When most skiers think of skiing in Utah, they likely think of big Utah ski resorts like Alta, Snowbird, Park City Mountain Resort, or Deer Valley. They aren’t just some of the best resorts in Utah, but among the top ski resorts in America. The fact is that 10 world-class Utah ski resorts fall within a one-hour radius of Salt Lake City International Airport, with even more to explore if you travel outside the Wasatch Range. However, unless you have a multi-resort pass, it can get expensive skiing at Utah’s top ski areas. Nevertheless, Utah is home to some great affordable ski resorts. Explore our list of the most affordable ski resorts in Utah.
The Cheapest Ski Resorts In Utah
Brian Head
Utah isn’t just known for its incredible snowy peaks. Its vast desert landscapes and red rock canyons also draw visitors from around the world. Brian Head Resort is an incredible option for skiers and riders who want to experience all of what Utah has to offer. Located less than 100 miles from St. George Regional Airport (SGU) and just 50 miles north of Zion National Park, Brian Head Resort plops visitors in the middle of Southern Utah’s unique landscapes. Brian Head has 8 chairlifts, 72 runs, and more than 650 skiable acres, and sells lift tickets for as low as $30, depending on the time of year and day of the week.
During peak season, from January to February, Brian Head’s weekday ticket prices hover around $35-$45, and weekend prices are anywhere from $50-$80 daily. Skiers and snowboarders who book their trip early and online can also receive special promotions that could lead to more savings. As 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
Cherry Peak
Located just outside of Logan, Utah, Cherry Peak is the go-to resort for Utah Valley University students and locals living north of Salt Lake City who want to save money. Adult day passes start at $55, with BOGO upgrades 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. Lift tickets start at $109 on weekdays early in the season and increase on weekends and holidays. It has similar daily ticket prices as Snowbasin, Solitude, and Sundance, but riders are guaranteed fewer 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.
»View Powder Mountain Lodging Options
Nordic Valley
Nordic Valley is the most affordable option around Eden, Utah. Equipped with 5 lifts, a 6-chair high speed, and 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. All ticket prices change based on demand. Lower-priced tickets mean the mountain will be less busy. During peak season, you can find a ticket on a weekday from anywhere between $13 to $30, with the highest price being around $30 during holidays. 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. Online tickets therefore can’t be used on the day they’re purchased. 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 many of its neighbors, Brighton has decent prices when you book 7-hour lift tickets online. It’s one of the few resorts in Utah that offers night skiing, so instead of selling half-day tickets, they provide the option for a 7-hour ticket, valid during any 7 hours of operation (including evenings). The clock starts ticking when you first scan a ticket. You’ll find mid-week tickets for less than $100 when you purchase your ticket online far enough in advance.
Or, stick to night skiing and ride some of the best runs in Utah under the lights at discounted prices. Brighton also sells ticket bundles to use two or three days consecutively. Kids 10 and under can ski and ride free with a pass-holding or paying adult.
»View Brighton Lodging Options
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. All-day lift tickets range from $45-$75 throughout the season and give riders unlimited access to Woodward Park City’s Hot Laps Lift, the Gateway Conveyor, and the beginner park. Woodward offers multiple terrain parks and an indoor trampoline for those looking to perfect their skills before taking them to the mountain. The outdoor tube park is a solid option for tired families and kiddos looking to have some fun and take a break from riding features.
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, then 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 $799.
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.
Header image: ©Powder Mountain
January 12, 2025
