ticket, rentals, accommodation, food and entertainment. A weekend getaway to a lovely winter destination can chew up a lot of your funds. But have no fear, there are still winter resorts that won’t break the bank and will still provide killer skiing or snowboarding and incredible views. Check out the list below of the best winter ski mountains in the U.S.:
Bogus Basin, Idaho
Capping its yearly pass at $299 USD every year, Bogus Basin is a great winter getaway. Only 13 miles away from Boise, this mountain is hugely popular with the locals. It’s a great day trip and offers wonderful views from the foothills over the Treasure Valley. It’s also kid-friendly and did I say cheap?
Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Idaho
On the brink of becoming too popular, Schweitzer Mountain Resort sneaks in to my list. One of the biggest reasons is the view. From the lodge and centre of the mountain, you can see down to the stunning Pend O’ Reille Lake for miles and miles. The mountain has loads of lifts and runs for all levels of expertise. It also has one of the best bunny hills for learning in the world.
Mt. Hood, Oregon
Looming in the background of Portland, Oregon stands one of the most beautiful mountains ever created. Mt. Hood is a great ski getaway for families, couples and solo travellers. The staff go out of their way to make sure you have a brilliant time on the slopes. There’s a few other options to play around with up by Mt. Hood including snow tubing and snowmobiling. The lodge is a historic landmark and was once used at the hotel in the uber famous movie, The Shining.
Brian Head Resort, Utah
Utah has some of the best skiing in the world. Park City is packed with celebrities and music moguls on the weekends and it’s almost unbearable with it’s price gouging to even ski for one. Brian Head Resort in Utah is a great escape from that. Great runs, great prices and views make this a go-to for locals in the state.
Sugarloaf Mountain Resort, Maine
The largest skiing terrain on the east coast, Sugarloaf Mountain has a lot to offer. Popular with locals and visitors alike, Sugarloaf has plenty to try. From snowshoeing to skiing to Nordic skiing and more, no one leaves bored. It’s also a very popular summer destination when the mountain turns into an epic hiking spot full of trails and a particularly beautiful location for weddings. It even has a very affordable yearly ski pass that gets you in to 22 different mountains in the area. Well worth it if you live there!
Okemo Mountain, Vermont
Okemo has long been a popular winter destination in Vermont. Made up of several mountains and ski runs, Okemo has 12 major lifts going to over 30 different trails. There’s four lodges spread around the ski mountain all offering something unique to the area. It’s still affordable so get in quick before the word is out. The mountain even moved to wind power in 2006 to reduce their carbon dioxide foot print. Now how cool is that?
Killington, Vermont
With 22 lifts and 1,500 acres of skiable area to choose from, it’s no wonder Killington Ski Resort is named the “Beast of the East.” This resort does not disappoint either. It also houses the steepest trail on the east coast as well as the longest. It’s impressive list of ‘bests’ are just the beginning for this uber popular resort. Surprisingly with all the love and upgrades planned for the mountain, Killington still is affordable and fun.