If you're looking for a cheap ski resort North America has a lot more to offer than you might think. Admittedly, cheap North American ski resorts are not pumping out the cheap ski deals that we're used to in eastern Europe but, if you want a high standard of on-slope and in-town facilities, while they may not be quite so cheap North American cheap ski resorts ten to be a cut above their counterparts over here.
In the world of cheap ski north america is not necessarily a typical experience of the budget ski resort North America is often more of a class act when you're in the cheap seats - in fact many of north america's cheapest ski resorts are also its best, because many North American ski resorts are so big that they often include both exclusive and budget accommodation in different parts of the same mountain town.
This is the definitive list of the best cheap ski resorts in North America.
With its own mountain range and signature champagne powder, Steamboat resort is seriously world class (a record number of Olympians call it home). Ski Town USA - the legendary Cowboy town of Steamboat Springs - is a few miles down the mountain and we love its friendly locals, proper pubs and unpretentious vibe.
You’ll be hard pushed to find someone who hasn’t heard of Vail. Rivalling Aspen as the resort of choice for the uber rich and super famous, it’s the 2nd largest ski area in the USA, has a vibrant cosmopolitan town and offers an outstanding visitor experience - one of the best in the world.
Consistently voted near, if not at the top of almost every skier’s dream destination as well as most official rankings, Whistler has planted its roots very deeply and is there to stay. This monolithic resort has hosted events like the Winter Olympics and continues to draw in athletes, holidaymakers and anyone else who visits with an intense, immeasurable and undiminishing pull.
Family-focused and Quebec’s skiing capital, this is one of North America’s oldest, most loved resorts. Whether it’s the brightly coloured village, Franco-Canadian atmosphere or another thing entirely, there’s something seriously enchanting about Mont Tremblant – a ski town like no other where maple taffies meet Savoie fondues.
Set in the Purcell Mountains within the Canadian Rockies range, Panorama ski holidays provide an unbeatable mix of excellent skiing and take-your-breath-away, soul-rejuvenating views (it’s all in the name!). The atmosphere is intimate and laid back, with slope side hot spring baths, quality accommodation and reliably tasty Rockies’ grub.
Encompassing an old cowboy town, mountain resort, 2,500 acres of inbound terrain and almost limitless backcountry, Jackson Hole should definitely be high up the bucket list for any passionate skier. It was voted “Best Overall Resort in North America” by SKI Magazine - if that’s not enough of a reason to visit, we don’t know what is.
The clouds that descend on Park City after crossing the neighbouring desert drop some of the best snow on earth onto the varied 3,300 acres of terrain. Group this with a vibrant and exciting town and you have the makings of an outstanding ski holiday for every type of snow lover.
Beaver Creek’s sense of sophistication is more subtle than its famously classy neighbour Vail, though many argue it’s of a higher calibre. Offering a quiet, convenient and refined skiing experience - a world away from home - this is a seriously good place to ski, with umpteen accolades to prove it.
We love Breckenridge - an outstanding, all-round resort with a friendly atmosphere, heaps to do and an infectiously bubbly après scene. It’s the birthplace of competitive freestyle, has some of the highest quality skiing and snowboarding in the States and is repeatedly rated as one of the best ski resorts in the world.
Despite world class terrain, a reputation as a fantastic family destination, being super close to Denver and having the best 10 year snowfall in Colorado, Winter Park has managed to remain down to earth. Fending off the glitzy, commercial nature associated with other resorts in the area, it lets the quality of skiing and terrain do the talking.