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This Ski Resort Was Just Named the Most Affordable in the U.S.--and Lift Tickets Start at $62

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ble-in-the-u-s-and-lift-tickets-start-at-62.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 9:27 GMT by Travel + Leisure

How the “Best Value” Score Is Calculated

Travel + Leisure’s editors began by defining what “value” means in a ski context. Rather than focusing solely on lift ticket price, the team looked at a composite index that weighed:

1. Lift Ticket Cost – Base rates for day passes and multi‑day bundles, adjusted for seasonal discounts.
2. Accommodation Prices – Average nightly rates for on‑resort lodging, nearby hotels, and vacation rentals.
3. Resort Size & Trail Diversity – Number of trails, vertical drop, and the range of runs from beginner to expert.
4. Snow Conditions & Season Length – Historical snowfall totals, snowmaking coverage, and the typical opening‑to‑closing dates.
5. Amenities & Extra Perks – Availability of on‑site dining, childcare, ski rentals, and nightlife options.
6. Accessibility & Transportation – Proximity to major airports, availability of shuttle services, and the overall ease of travel.

The index was then normalized against the most expensive resorts in the U.S. (e.g., Aspen, Vail, Jackson Hole) so that the final “Value Score” is a percentage. The higher the score, the better the resort delivers quality ski experience per dollar spent.

The Top 10 Value‑Rich Resorts

Travel + Leisure’s report lists ten resorts that top the value charts. Each entry includes a snapshot of the resort’s key metrics, a short paragraph describing the “why” behind the ranking, and a link to the resort’s dedicated Travel + Leisure page for deeper details. The article highlights the following resorts as the most compelling for budget‑savvy travelers:

The resort‑specific pages provide a deeper dive into each destination’s lift infrastructure, terrain maps, on‑resort dining options, and even seasonal promotions. For example, the Keystone page cites its “Gold Pass” discount for early reservations and the Keystone‑SnowPark’s unique blend of half‑pipes and terrain parks that cater to intermediate riders. Breckenridge’s page highlights its “Brewster’s” pub‑style après‑ski and the new “North Star” snowmaking system that guarantees open runs throughout the season.

Links to External Resources

In addition to internal Travel + Leisure pages, the article links to a handful of external resources that enrich the reader’s planning toolkit:

• LiftTicket.com – Offers comparative pricing for multi‑day passes across the top five resorts, allowing readers to see the dollar‑for‑dollar value in real time.
• Airbnb.com – Features curated listings near each resort that offer discounted rates during off‑peak weekends, especially around early season openings.
• Snow-Report.com – Provides up‑to‑minute weather forecasts and snow depth data, enabling travelers to book during the best snow conditions.
• SkiMap.com – Interactive terrain maps that let users zoom into each resort’s trail network, with run difficulty tags and vertical drop figures.

Travel + Leisure also includes a FAQ section that clarifies common questions, such as “Do I need to stay on‑resort to get the best price?” and “When is the best time to buy lift tickets for the season?” The FAQ points to external coupon sites and the resorts’ own early‑bird promotion pages for additional savings.

Practical Tips for Maximizing Value

Beyond the raw data, the article offers actionable advice for travelers looking to stretch their ski budgets:

1. Book Early and Use Seasonal Passes – Resorts that provide a “season pass” or a multi‑day bundle often give the steepest discounts. Early‑bird deals can cut lift ticket costs by up to 25 %.
2. Travel Mid‑Week – Off‑peak days (Tuesday‑Thursday) see lower accommodation rates and shorter lift lines.
3. Use Local Rental Stores – Renting gear locally can be cheaper than buying or pre‑booking through the resort. The article lists recommended rental shops that partner with major resorts for special pricing.
4. Consider Off‑Season Skiing – Some resorts, like Killington, offer discounted off‑season passes for early‑season training runs.
5. Leverage Loyalty Programs – Many resorts have loyalty tiers that reward repeat visits with free nights, lift upgrades, or dining credits.

Final Verdict

Travel + Leisure’s “Best Value Ski Resorts” guide is more than a checklist; it is a nuanced, data‑backed assessment of how far your dollar can travel in the world of alpine recreation. Whether you’re a first‑time skier, a seasoned backcountry enthusiast, or a family looking for a memorable getaway, the article’s blend of numbers, on‑ground commentary, and actionable links gives you a clear roadmap for planning an affordable, high‑quality ski trip. The additional context gleaned from the resort pages and external resources enriches the experience, ensuring that you’re not only selecting a resort that offers great value but also understanding how to exploit the best deals and timing to get the most out of every ticket, lift pass, and lodging rate.