The Most Affordable Ski Resorts in California

Let’s face it, skiing is an expensive sport. Between gear, lift tickets, travel expenses, lodging food and drinks, the costs of a ski trip can quickly add up. California is no exception, but by sticking to predominantly small and mid-size ski resorts, you can ski and ride affordably in California. 

For more affordable ski resort recommendations, check out our round-up of some of the most affordable ski resorts in America. After your trip, rate and review the ski areas you visited here. 

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. 

The Most Affordable Ski Resorts in California 

Boreal Mountain 

While Lake Tahoe may not be thought of as an affordable ski destination, there are some affordable ski resorts in the area. Boreal Mountain, located just north of Lake Tahoe in Soda Springs, is a smaller Lake Tahoe ski area that is a good value. It has six chairlifts, two surface lifts, 41 trails across 380 acres of terrain, and is the only resort in the region with night skiing. Boreal has as much as 80% snowmaking coverage and is often one of the first Lake Tahoe ski areas to open for the season. Boreal is also home to Woodward Tahoe, featuring numerous snow parks and tons of features for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.

Boreal’s lift tickets can be as low as $99 mid-week early in the season. Tickets tend to sit around $119 during the week and $124-$139 on weekends and holiday weeks. Boreal offers Play Forever Fridays on select weeks when lift tickets are only $35. The mountain partners with local non-profit organizations for Play Forever Fridays, with $5 of each ticket sale going to the selected group. 

»View Boreal Mountain Lodging Options 

Soda Springs

Boreal’s sister resort, Soda Springs, is quite literally down the road. It’s one of the oldest ski areas in North America and the oldest continuously operating resort in California. Dubbed “Tahoe’s Best Kept Secret,” it’s a humble ski area with 15 trails, five lifts, and two tubing areas. Much of Soda Springs’ terrain is geared towards beginners and intermediates, making it an affordable alternative for families and new and progressing skiers looking for a less crowded place to learn. Lift tickets during non-holiday weeks typically run between $94 and $99, while weekends and holidays are around $104-$119. Soda Springs also offers the same aforementioned Play Forever Friday Deal as Boreal Mountain. These tend to book up fast so it’s recommended to buy a ticket online ahead of time.

»View Soda Springs Lodging Options 

Donner Ski Ranch

Donner Ski Ranch is another historic and affordable ski area in the Lake Tahoe region. Located atop the historic Donner Summit, this family-owned resort has 8 lifts that serve 505 acres of skiable terrain. Over half of its terrain is geared towards beginners and intermediates, making it a stellar pick for families or California locals just getting started. Nevertheless, advanced skiers can still find worthwhile terrain on the backside and high mountain areas. Donner Ski Ranch is also relatively uncrowded compared to the larger Lake Tahoe ski resorts.

Lift tickets are as low as $119 for a full day or $99 for a half day. Discounts are available for children and senior citizens. A full rental kit, including boots, skis/board, helmet, and poles are just $55. During the week, the mountain has Old School Days, in which Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday tickets are just $69 and rentals are $30. 

»View Donner Ski Ranch Lodging Options 

Mt. Shasta Ski Park 

Northern California is home to an abundance of world-renowned ski resorts. However, you’ll have to head far north, to Mt. Shasta, for one of California’s best affordable ski resorts. Six miles south of California’s stratovolcano by the same name, Mt. Shasta features 635 acres of skiable terrain with 38 runs served by 6 chairs with 2,035 feet of vertical drop. Mt Shasta Ski Park also has two terrain parks and night skiing. Adult full-day tickets are as low as $99. Mt. Shasta sets a capacity limit on ticket sales, meaning that crowds are minimal, especially compared to California’s bigger ski areas. Note that Mt. Shasta is also on the Indy Pass, which is a great pass option for those looking to ski on a budget. 

