6 Budget-Friendly Mountain Escapes in the U.S.

Are you dreaming of a mountain getaway without the sky-high price tag? While famous ski towns like Aspen and Vail dominate the spotlight, there are plenty of world-class mountain destinations in the U.S. that deliver unforgettable vacations at a fraction of the cost — without sacrificing the quintessential charm of a mountain retreat. From the Rockies to the White Mountains, these six towns prove you don’t need to overspend to enjoy a snowy escape.

North Conway, New Hampshire

Although it was voted 2025’s Best Ski Town by USA Today readers, North Conway remains relatively affordable among U.S. mountain towns. The average adult lift ticket price is around $80. North Conway is situated just south of Mount Washington, the tallest peak in New England. The town’s Cranmore Resort boasts snow sports fun for the entire family, including 60 trails, snowboarding terrain, and a tubing park.

For laid-back views of the local mountain scenery, consider booking passage on the Conway Scenic Railroad. Tickets for the one-hour snow train tour start at $27 for adults, with reduced or free tickets for children. Nearby, visitors can take advantage of tax-free outlet shopping at Settlers Green, which also offers special discounts for senior shoppers on Tuesdays.

The average cost of upscale accommodations in North Conway is around $230 per night, while midrange hotels average $125 per night. Among the most scenic is the White Mountain Hotel and Resort, recently named one of the top five hotels in New Hampshire by U.S. News and World Report.

South Lake Tahoe, California

This Northern California resort town is known for its namesake freshwater lake hugged by the Sierra Nevada. While you may think such a popular destination comes with a big price tag, there are many reasonably priced hotel options, averaging around $225 per night.

Visitors enjoy affordable activities, too, such as ice skating at Heavenly Village, an outdoor shopping center with dining and entertainment. It’s situated at the end of the Heavenly Ski Resort gondola, which connects the bustling town center with one of South Lake Tahoe’s ski resorts, with daily lift prices ranging from $100 to $200 or more during peak season. Nearby, Sierra at Tahoe is another ski resort with comparable daily lift ticket prices, ranging from $165 to $185.  

Plus, there’s more to South Lake Tahoe than hitting the slopes. Many state parks around the lake offer free snowshoeing and Nordic skiing trails, where you can bring (or rent) your own gear. At Sugar Pine Point State Park, visitors can follow the original 1960 Winter Olympics trail, with marked ski trail signs throughout and plaques detailing the park’s Olympic and Nordic skiing history.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Colorado is home to many renowned ski towns, but they often come with a hefty price tag. If you’re looking for a Colorado mountain town with just as much action on the slopes but at a lower cost, look no further than Breckenridge, Vail’s neighbor to the east, known for its historic Main Street. Breckenridge’s (relative) affordability is part of its appeal — restaurant prices, for example, are more than 15% lower than in Vail.

Minimizing costs doesn’t lessen the excitement, however. Breckenridge is home to the highest chairlift in North America and more than 100 bars and restaurants. The resort area boasts 3,000 acres of skiable terrain across five peaks, with trails for every experience level. Daily lift passes start at around $150 but can reach $200 or more around holidays and peak weekends. While that’s certainly steep, lift passes at pricier Colorado resorts such as Vail can sell for around $350 per day.

A number of Breckenridge attractions are totally free, from the family-friendly sled riding hill at Carter Park to the Sled Shed, a free community gear share for all to use. Breckenridge also offers a free gondola and the Free Ride bus system for getting around town, to the ski resort, and to the surrounding neighborhoods.

Bethel, Maine

Maine is home to some of the East Coast’s most scenic mountain towns, but because they are remote and expensive, vacations here can quickly go over budget. Bethel, a town in the White Mountains situated near the New Hampshire border, boasts some of the best bang for your buck for a budget-friendly ski getaway in the Pine Tree State.

Bethel offers several Alpine and Nordic (cross-country) skiing trails and affordable ski resort options. For instance, Mount Abram — a charming, relaxed resort that’s a favorite among locals — offers full-day lift tickets for just $42, with no blackout dates or restrictions.

Bethel is also located 6 miles south of Sunday River, an 884-acre resort with 139 trails and 19 lifts. It’s home to the Iglu, a slopeside lounge made entirely of snow and ice. The resort boasts several on-site accommodation options, including the budget-friendly Snow Cap Inn, which offers rates starting at under $150 per night. Its central location within the resort and complimentary shuttle service to the slopes make it a convenient option for budget-conscious skiers.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Despite being Utah’s capital and most populous city, Salt Lake City can be surprisingly affordable, with an average accommodation price of $379 per night — far less than Aspen’s $1,222 average nightly rate or Vail’s $967 average rate. Whether you’re staying downtown or on the mountainside, visitors can take advantage of convenient access to Salt Lake City’s four major ski resorts: Alta, Brighton, Snowbird, and Solitude. 

Save money on lift tickets by purchasing a Salt Lake Ski Super Pass, which includes free public transportation from resorts to the slopes, plus up to 25% off gear rental. Another popular mountain activity for tourists is Utah Olympic Park, home of the 2002 Winter Games. Tours start at $20 per person, and curling lessons are $30 — a unique experience that won’t break the bank.

Bozeman, Montana

Bozeman is a Rocky Mountain town known for its proximity to Yellowstone National Park, which makes it a great home base for exploring America’s oldest national park. Despite its popularity, Bozeman can be a relatively affordable getaway, especially when compared to similar towns near Yellowstone. The average nightly hotel cost in Bozeman is $267, with high-season rates hovering around $500 per night. Still, Bozeman is more affordable than Jackson, Wyoming, for example, where average nightly rates range from $327 to $611 during the high season. 

For snow sports enthusiasts, there are two popular ski resorts less than an hour away from Bozeman. Locals often prefer Bridger Bowl for its affordability — adult day passes are available for $84 and three-day passes for $225. For novice skiers, Bridger Bowl offers $25 day passes for its three beginner lifts.

Nearby, Big Sky Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in North America, boasting 5,850 acres of skiable terrain and 317 named trails. Its daily lift prices vary widely, from as low as $80 at the end of the season to nearly $300 during the peak holiday season. However, discounts are often available when booking online.

There are plenty of affordable entertainment options in Bozeman, too. For a $20 entry fee, visitors can enjoy one of the most extensive dinosaur fossil collections in the country at the Museum of the Rockies at Montana State University. Nearby, admission to the Montana Grizzly Encounter is less than $15. Here, visitors can get close to rescued grizzly bears who can no longer live on their own in the wild. The foundation focuses on their care and on educating the public about this protected species.