Utah's Most Affordable Ski Resorts
Planning a ski vacation doesn't have to be a costly endeavor. Fortunately, The Greatest Snow on Earth® blankets the entire state, so our most affordable ski resorts combine famous snow and exceptional value. Ask any local and they’ll tell you these hidden gems offer superb ski days that don’t break the bank.
Best Budget-Friendly Ski Resorts, According to Locals
Nordic Valley, Cherry Peak, Beaver Mountain, Brighton Resort, Woodward Park City, Brian Head Resort and Eagle Point help skiers and snowboarders save money with options for night skiing, mid-week ski deals, free parking and the lowest-in-Utah ski pass pricing.
Nordic Valley
Photo: Courtesy of Nordic Valley
Nordic Valley: Small Mountain, Big Savings
Nordic Valley Resort (Eden, Utah) has a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere with wallet-friendly pricing. It’s smaller than many other Utah resorts, but its cozy lodge, intimate setting and uncrowded trails delivers an authentic ski experience with a high ROI. The resort also offers inexpensive night skiing, where you can carve turns under twinkling lights for a fraction of the cost of other resorts.
Beaver Mountain
Photo: Jay Dash
Beaver Mountain: Family-Owned, Welcome Cost
As a family-owned operation, Beaver Mountain Resort (near Logan, Utah) avoids the high costs of major conglomerates, featuring "Powder to the People" pricing that includes affordable night skiing and student discounts. Additionally, its partnership with the Indy Pass provides a cost-effective way for pass holders to access the mountain compared to the premium pricing of the Epic or Ikon passes found at neighboring resorts.
Brighton Ski Resort
Photo: Jay Dash
Brighton: Best Value for SLC Skiing
Brighton offers a true ‘local’s mountain’ vibe. Its cozy mountain feel is paired with affordability, offering free lift tickets for kids under age 6 with a paying adult. Brighton also stands out for its night skiing, where illuminated runs create a magical atmosphere under the stars. Night lift tickets or Twilight lift Tickets are significantly cheaper than daytime passes.
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Eagle Point
Photo: Ryan Salm
Eagle Point: Untouched Snow, Fraction of the Cost
Eagle Point (Beaver, Utah) is widely considered one of the most family-friendly values in Utah because kids aged 12 and under ski and ride for free. The independent resort touts some of the lowest prices in the state, which can be found for as low as $40. Eagle Point’s unique Friday-through-Monday operating schedule creates a premium, uncrowded experience where snow accumulates midweek for untouched "Powder Friday" sessions.
Woodward Park City
Photo: Scott Markewitz
Woodward: Best Value for Park City Skiing
Woodward Park City provides a unique ski experience. This action sports park focuses on a specialized "micro-mountain" experience and is a more affordable alternative to the high-priced lift tickets at neighboring resorts. It is a budget-friendly choice for those who want to maximize their time on the snow and in the terrain parks without paying for thousands of acres they won't use.
Wallet-Friendly Lift Tickets, Passes and Rentals
Lift Tickets and Passes
Lift tickets can be a significant expense, but with smart planning, substantial savings are achievable.
- Buying lift tickets at the resort window is the priciest optioney. Score the best deal by going to the resort website beforehand.
- The Ikon Pass, Epic Pass and Mountain Collective grants multi-day access to multiple Utah resorts.
- Ski parents enjoy exceptional value of the Ski Utah Passport, allowing fourth, fifth and sixth graders to ski three days at each of Utah's 15 resorts for just $89.
- Ski Utah also offers their Yeti Pass, which allows riders to spend one day at all 15 resorts in Utah for $849.
Gear Rentals: Cost-Effective and Convenient
Renting equipment is often the most economical choice, especially for infrequent skiers. Renting from a local shop in the valley is recommended, as they often offer lower prices than the on-site options at resorts. Shops like Ski 'N See offers affordable daily rentals rates for children and adults, and other local stores such as Level Nine Sports and The Gear Room provide similarly priced rental options and heavily discounted, used gear. Reserving your gear online or in advance often yields additional discounts, so planning even 48 hours ahead can result in significant savings. (More Utah Ski Deals)
More Tips for Your Budget-Friendly Ski Trip:
Visit During Non-Peak Days: Prices for lift tickets, ski lessons, and lodging tend to rise during holiday periods, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day weekends, and the stretch between Christmas and New Year's Day.
Book in Advance: The best way to save money skiing in Utah? Buy lift tickets, book ski lessons and reserve lodging well in advance. Savings come to those who plan ahead.
Travel Midweek for the Best Deals: Resorts are typically less crowded midweek, and prices for lodging and lift tickets are often lower. You’ll also enjoy shorter lift lines and quieter slopes.
Pack Your Meals: Resort dining can add up quickly. Packing your own lunch and snacks saves money and lets you avoid the crowds at busy resort eateries. Many resorts have picnic areas or base lodges where you can enjoy your homemade meals.
Look for Package Deals: Some travel operators and resorts offer ski vacation packages that bundle lift tickets, accommodations, and sometimes even meals at a discounted rate.
Take the ski bus: Take the stress out of driving up and down the canyons. Ride the ski bus instead.
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