»View Mt. Shasta Lodging Options 

Yosemite’s Badger Pass Ski Area 

The quaint, historic Northern California ski area of Badger Pass has been serving skiers and riders in the Yosemite Valley since 1935. It has 90 acres of mostly intermediate terrain, 800 feet of vertical drop, and 5 lifts. Shuttle buses run between the ski area and nearby accommodations.

Badger Pass Ski Area offers discounted ticket options for locals with proof of ID who reside within 50 miles of Yosemite for $35 a person. Otherwise, an adult full-day ticket is $64 and a half-day ticket is $56. Children can ski for around $38 and children under six ski for free with a paying adult. It’s not just anywhere that you can ski and explore such an iconic national park all in one destination.

»View Yosemite Badger Pass Ski Area Lodging Options 

Mt. Baldy  

Don’t sleep on Southern California ski resorts. Mt. Baldy is the closest ski area for skiers and snowboarders in Los Angeles, taking just an hour to get to from parts of the city. It has a summit elevation of 8,600 feet and a generous 2,100 feet of drop, making for a fun little mountain to rack up vertical at. A 15-minute lift ride to the top of Sugar Pine Chairlift 1 will bring you to the Top of the Notch Restaurant, perched 7,800 feet high with incredible views overlooking the rolling mountains. New riders can enjoy Mt. Baldy’s Flow Zone, which features learning-based terrain made to encourage skill progression, while advanced skiers will also find their share of steep terrain.

Though standard lift tickets are around $120, Mt. Baldy often slashes online tickets significantly, with lift tickets available for less than $50 on some occasions. 

»View Mt. Baldy Lodging Options 

Snow Valley 

Part of the Big Bear Mountain Resort family, Snow Valley is rated the no. 1 small ski area in California by our readers and app users. While an all-encompassing BBMR ticket costs well over $100, skiers and riders who just want to ski Snow Valley can buy an individual ticket for the 240-acre Southern California ski area. Tickets can be as low as $89 midweek and are $105 max on holiday weekends. On average, they hover around $100. Get the lowest price by purchasing your ticket ahead of time online. Known as the longest continually operating mountain destination in Southern California, Snow Valley has an easygoing atmosphere and terrain for all ability levels. Opening in 1937, this resort has Southern California’s only lift-served tube park and high-speed six-lift, The Snow Valley Express.

»View Snow Valley Lodging Options

FAQ 

Where is the most affordable California ski resort? 

Yosemite’s Badger Pass and Mt. Baldy are some of the most affordable resorts in California. Both offer lift tickets in the $60 range, though sometimes less than $50. Badger Pass is great to add on to a trip to the famed Yosemite National Park, while Mt. Baldy is ideal for L.A. travelers and locals looking to get a winter fix.

How do you ski in California on a budget? 

Purchasing discounted tickets online is typically the best way to save money for a day on the hill. If you plan to ski several times during a given season, purchasing a ski pass will also help save money.  

Some ski resorts sell lodging packages that include a lift ticket. These are often for off-peak days. Another great way to save money is to 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 shops at base areas and look for bargains nearby. 

One California-specific pass locals could consider is the Cali Pass. This season pass provides access to four California resorts, Bear Valley, China Peak, Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort, and Mountain High. While buying lift tickets at different California ski resorts can add up, the Cali Pass makes it more affordable. The adult pass is $899, the youth pass is $835, and the kids pass is $489. There are also military and senior discounts available. The pass provides unrestricted access to these resorts, in addition to three days at 16 Powder Alliance Resorts,  including Mt. Shasta Ski Park and Sierra-at-Tahoe. Indy Pass, featuring a number of independent California ski areas, is an even more affordable pass option. Note that the Indy Pass is only on sale for a limited time each season.​

How do you find lodging deals in California? 

Check online websites of hotels and lodges with ski vacation packages. Sign up for ski resorts’ newsletters and follow them on social media. That’s the best way to stay in the know since that’s where they’ll often post special offers. 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. Head to OnTheSnow’s California page to see the latest lodging deals. 

Leave a resort review after your California ski trip and help other travelers plan their next vacation.

Hero image ©Soda Springs Ski Resort