Skiing is an activity you can enjoy without breaking the bank. Colorado has 32 ski resorts but not all of them are expensive. We have prepared a list of these affordable Colorado ski resorts to save you time in your search.
Our 10 picks for the most affordable ski resorts in Colorado are as follows:
- Telluride Ski Resort
- Beaver Creek
- Wolf Creek
- Copper Mountain
- Loveland Ski Area
- Monarch Mountain
- Purgatory Resort
- Sunlight Mountain Resort
- Powderhorn Mountain Resort
- Granby Ranch
Read on to learn more about the most affordable ski resorts in Colorado including the lift ticket prices and details for each.
What Is the Most Affordable Ski Resort in Colorado? – Our 10 Picks
1. Telluride Ski Resort
There are many inexpensive packages and special offers that you and your family can get at Telluride Ski Resort. The lift ticket is around USD$149.00, with great discounts for winter passes, military cards, and winter lift tickets. With season passes, you could get a discount of almost half the regular price. The price is affordable compared to many other ski resorts in Colorado.
There are a total of 148 trails in Telluride Ski resort, with 41% for advanced skiers; 36% for intermediate; and 23% for beginners. The runs are well distributed in the 2,000+ of skiable terrain. You might want to enjoy the thrill of the longest run at 4.6 miles, which is the Galloping Goose. Feel the pristine air whipping your face as you triumphantly conquer the slope. The adventurous vertical drop is at 4,425 feet with the lift bringing you at 3,790 feet.
There are 3 excellent park areas, groomed trails, and terrain features that visitors of any skiing skills would want to venture into. At the top of the resort, you would have a 360-degree viewing vantage of the majestic San Juan Mountains around you. You may want to use the bike park and golf greens when you want to engage in a different activity.
2. Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek in winter is a skier’s dream vacation. There are special savings for pass holders based on the days they want to spend in the resort. Typically, you will be saving USD$87 on a 3-day ticket. Purchasing in advance and buying more days would also give you huge discounts. The lift ticket is around USD$219 without a pass.
The resort sits on 1,800 acres of picturesque area with 3 incredible base areas. Your family would certainly enjoy the groomed trails in the slopes that cater to any skiing skill you have. You can try the progressive learning terrain or learn additional tricks on how to ski from their affordable ski school.
Also, you can visit the Beaver Creek Village to shop, dine, or explore its inherent beauty. You can visit the resort at any time of the year because they have events during summer too.
3. Wolf Creek Ski Area
Wolf Creek Ski Area claims to have “the most snow in Colorado” at 480 inches per year. It sits at an elevation of 10,000 feet and covers a skiable area of 1,600 acres. There are 77 trails with the Navajo Trail as the longest one at 2 miles. The vertical rise is at 1,407 feet and is accessible through 7 lifts and a magic carpet. Around 45% of the trails are for advanced skiers, while 29% of the trails are for beginners; and the rest are for intermediate skiers.
It offers also affordable children’s programs and private or group lessons. There are season passes and great discounts for groups under specific conditions. Seniors 80 years old and older are entitled to free lift tickets. Usually, the price of the lift is USD $76 for a full day with senior citizens paying only USD$46. For 2 consecutive days, you can get on the slopes for only USD$152. A half day is worth USD$60, so you can actually save money if you book for 2 consecutive days.
It is recommended that skiers begin with the easiest trails and then proceed to the intermediate and advance runs when they have grown accustomed to the ski area.
4. Copper Mountain
The Copper Mountain Ski Resort offers affordable season passes and 5 days of skiing for less than USD$60 per day. The resort provides captivating mountain tours and programs, such as “Ski with a Ranger”. This is free to lucky participants. It’s also less crowded, so you can ski all you want. The lift ticket is around USD$56 to USD$128, with discounted prices when you buy online. In addition, when you purchase an adult copper pass, you will receive one free kid’s pass for a kid aged 15 and below.
In 1976, Copper Mountain has hosted the World Cup Tour with 4 alpine ski races. It had also served as the official training area for the US ski team in 2012. Some people have underrated Copper Mountain; however, most skiers know about its superb affordable services.
The mountain was also recognized as the most organized skier layout by the National Forest Service. The ski area provides a total of 150 trails on 2,490 acres of terrain. The 25 lifts could take you to the 3 peaks or the 5 bowls of the ski area.
Copper Tubing Hill is a good way to start your adventure. You can later test your skiing skills on the perfectly groomed trails on the mountain slopes. Also, during summer, you can go mountain biking, golfing, bike hauling or participate in a variety of outdoor events.
5. Loveland Ski Area
Loveland Ski Area is another one of the most affordable ski resorts in Colorado. It provides 1,800 acres of magnificent terrain for beginners or advanced skiers. Along the Continental Divide, you can enjoy the free snowcat skiing.
There are 94 trails, with the longest run extending up to 2 miles. Loveland’s summit elevation is at 13,010 feet, and the vertical drop is a remarkable 2,210 feet. The ski slopes are assigned to skiers of different skills. The advance skiers claim most of the area at 46%. On the other hand, intermediate skiers have 41% of the slope to themselves, while beginners can use the designated 13% of the trails.
There are about 9 lifts that you can utilize. Parking and shuttle services are free. This reduces the cost of your vacation. Affordable lodging and diners are also easily accessible.
The lift ticket is around USD$75 to USD$95. When you purchase the lift tickets in advance and online, discounts are given to your purchase. Discounts are given to seniors aged 70+, who have season passes. They will be charged only USD$99. Children aged 6 to 14 are also granted discounts.
