Where to Ski for Less Than $50

It’s no secret that lift tickets at many resorts have become expensive, especially at big ski resorts. While it may seem like the days of skiing for under $100—let alone $50—are long gone, there are still resorts offering surprisingly affordable lift tickets. The trade-off often means less terrain and a willingness to get off the beaten path, yet smaller, lesser-known resorts can deliver rewarding ski days.

Here’s a list of resorts you can usually ski at for less than $50 per lift ticket. Note that prices may fluctuate throughout the season and some resorts may price their lift tickets higher during peak season, on weekends, and over holidays.

Ski Resorts with Lift Tickets Under $50

The West

Howelsen Hill, Colorado

Howelsen Hill stands out as one of Colorado’s most historic ski areas, claiming the title of Colorado’s oldest operating ski resort. It was founded by Carl Howelsen, a Norwegian competitive skier, who brought ski jumping to the area in the early 1900s. Since then, more than 90 Olympians have trained on these slopes, continuing the legacy Howelsen established. Nowadays, it’s operated by the City of Steamboat Springs and offers budget-friendly lift tickets, which is a stark contrast to some of Colorado’s more famous resorts. Those over 18 will pay just $52, while children and senior citizens pay $38. Tickets can be purchased at the resort’s base. Howelsen Hill offers 50 skiable acres with 19 trails served by four lifts, and is best suited for intermediate to advanced skiers and riders. Bonus: Guests can ski completely free on Sundays.

Brian Head, Utah

Brian Head is known for offering a unique skiing experience with the added perk of low-cost lift tickets. While it’s a few hours from Salt Lake City, and therefore further away than many of Utah’s best ski resorts, the experience is well worth the drive or flight into Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC). Brian Head is comprised of 650 skiable acres and 71 trails, surrounded by stunning views of the surrounding desert and famous red rocks, creating a brilliant contrast to the snow-covered slopes. Brian Head boasts the highest base area elevation in the state at 9,600 feet.

During non-peak season, lift tickets are often priced between $40 and $60, sometimes dropping as low as $14. While you’ll be hard pressed to find $50 lift tickets on winter weekends, you’ll have no problem finding lift tickets below $50 on weekdays and many non-peak weekends. Just make sure to grab your tickets online well ahead of time.

Purgatory, Colorado

Purgatory Resort is a gem of a Colorado ski resort, blending diverse terrain with approachable pricing that families and budget-conscious skiers will love. All total, Purgatory has 1,635 skiable acres and 107 trails, served by 12 lifts, making it one of the largest ski resorts on our list. Those looking to take it easy or stretch their skills will appreciate the resort’s wide array of beginner and intermediate terrain, while those looking for a challenge will be thrilled to find steeper terrain and tree runs on the back side of the mountain. Off-peak, mid-week single-day lift tickets are as low as $41 for adults, and frequent promotions allow children under 12 to ski free.

Maverick Mountain, Montana

Maverick, which is one of Montana skiers’ best-kept secrets, is tucked away in the mountains of Southwest Montana. A humble ski area, with two lifts and 24 runs, Maverick has a relatively even mix of terrain for skiers and riders of all abilities. The price is just right. Adult full-day tickets are $54, while it’s $45 for half-day lift tickets. For Montana locals, the Adult Super Saver is a great deal, consisting of 7 lift tickets for $325. That comes out to $46 per ticket when you use all 7 tickets.

Bluewood Resort, Washington

Bluewood Resort is known as a great under-the-radar Washington ski area, boasting amazing tree skiing and off-piste cat-accessible terrain. It has 26 runs, nearly 400 acres of skiable terrain, and receives 300″ of snowfall annually on average. Advanced skiers and powder chasers will have no trouble finding plenty to love, while beginners and intermediates will also appreciate the fact that two of its lifts are easily accessible from the learning areas. While weekend lift tickets during the winter are a little over $50, adult skiers and riders can enjoy $49 lift tickets on many weekdays. 

The East

Big Moose Mountain, Maine

Big Moose Mountain (formerly known as Big Squaw Mountain), overlooking Moosehead Lake, features sweeping views and some of Maine’s most affordable skiing. The 200-acre ski area features 36 trails served by two lifts, providing classic beginner and intermediate New England terrain with the charm only found at small resorts. Lift tickets are often priced around $50 for adults and $45 for students, while children under age five and people over 70 ski free.

Berkshire East, Massachusetts

In New England, Berkshire East offers a great combination of diverse terrain and affordable pricing. Plus, it’s conveniently located two hours from Boston and an hour and a half from both Hartford, Connecticut and Albany, New York. While the mountain is small, with 180 acres of skiable terrain and five lifts, it provides a solid blend of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails, making it perfect for a group of skiers with different skill levels. If you’re looking to extend the day, 18 of the trails are also accessible for night skiing. Berkshire East uses a flexible pricing model, which means buying early and ahead of time will help you get the best price. Adult tickets are as low as $39. Day tickets for children and seniors begin at $37.

