5 Best Mountain Towns for a Cheap Vacation
Written by
John Csiszar
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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Mountain towns are often known for their exclusivity and high costs, but that’s not always the case. In fact, some resort areas are actually quite affordable, especially when compared with luxury celebrity hangouts like Aspen, Colorado; Vail, Colorado, and Jackson, Wyoming. The best of these are true year-round resorts, offering activities such as boating, hiking, golfing and more during the summer months in addition to traditional winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
Important to note, however, is that “cheap” is a relative term, and what may be inexpensive for one family may be prohibitive for another. With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the more affordable mountain towns in America, including average costs for accommodations, activities and more.
Big Bear, California
- Average accommodation costs, high season/low season: $240/$193
- Average lift ticket costs: $99-$169
Big Bear is a favorite year-round resort among Southern California locals, as it’s accessible via a relatively short drive that can be a couple of hours or even less. As most guests don’t have to fly in, Big Bear will always remain a relatively affordable option. During the summer months, hiking trails, a golf course and the town’s namesake lake offer a variety of activity options.
Bridger Bowl, Montana
- Average accommodation costs, high season/low season: $451/$163
- Average lift ticket costs: $70-$97 for adults
Bridger Bowl is known for its good snow and steep terrain. Located near Bozeman, the resort is more of a destination for locals instead of an internationally known ski resort. But with its high-quality conditions, smaller crowds and relatively low lift ticket costs, visitors like it just as it is. In the summertime, the Bridger Bowl area offers lower prices and great hiking and mountain biking trails, in addition to whitewater rafting.
Donner Ski Ranch, California
- Average accommodation costs, high season/low season: $350/$300
- Average lift ticket costs: $69-$109 for adults
Donner Ski Ranch is a family owned and operated ski resort that has been open for 87 years. This alone may make it an attractive location for many vacationers, but it also, according to the ranch, makes it one of the most affordable options when it comes to skiing experiences. Although the resort itself is designed for winter activities, its proximity to Lake Tahoe makes the region as a whole a year-round destination.
Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
- Average accommodation costs, high season/low season: $532/$204
- Average lift ticket costs: $95-$175 for adults
New Mexico might not have the reputation as a ski area as some of the more famous resorts in Colorado and Utah, and it’s true that its snow is more unpredictable. But reviewers say that conditions are excellent at Taos Ski Valley, with superb skiing conditions when the snow does fall. Taos Ski Valley is a true year-round destination thanks to its association with culturally rich Taos, which boasts top-tier museums and galleries along with a host of outdoor activities ranging from hiking and fishing to hot air ballooning.
Powder Mountain, Utah
- Average accommodation costs, high season/low season: $218/$122
- Average lift ticket costs: $109-$234
Lift tickets at Powder Mountain aren’t particularly cheap, especially at the high end. But midweek days can be quite affordable, and the mountain also offers night skiing tickets for an exceptional value of $19. Accommodation in the city is also quite affordable, bringing down the average cost of a vacation down considerably. In fact, in 2021, Powder Mountain was listed as the most affordable ski resort in the U.S., although lift ticket prices have increased since then.
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