6. Monarch Mountain
Monarch Mountain’s lift ticket for the day ranges from USD$59 to USD$69. It’s one of the cheapest in the area. Furthermore, you can save up to 40% off the window price by purchasing your tickets online and in advance. Season passes for adults are pegged at USD$399; seniors can pay only USD$269; and juniors USD$149.
If you’re a seasoned skier, you may want to accept the challenge of the Never Summer Terrain Park. The park features natural obstacles, and organized ones, such as jumps, boxes, and rails for you to practice your advanced skills.
When you’re not a pro, you can hop over to the Tilt Terrain Park where the boxes are lower and the jumps are easier. You can safely improve your skills and perform some incredible tricks. You could later advance to the Never Summer Terrain Park when you’re ready.
For those who want to experience extreme skiing, they can try the Monarch Cat Skiing that goes through backcountry terrain. You should watch out for unexpected variables along the rough trail. Be alert and ready to cope with these issues; thus, this activity is not for beginners or the weak-hearted.
7. Purgatory Resort
Next on our list of answering “What is the most affordable ski resort in Colorado” is Purgatory Resort. Wintertime is just as busy as summer in Purgatory Resort. You may want to go for the Power Pass Select that offers unlimited skiing at 6 different areas. It’s also for snowboarders. The ski areas included are Brian Head, Hesperus, Pajarito, Sipapu, Nordic Valley, and 12 free days at Arizona Bowl or Purgatory.
Aside from these benefits, the Power Pass Select offers discounts on beverages, food items, ski school, retail products, and more. Six lift tickets would receive discounts as well. This pass is worth an affordable USD$599 for adults, for all those perks you are granted.
Ordinarily, a lift ticket for an adult is worth USD$109 for a day. Free skiing is provided for seniors, aged 80 and above, and for children below 10 years old. There are also good discounts for special cases.
The resort provides 89 trails spread over 1,500 acres of skiable terrain, where 23% is for beginners; 51% is for intermediate and 26% is for experts. There are 5 terrain parks where you can practice your jumps and slides. The vertical drop is at 2,029 feet, while the peak elevation is at 10,822 feet and the base elevation is 8,790 feet.
8. Sunlight Mountain Resort
Sunlight Mountain Resort has about 700 acres, amidst an outstanding view of the surroundings that you can enjoy without breaking the bank. The vertical drop is at 2,000 feet and the 67 superb trails provide the adventure that skiers of all types can explore. With a package deal, there are hot spas that you can visit after skiing, or anytime you want to.
The mountain averages 250 inches of the white powder every year; thus, rest assured that there would be enough for you to enjoy the slopes. It’s a winter paradise where you can spend bonding time with your family and friends.
Parking is free and pass holders are given free days and huge discounts. The Sunny 6-Packs package provides 6 full-day lift tickets and 6 sodas. This package is only USD$199. It’s one of the most affordable ski resorts in Colorado with lift tickets around USD$65 only.
9. Powderhorn Mountain Resort
Powderhorn Mountain Resort offers 63 total runs with 1,600 acres of skiable area; 20% of the runs are dedicated to beginners; 50% for intermediate skiers; and 30% for advanced skiers. The 3 terrain parks offer all the fun you would want. In instances when you want to stay more on the slopes, you can try the longest run at 1.8 miles.
The resort is offering affordable season passes for ski clients who want to turn the activity into a long term hobby. But even if you plan to ski just for a day or a few days, the season pass would grant you big discounts.
Included in the pass is unlimited daily access to the lifts for the season; discounted or free lift tickets honored by partnering resorts; and for USD$49, you can buy 4 buddy tickets that you can use in these other resorts. Discounts are granted to children under 5 years old and seniors 80 years old and above.
Some of the partner resorts are Mt. Washington Resort, Wisp Resort, and Wintergreen Resort.
10. Granby Ranch
Granby Ranch offers 406 acres of skiable area and a terrain park. Night skiing is permitted but there are no cat skiing and bowl skiing. Runs are available for highly-skilled skiers, intermediate skiers, and for beginners. The summit elevation is a staggering 9,202 feet and the base elevation is at 8,202 feet. There are 37 major trails that you can practice on.
Skiing in Granby Ranch offers various benefits, such as being one of the best places in Colorado to learn how to ski. Parking areas are also easily accessible and are free. In addition, the rates are affordable. The season pass of Granby includes 3 free days at each of these ski places: Ski Cooper, Monarch Mountain, Sunlight Mountain Resort, and Loveland Ski Area.
Lift tickets for adults cost USD$89; with children under 5 years old offered free tickets. Seniors, 80 years old and above, would have to pay USD$15 to enjoy skiing. That’s still a big discount for seniors.
Conclusion – Most Affordable Ski Resorts in Colorado?
So, what is the most affordable ski resort in Colorado? The 10 most affordable ski resorts in Colorado are as follows:
- Telluride Ski Resort
- Beaver Creek
- Wolf Creek
- Copper Mountain
- Loveland Ski Area
- Monarch Mountain
- Purgatory Resort
- Sunlight Mountain Resort
- Powderhorn Mountain Resort
- Granby Ranch
These Colorado most affordable ski resorts have their own perks to offer; so, we cannot recommend only one. I highly recommend visiting more than one of these most affordable Colorado ski resorts. There are so many affordable and beautiful places to ski in Colorado that you won’t be disappointed with any place on our list.
