When most skiers think of skiing in Utah, they likely think of big Utah ski resorts like Alta or Snowbird, two of the most well-renowned big-mountain skiing venues in North America. Or Park City, Utah’s home mountain, Park City Mountain Resort, and its skiers-only neighbor, Deer Valley.
The fact is that 10 world-class Utah ski resorts fall within a one-hour radius of Salt Lake City International Airport, with even more to explore if you travel outside the Wasatch Range. It’s known as the “Greatest Snow on Earth” for a reason. If you want to get a taste of some of Utah’s famous powder on a budget, then explore our list of a few more ski areas that offer the most affordable skiing in Utah.
The cheapest ski resorts in Utah
Brian Head
Utah isn’t just known for its incredible snowy peaks. Its vast desert landscapes and red rock canyons also draw a large crowd. Brian Head Resort is an incredible option for skiers hoping to experience all of what Utah has to offer. Located less than 100 miles from St. George Regional Airport and just 50 miles north of Zion National Park, Brian Head Resort plops visitors in the middle of Southern Utah’s unique landscapes. Brian Head has 8 chairlifts, 71 runs, and more than 650 skiable acres, and sells lift tickets for as low as $30, depending on the time of year and day of the week.
During peak season, from January to February, Brian Head’s weekday ticket prices hover around $35-$45, and weekend prices are anywhere from $50-$70 daily. Skiers and snowboarders who book their trip early and online can also receive special promotions that could lead to more savings. Day of lift ticket rates increase at the window.
Cherry Peak
Located just outside of Logan, Utah, Cherry Peak is the go-to resort for Utah Valley University students and locals living north of Salt Lake City looking to save money on gas and lift tickets. Adult day passes start at $48, with BOGO upgrades available if you purchase tickets for more than one day. Plus, if you’re planning on skiing with a teen or child, there are multiple options to save on adult and child day passes, all for less than $100. Discounted rates are available for half-day skiing and night skiing. Children under five ski/ride for free; student discounts are available with a valid school photo ID.
Powder Mountain
Powder Mountain is the best bang for your buck in Utah if you’re looking for endless terrain and fewer crowds. It has similar daily ticket prices as Snowbasin, Solitude, and Sundance ($139 a day), but riders are guaranteed fewer crowds. Powder Mountain is one of the few big players in Utah not yet on the Ikon Pass or Epic Pass, and they cap how many season passes they sell each year. Less wait time for a lift means more time to ski.
Nordic Valley
Nordic Valley is a skier’s most affordable option around Eden, Utah. Equipped with 5 lifts, a 6-chair high speed, and 500 skiable acres, Nordic Valley lift ticket prices can be as low as $20. Night skiing tickets are as low as $9 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. All ticket prices change based on demand. Lower priced tickets mean the mountain will be less busy. During peak season, you can find a ticket on a weekday from anywhere between $17 to $40, with the highest price being $67 during holidays. Purchase tickets as low as $19 if you visit the resort on an off-peak weekday.
Beaver Mountain
Nestled close to the southern border of Idaho, north of Logan, Utah, is Beaver Mountain, another incredibly affordable option for budget-bending powder hounds. Online day tickets are available at Beaver Mountain for as low as $70 for a full day and $55 for a half day (with the option to ski in the morning or the afternoon). But unlike most Utah resorts, online tickets tend to cost a little more since day tickets are managed manually by this family-owned ski resort; online sales take extra time to process. Skiers and riders who can stop by the resort’s office in Logan, Utah, or purchase tickets directly at the mountain ticket office, will save money.
Brighton Resort
At the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Brighton Resort is one of the big four ski resorts, considered one of Utah’s best ski resorts, and nestled in the Wasatch Mountains right above Salt Lake Valley. And unlike its neighbors, Brighton has decent prices when you book 7-hour lift tickets online. Brighton Resort is one of the few resorts in Utah that offers night skiing, so instead of selling half-day tickets, they provide the option for a 7-hour ticket, valid during ANY 7 hours of operation (including evenings). The clock starts ticking when you first scan a ticket, and it can cost as low as $104 when you buy online ahead of time.
Or, stick to night skiing and ride some of the best runs in Utah under the lights at discounted prices. Brighton also allows skiers to purchase ticket bundles if they know they’ll spend their time there for two or three days consecutively. Kids 10 and under can ski and ride free with a pass-holding/paying adult.
Woodward Park City
Woodward Park City is an affordable option for skiers and snowboarders more interested in taking hot laps around the park than exploring big terrain off-piste. All-day lift tickets range from $40-$70 throughout the season and give riders unlimited access to Woodward Park City’s Hot Laps Lift, the Gateway Conveyor, and the beginner park. Riders also have the option to ‘ski under the stars’ with a Twilight lift ticket that offers the opportunity to ski or board from 4-7 p.m. for $40 or less. Woodward offers multiple terrain parks and an indoor trampoline for those looking to perfect their skills before taking them to the mountain. The outdoor tube park is a solid option for tired families and kiddos looking to have some fun and take a break from riding features.
FAQs
Where is the most affordable Utah ski resort?
The most affordable Utah ski resort is Nordic Valley, located in Eden, Utah, about 25 minutes outside Ogden. For skiers looking to get a taste of multiple ski resorts in Utah, save some money, and avoid large crowds, calling Ogden or Eden your home base during a ski trip isn’t a bad idea. Not only is a Nordic Valley lift ticket under $100 an option, but another listed ski resort with tremendous value, Powder Mountain, is just down the road. Snowbasin is also an option for skiers and riders in the area. You’ll have to pay more to ski these two resorts, but you’ll most definitely get a taste of the terrain, snow, and views that Utah is known for. Bonus – Ogden is less than 45 minutes north of Salt Lake City International Airport.
For visitors hoping to get a taste of as many Utah resorts as possible, check out Ski Utah’s Yeti Pass, which allows riders to spend one day at all 15 resorts in Utah for only $719. That comes out to less than $50 dollars per resort.
Follow the above Utah ski resorts on social media, as well as Ski Utah, and subscribe to their newsletters for Utah ski deals.
How do you ski in Utah on a budget?
Buying discount lift tickets online is typically the best way to save if you don’t have a season pass. What’s more, online lift ticket prices are the cheapest mid-week, which can save a lot of money over weekend lift tickets. If you’re on a family ski trip, check their website, as kids ski free at some resorts.
If you plan on skiing even just a few days during the season, then look into a season pass when they go on sale during the spring. For those skiers and riders who primarily ski in the Southwest, the Power Pass is a great option, since it’s primarily comprised of Southwest ski areas, including Brian Head. The Power Kids Pass offers free skiing for all kids 12 and younger.
How do you find lodging deals in Utah?
Save on lodging by staying at a bed and breakfast or vacation rental, many of which are typically only a few minutes from ski resorts. Pack a lunch for the day, as ski resort food and drinks can add up. Finally, shop locally or rent gear. If you’re without gear and on a budget, you’ll want to avoid the ski shops at base areas and look for other bargains nearby for renting your ski gear.
Check online websites of hotels and lodges with ski vacation packages. Like above, Utah ski resorts will often post special offers on social media and send them to newsletter subscribers. Head to OnTheSnow’s Utah lodging page to see the latest lodging deals.
And with that, it’s time to pack your bags and discover the joys of skiing in Utah without breaking the bank. After your Utah ski trip, leave a resort review and help other travelers plan their Utah ski vacation.
Header image: ©Powder Mountain
February 15, 2024
