The Most Affordable Ski Resorts in New England

Skiing on a budget is easier said than done. Gear rentals, transportation, lodging and lift tickets can add up quickly. However, many New England ski resorts make it easy to ski and ride affordably. At some resorts, you can even find lift tickets for less than $50. Keep reading as we highlight some of the most affordable New England ski areas. For more options throughout the U.S., check out our round-up of some of the most affordable ski resorts. After your trip, leave a review here, to help your fellow skiers and riders.

The Most Affordable Ski Resorts in New England

Burke Mountain, Vermont

Located way up in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, Burke Mountain boasts 178 acres of terrain, 2,011 feet of vertical, and 53 trails. This classic Vermont ski resort is known for being a snowy hidden gem with steep trails and tons of glades. Plus, it’s home to a world-class ski racing academy, Burke Mountain Academy. An adult day ticket at Burke Mountain is as low as $50. For extra savings, Burke’s midweek deal features $45 lift tickets, while Wicked Wednesdays features a buy one, get two free lift tickets deal. You and 2 friends can all ski for $45. Vermont residents also get a discount on lift tickets with valid proof of residency. 

» Check out lodging options at Burke Mountain

Magic Mountain, Vermont

Magic Mountain, located in the Southern Vermont town of Londonderry, features a respectable 1,500 feet of vertical and has 39 trails served by 5 lifts. Terrain is a solid mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails, so everyone in the family can find something to enjoy. Magic Mountain’s legendary red chair, built in 1971, and its “No Wind Holds” motto, contribute to the mountain’s old-school New England skiing vibe. The window day ticket for adults is $105, with discounts for military, police, firefighters, seniors, and youth. Londonderry is full of restaurants and bars, making après-ski here just as fun as your day on the hill. 

» Check out lodging options at Magic Mountain

Berkshire East, Massachusetts 

Berkshire East, a family-run resort located in Western Massachusetts’ Berkshire Mountains, is a popular vacation spot for families and Boston city dwellers. It has 45 runs spread across 180 skiable acres, offering a wide variety of trails for skiers and riders to play on. OnTheSnow users rated it the no. 1 small ski area in Massachusetts. Full-day adult tickets are as low as $39, depending on the day. The earlier you buy, the more you can save. Half-day, night skiing, and junior tickets are also available, offering the opportunity to save a few extra dollars if you know you won’t ski all day. Also of note, Berkshire East is the only ski area in the world to generate 100% of its electricity from on-site renewable energy, powered by a 500kWh solar facility and a 900kWh wind turbine.

» Check out lodging options at Berkshire East 

Yawgoo Valley, Rhode Island

Yawgoo Valley is the only ski area in Rhode Island. Located in Exeter, it’s about 90 minutes from Boston, offering skiers and riders 13 trails and 36 acres of terrain. Yawgoo Valley also has lighted night skiing and lesson packages. Lift ticket prices vary depending on when you plan to ski, but they’re generally below $60. Weekday evening tickets are around $45. Yawgoo also has a flat $35 full-day rental fee (note they do not offer helmets) and offers military, senior, and child discounts on lift tickets. Ticket purchases are slightly discounted if you buy them online ahead of time. 

» Check out lodging options at Yawgoo Valley

King Pine, New Hampshire

King Pine Resort, near the White Mountain National Forest of New Hampshire, is a nice affordable option for low-key New England skiing. It’s part of East Madison’s Purity Spring Resort and a good choice for progressing beginners and intermediate skiers. King Pine is particularly good for families who want to get kids on skis or a board for the first time, as it has a number of lesson packages and programs for those ready to learn.

Full-day adult ticket prices for weekends and holidays are $85, which drops down to $57 during the week. Half-day weekend prices are $67, while weekdays are $49. After 3:30 p.m. the mountain offers night skiing with tickets priced around $37, but on Tuesdays, you can go night skiing for $20. King Pine also offers packages for groups who plan on skiing for multiple days. Make a weekend of it by staying at Purity Spring Resort, where rooms start at $100 per night. 

» Check out lodging options at King Pine

Dartmouth Skiway, New Hampshire

Dartmouth Skiway, isn’t just a ski area for Ivy League students—it’s a nice introduction to skiing in New Hampshire. Guests will find reasonable prices and relatively low crowds over its 30 trails and 100 acres of skiable terrain. Located in Lyme, New Hampshire, about 20 minutes away from Dartmouth College, Dartmouth Skiway is known for producing ski racers. Numerous U.S. ski team members have learned to ski and race here over the years. 

Weekday tickets at Dartmouth Skiway are priced at $35 for adults, with discounts available for teens, seniors, children, and military. Weekend tickets are $60 for adults. Uphill passes, night skiing, and half-day tickets are also available. 

Cannon Mountain, New Hampshire

Rated by OnTheSnow users as the No. 2 mountain for expert terrain in New Hampshire, Cannon Mountain is known for its technical runs and strong community vibe. This is partly due to Cannon Mountain having New Hampshire’s highest ski area summit, at 4,080′, and the most vertical drop, with 2,180 feet of vert. Beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers will all find a lot to play on over 285 skiable acres. The base of the mountain is home to the New England Ski Museum and the iconic aerial tram, which provides access to the mountain’s wide range of terrain.

Adult tickets are $99 if you buy ahead online and $119 at the window. Teens can ski for as low as $89 by buying tickets online. A rental package for everything runs for $60, while there are discounts available for military, juniors, and seniors. Half-day tickets and beginner-only access is also available. Every Wednesday New Hampshire residents can ski for $54 with valid proof of residency. 

Mohawk Ski Mountain, Connecticut

Don’t overlook skiing in Connecticut. Mohawk Mountain, in Cornwall, Connecticut, is ideal for beginners and progressing intermediate skiers. Since it opened in 1947, it’s become a longtime staple of the East Coast skiing scene. Mohawk has 650 feet of vertical, 8 lifts, and 27 trails spread across 107 acres of ski terrain. For a day ticket, the window price is $45 mid-week and only $81 on weekends and holidays. For a few quick laps close to home or a family day trip, Mohawk offers something for everyone at a price that’s just right.

» Check out lodging options at Mohawk Mountain

Big Moose Mountain, Maine

Big Moose Mountain is run by the Friends of the Mountain non-profit, which was created to breathe new life into the classic mountain. Currently, the resort has two lifts that serve 29 trails overlooking the beautiful Moosehead Lake. The resort itself still has an old-school feel, with not much changing since the 1960s. Locals strive to preserve the traditions of the mountains and keep it an affordable spot for families. Tickets are $50 for adults and $45 for students, while kids under nine and adults over 65 ski free. 

A ski trip can, no doubt, cost you a pretty penny, but exploring these affordable resort options helps ease the blow and keep the sport accessible. If you’re traveling outside New England and looking to save money check out our top picks for the most affordable resorts across the U.S.

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: ©Cannon Mountain