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Affordable ski resorts offer alternatives amid rising costs

Affordable ski resorts offer alternatives amid rising costs
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Christina Ly Credit cards writer | The Points Guy

Skiing has often been associated with affluence, especially since its early 20th-century introduction to North America. Traditionally, the sport was accessible mainly to those who could afford costly trips to renowned destinations such as Colorado, Idaho, and New England. This trend continues today, with skiing expenses having increased significantly over time.

According to Snowsports Industries America's annual participation study for the 2022-23 ski season, nearly half of all skiers had an income exceeding $100,000. Skiers on a budget face high costs at popular resorts like Vail in Colorado or Jackson Hole in Wyoming, where daily expenses can approach $300 per person. Additional costs for lodging, food, travel, and gear rentals make skiing financially challenging for many.

To mitigate these expenses, some ski resorts offer discounts for advance purchases of season passes or day tickets. The Epic and Ikon passes provide unlimited access to their respective resorts at reduced rates if bought early. The Epic Pass offers options like the Northeast Value Pass for $626 until October 9th. Other alternatives include the Indy Pass and Mountain Collective pass.

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For those not interested in multiday or multimountain passes, smaller ski areas offer more affordable lift tickets without compromising snow quality or terrain variety.

Burke Mountain in Vermont is known for reliable snow on the East Coast with lift tickets priced at $89 on weekends and $45 midweek. Mount Abram in Maine provides lift tickets at $39 per day through a partnership with LL Bean but is closed Monday through Wednesday during winter.

Willamette Pass in Oregon features a high base area resulting in significant snowfall and offers lift tickets starting at $19. Howelsen Hill in Colorado offers free lift tickets on Sundays while charging $47 on other days during the 2023-24 season.

Brian Head Resort in Utah boasts over 360 inches of annual snowfall with lift ticket prices as low as $52 when purchased online in advance. Ski Cooper in Colorado provides weekend day tickets for $95 during the 2023-24 season along with discounted Thursdays offering various deals.

Bridger Bowl in Montana rivals larger resorts with extensive terrain yet maintains an affordable price point of $82 for adult day tickets purchased online ahead of time. Baldy Mountain Resort in British Columbia offers adult day tickets at $87 on weekends and participates in the Indy Pass program.

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