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 areas make it easy to ski and ride affordably, and at some you can even find lift tickets for less than $50. Keep reading for some of the most affordable ski areas in New England. For more options across the U.S., check out our roundup of the most affordable ski resorts. After your trip, leave a review here to help your fellow skiers and riders.
A note on prices: The prices below reflect recent seasons. Most ski areas use dynamic pricing, so rates vary by date and tend to rise a little each year. Buy online in advance for the best deals, and check each resort’s site for current prices.
The Most Affordable Ski Resorts in New England
Burke Mountain, Vermont
Way up in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, Burke Mountain has about 178 acres of terrain, 2,011 feet of vertical, and around 50 trails. This classic Vermont ski area is known as a snowy hidden gem with steep trails and tons of glades, and it’s home to the renowned Burke Mountain Academy ski racing school. Adult day tickets have dipped to around $50, with even better midweek deals and multi-person specials on select days, plus discounts for Vermont residents.
» Check out lodging options at Burke Mountain
Magic Mountain, Vermont
Magic Mountain, in the southern Vermont town of Londonderry, has a respectable 1,500 feet of vertical and about 50 trails served by several lifts, with a solid mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain, including plenty of steeps and glades. Its legendary Red Chair and its “No Wind Holds” attitude give it an old-school New England vibe. Walk-up tickets aren’t cheap, but buying online in advance can save a lot, and Magic is on the Indy Pass. Discounts are available for military, first responders, seniors, and youth. The Londonderry area has a good selection of restaurants and bars for après-ski.
» Check out lodging options at Magic Mountain
Berkshire East, Massachusetts
Berkshire East, a family-run ski area in western Massachusetts, is popular with families and Boston-area skiers. It has about 45 runs across 180 skiable acres, with a wide variety of terrain, and OnTheSnow users rate it the No. 1 small ski area in Massachusetts. Full-day adult tickets have started in the $30s, depending on the day, and the earlier you buy, the more you save. Half-day, night skiing, and junior tickets offer even more savings. Berkshire East is also known for generating its electricity from on-site renewable energy, with a solar array and a wind turbine.
» Check out lodging options at Berkshire East
Yawgoo Valley, Rhode Island
Yawgoo Valley, in Exeter, is the only ski area in Rhode Island, about 90 minutes from Boston, with about 13 trails and 36 acres of terrain. It has lighted night skiing and lesson packages. Lift ticket prices vary by date but have generally stayed under $60, with cheaper weekday evening tickets, affordable rentals (bring your own helmet), and discounts for military, seniors, and kids. Buy online ahead of time for a small discount.
» Check out lodging options at Yawgoo Valley
King Pine, New Hampshire
King Pine, near the White Mountain National Forest and part of East Madison’s Purity Spring Resort, is a great affordable option for low-key New England skiing. It’s a good choice for progressing beginners and intermediates and especially for families getting kids on skis or a board for the first time, with plenty of lesson packages and programs.
Adult weekday tickets have been in the $50s, with weekend and holiday tickets in the $80s, plus cheaper half-day and night skiing options, including discount night skiing on select weeknights. Make a weekend of it by staying at Purity Spring Resort.
» Check out lodging options at King Pine
Dartmouth Skiway, New Hampshire
Dartmouth Skiway isn’t just for Ivy League students. It’s a great introduction to skiing in New Hampshire, with reasonable prices and relatively low crowds across about 30 trails and 100 acres. Located in Lyme, about 20 minutes from Dartmouth College, it’s known for producing ski racers, and numerous U.S. Ski Team members have learned to ski and race here over the years.
Weekday adult tickets have started in the $30s, with weekend tickets around $60 and discounts for teens, seniors, children, and military. Uphill passes and half-day tickets are also available.
Cannon Mountain, New Hampshire
Rated by OnTheSnow users among the top New Hampshire ski areas for expert terrain, Cannon Mountain, New Hampshire’s only state-owned ski area, is known for its technical runs and strong community vibe. It has one of the highest summits of any New Hampshire ski area, at 4,080 feet, and the most vertical in the state, at 2,180 feet. Beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers will all find plenty across its roughly 285 skiable acres. The base is home to the New England Ski Museum and Cannon’s iconic Aerial Tramway.
Adult tickets have been around $99 bought online in advance and higher at the window, with discounts for teens, military, juniors, and seniors, plus half-day and beginner-area tickets. Cannon also offers discounted midweek tickets for New Hampshire residents with valid proof of residency, and it’s on the Indy Pass.
Mohawk Mountain, Connecticut
Don’t overlook skiing in Connecticut. Mohawk Mountain, in Cornwall, is ideal for beginners and progressing intermediates, and it’s been a staple of East Coast skiing since 1947. It has 650 feet of vertical, 8 lifts, and 27 trails across about 107 acres, and it’s on the Indy Pass. Weekday tickets have been in the $40s, with weekend and holiday tickets around $80. For a few quick laps close to home or a family day trip, Mohawk offers something for everyone at the right price.
» Check out lodging options at Mohawk Mountain
Big Moose Mountain, Maine
Big Moose Mountain (formerly Big Squaw) is run by the nonprofit Friends of Big Moose Mountain, created to breathe new life into this classic ski area overlooking Moosehead Lake. It has a couple of lifts serving about 30 trails and an old-school feel that hasn’t changed much since the 1960s, and locals work hard to keep it affordable for families. Adult tickets have been around $50, with student discounts, and the youngest and oldest skiers ski free.
A ski trip can cost a pretty penny, but these affordable ski areas help ease the blow and keep the sport accessible. For more ideas, see our picks for the most affordable resorts across the U.S. and where to ski for less than $50.
Header image: ©Cannon Mountain
