Skiing on a holiday weekend usually sucks. There’s just really no other way to put it. But, for a large majority of skiers and snowboarders, visiting ski areas/resorts on holidays and weekends are their only options. We feel bad for you, so we’ve compiled a list of some awesome resorts that won’t break the bank.
Ski resorts are well-aware of the influx of people that will come on MLK Weekend, and they jack up their prices to make the most money possible. That can make skiing this weekend not only less-enjoyable because of the crowds, but it can also burn a hole right through your wallet.
Here’s our Unofficial list of some of the best ‘big’ mountains with affordable daily lift tickets this upcoming weekend. We’ve defined ‘big’ as mountains with greater than 1,000′ of lift-serviced vertical, and ‘affordable’ as less than $100 for a single-day ticket.
*Disclaimers- This list is not inclusive of all large ski areas with cheap lift tickets. Lift ticket prices pulled directly from each ski area’s website. Please check local COVID-19 guidelines before traveling to any of these resorts. We also highly recommend you purchase lift tickets online prior to traveling.*
Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort, WA
Holiday Lift Ticket Price: $45 (Saturday, Sunday), $77 (Monday)Â
Note: Mission Ridge is within a 4-hour drive from Seattle, and offers one of the cheapest lift tickets of any large ski resort in the country. No idea how they do it, but only $45 for an adult lift ticket on Saturday and Sunday of a holiday weekend is unbelievable.
Vertical: 2,250′
Terrain Open: 33/36 Trails
Nordic Valley, UT
Holiday Lift Ticket Price: $61 (Saturday), $49 (Sunday), $55 (Monday)
Note: There are plenty of “better” ski areas near Salt Lake City, but Nordic Valley is the perfect place to go with the family if you’re just looking to make turns at an affordable price. Their recent expansion has made the deal even sweeter.
Vertical: 1,700′
Terrain Open: 40/40 Trails Open
Magic Mountain, VT
Holiday Lift Ticket Price: $74
Note: Magic has struggled to open terrain due to warm temps and lack of natural snowfall, but don’t let that deter you. The mountain is currently offering top-to-bottom runs, and $74 per ticket is a steal for a holiday weekend, no matter the conditions.
Vertical: 1,500′
Terrain Open: 10 Trails Open
Whitefish Mountain Resort, MT
Holiday Lift Ticket Price: $89
Note: Whitefish does not jack up their prices on holidays. They charge $89 year-round for daily lift tickets. That’s an incredible deal in our book.
Vertical: 2,353′
Terrain Open: 106 Trails Open
Ski Cooper, CO
Holiday Lift Ticket Price: $90, ($80 if you purchase more than 48 hours in advance)
Note: For whatever reason, Ski Cooper is consistently overlooked by some of the ‘Epic’ ski resorts nearby. This is the perfect place to visit this weekend if you’re looking to avoid crowds, and not have to take a second mortgage out on your home to afford a day of skiing with your family.
Vertical: 1,200′
Terrain Open: 63/64 Trails Open
Featured Image Credit: Indy Pass Media Kit/Mission Ridge