Dartmouth Skiway, New Hampshire

Dartmouth Skiway offers a classic New England ski experience without steep lift ticket prices. The mountain offers two distinct peaks, five lifts, and 28 trails—half of which are intermediate. It’s known for its friendly, laid‑back atmosphere, and is a favorite among locals and Dartmouth College students. Snowmaking covers much of the terrain, ensuring reliable conditions and coverage. With short lift lines and approachable terrain, it’s an ideal spot for families and casual skiers looking for a relaxed day on the slopes. Weekday and non-peak lift tickets start at $35 when purchased online, while peak day tickets are $60 online. Both options cost $5 more when purchased at the window.

The Midwest

You’ll find North America’s most affordable ski resorts in the Midwest. What it lacks natural snow, vertical, and terrain, it makes up for in affordability. So you won’t have a problem finding lift tickets in the Midwest for close to $50. Below is a sampling of some Midwest ski areas that you may not be too familiar with.

Crescent Hill at Hitchcock, Iowa

Located in the Hitchcock Nature Preserve, Crescent Hill at Hitchcock delivers an easygoing, family‑friendly ski experience just 20 minutes from Omaha, Nebraska. Crescent Hill has 10 trails served by two lifts spread across 50 acres, with terrain for every skill level. Snowmaking infrastructure provides reliable coverage throughout the winter. Lift tickets remain budget-friendly, with adult single‑day passes typically ranging from $24 to $48, depending on the date. Junior tickets are $21 to $43.

Tyrol Basin, Wisconsin

Just 35 minutes from Madison and less than two hours from Milwaukee, Tyrol Basin delivers one of Wisconsin’s most affordable and lively ski experiences. The ski area offers 30 acres of terrain with 18 trails served by five lifts. Despite its small footprint, it has a surprising diversity of terrain, from gentle beginner-friendly trails to some of the Midwest’s best terrain parks. On weekdays, adult lift tickets are $50, while kids can ski for as low as $40. Known for its energetic atmosphere, night skiing, and well‑maintained parks, Tyrol Basin remains a standout Midwest destination for riders looking for fun, affordable skiing close to Madison and Milwaukee.

Snow Snake Mountain, Michigan

Snow Snake Mountain Ski Area offers one of Central Michigan’s most affordable and family‑friendly ski experiences, pairing modest terrain with lift tickets that cost as little as $35. Kids age six and under ski free when accompanied by a paying adult, while seniors 70 and over can take advantage of free lift tickets at any time. The resort offers 12 trails spread across approximately 35 acres with reliable snow coverage. Snow Snake is especially popular with beginners and intermediates looking for easygoing laps and reliable conditions. Night skiing is also offered on Fridays and Saturdays.

Canada

Mont Habitant, Quebec

Mont Habitant offers one of the most welcoming and affordable ski experiences in the Laurentian mountains, pairing family‑friendly terrain with lift tickets that remain comfortably around $50. The mountain, which is just 45 minutes from Montreal, features 43 trails, served by five lifts and spread across 230 acres. Mont Habitant is known for its fully lit night skiing, 100% snowmaking coverage, and a warm, community‑oriented atmosphere that has made it a favorite for generations of local families. With accessible pricing—$55 adult day tickets and $40 for children during the main season—along with an excellent ski school and easygoing terrain, Mont Habitant offers a charming, low-stress alternative to the larger Saint-Sauveur-area mountains.

Mont Cascades, Quebec

Located just over 30 minutes from downtown Ottawa, Mont Cascades delivers one of the Ottawa–Gatineau region’s easiest and most affordable ski getaways. The mountain offers 21 trails served by five lifts, many of which are also open for night skiing, and a lively après-ski vibe. With snowmaking on 90% of the terrain, coverage stays reliable throughout the season. Weekday adult lift tickets are as low as $42, while weekend rates are just $58. Lower prices are available for children and seniors.

Mount Pakenham, Ontario

Known for family-friendly terrain, Mount Pakenham offers one of eastern Ontario’s most accessible and affordable ski experiences. Full-day lift tickets are just $45, while half-day and night skiing options are slightly cheaper. Need to rent gear? It’s also affordable at Mount Pakenham, priced at just $38 for skis, boots, poles, and a helmet. The ski area features 55 acres of skiable terrain with a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs served by four lifts. Bonus: There’s night skiing across most of the mountain.

Looking For An Affordable Pass? Look No Further Than Indy Pass

If you’re the type of budget skier or rider who prefers smaller, independent ski areas, then check out the Indy Pass. Enjoy two free lift tickets, and a third discounted ticket, to each of Indy’s 270 independently-owned resorts, the majority of which are in North America. It’s a great deal for those looking to ski several resorts throughout the season, but who don’t want to spend $1,000 on a pass.

Hero Image ©Scott DW Smith/Purgatory