The Most Affordable Ski Resorts in Utah

BY Mackenzie Moran
December 22, 2024

Oftentimes, when skiers think of Utah, their minds go straight to the most well-known resorts like Alta, Snowbird, Park City Mountain Resort, Snowbasin or Deer Valley. While they offer world-class terrain and that famous powder snow, they also come with sky-high ticket prices, especially on weekends and holidays, making it expensive to visit Utah’s top ski areas if you don’t have a multi-resort pass.

Explore our list of the most affordable ski resorts in Utah.

The Cheapest Ski Resorts In Utah

Brian Head

Utah isn’t only known for incredible snowy peaks. It also has beautifully vast desert landscapes that draw visitors from around the world. Located less than 100 miles from St. George Regional Airport (SGU) and just 50 miles north of Zion National Park, Brian Head Resort plops skiers in the middle of southern Utah’s unique landscapes. The resort has 8 chairlifts, 72 runs, and more than 650 skiable acres. It’s famous for offering lift tickets as low as $14 on certain days, but peak season prices often hover between $50 and $80.

As is the case with most ski resorts, you’ll save money by purchasing your Brian Head lift tickets online ahead of time, rather than purchasing them at the window on the day you plan to ski.

»View Brian Head Lodging Options

Ski couple reading trail map, Brian Head, Utah.
©Jay Dash Photography / Brian Head Resort

Cherry Peak

Located just outside of Logan, Utah, Cherry Peak is the go-to resort for Utah State University students and northern Utah locals. Adult day passes start at $55, with BOGO upgrades sometimes available if you purchase tickets for more than one day. If you’re planning on skiing with a teen or child, then there are multiple options to save on adult and child day passes, all for less than $100. Discounted rates are available for half-day skiing and night skiing. Children under five ski/ride for free, while student discounts are available with a valid school photo ID.

Powder Mountain

Compared to the other ski resorts on this list, Powder Mountain doesn’t have the same affordability. However, it’s arguably the best bang for your buck in Utah, especially on weekdays, if you’re looking for endless terrain and fewer crowds. Tickets start at $109 early in the season, which is similar to some of Utah’s more well-known resorts, but provides the added bonus of less crowds. Night tickets, good from 4 to 9 p.m., are your best value, starting at $19. Powder Mountain is one of the few big players in Utah not yet on the Ikon Pass or Epic Pass, and they cap how many season passes they sell each year. Less wait time for a lift means more time to ski.

Planning your big Utah snow trip.
For pristine powder and off-piste skiing, head to Powder Mountain. ©Adam Clark

Nordic Valley

Nordic Valley is the most affordable option around Eden, Utah. Equipped with 5 lifts, a 6-chair high speed, and over 300 skiable acres, Nordic Valley lift ticket prices can be as low as $13, while night skiing tickets are as low as $9 for skiing and riding from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. During peak seaon, prices rise to $50. All ticket prices change based on demand. Lower-priced tickets mean the mountain will be less busy. Purchase tickets as low as $9 if you visit the resort on an off-peak weekday. Kids 12 and under ski free.

»View Nordic Valley Lodging Options

Beaver Mountain

Nestled close to the southern border of Idaho, north of Logan, Utah, Beaver Mountain is another incredibly affordable option for budget-bending powder hounds. Online day tickets are available at Beaver Mountain for as low as $70 for a full day and $55 for a half day (with the option to ski in the morning or the afternoon). But unlike most Utah resorts, Beaver Mountain’s online tickets cost a little more since day tickets are managed manually by the family-owned ski resort. Skiers and riders who stop by the resort’s office in Logan, Utah, or purchase tickets directly at the mountain ticket office, will save money.

»View Beaver Mtn Lodging Options

Brighton Resort

At the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Brighton Resort is one of the big four ski resorts, nestled in the Wasatch Mountains right above Salt Lake Valley. Unlike its neighbors, Brighton has relatively low prices. Day tickets, which are valid for seven hours after their first scan are as low as $70. Afternoon tickets, valid Monday through Saturday from 12-4pm are as low as $60.

Looking to save a few extra dollars? Stick with night skiing and ride some of the best terrain at the resort for even cheaper. It’s a magical experience for everyone and is as low as $51. Night skiing is available on most days Monday through Saturday, but check the resort website to verify they’re offering it during your trip.

»View Brighton Lodging Options

Skiers riding down slopes of Brighton Resort on a cloudy day
©Shutterstock

Woodward Park City

Woodward Park City is an affordable option for skiers and snowboarders more interested in taking hot laps around the park than exploring big terrain off-piste. For access to only the lift, tickets begin at $45, but you can pay more to access snow tubing and the indoor trampoline park.

Endless Utah Ski Options for Families: Four Itineraries to Get You Started, Woodward.
Woodward Park City is a teen favorite. ©Scott Markewitz

FAQs

Where is the most affordable Utah ski resort?

The most affordable Utah ski resort is Nordic Valley, located in Eden, Utah, where you can get a lift ticket for well under $100. For skiers looking to get a taste of multiple ski resorts in Utah, save some money, and avoid large crowds, calling Ogden or Eden your home base during a ski trip isn’t a bad idea. If you don’t mind night skiing, Powder Mountain is a tremendous value with its night skiing tickets that start at $19. For visitors hoping to get a taste of as many Utah resorts as possible, check out Ski Utah’s Yeti Pass, which allows riders to spend one day at all 15 resorts in Utah for $849.

Follow the above Utah ski resorts on social media, as well as Ski Utah, and subscribe to their newsletters for Utah ski deals.

How do you ski in Utah on a budget?

Buying discount lift tickets online is typically the best way to save if you don’t have a season pass. What’s more, online lift ticket prices are the cheapest mid-week, which can save a lot of money over weekend lift tickets. If you’re on a family ski trip, check their website, as kids ski free at some resorts.

If you plan on skiing even just a few days during the season, then look into a season pass when they go on sale during the spring. For those skiers and riders who primarily ski in the Southwest, the Power Pass is a great option, since it’s primarily comprised of Southwest ski areas, including Brian Head. The Power Kids Pass offers free skiing for all kids 12 and younger.

How do you find lodging deals in Utah?

Save on lodging by staying at a bed and breakfast or vacation rental, many of which are typically only a few minutes from ski resorts. Pack a lunch for the day, as ski resort food and drinks can add up. Finally, shop locally or rent gear. If you’re without gear and on a budget, you’ll want to avoid the ski shops at base areas and look for other bargains nearby for renting your ski gear.

Check online websites of hotels and lodges with ski vacation packages. Like above, Utah ski resorts will often post special offers on social media and send them to newsletter subscribers. Head to OnTheSnow’s Utah lodging page to see the latest lodging deals.

And with that, it’s time to pack your bags and discover the joys of skiing in Utah without breaking the bank. After your Utah ski trip, leave a resort review and help other travelers plan their Utah ski vacation.

Note: Ticket prices change with the time of the season, snow conditions, and during special promotions. As such, these prices may fluctuate during the season. Look for deals early in the ski season, late in the season, and on weekdays.

Header image: ©Powder Mountain