Skiing on a budget is easier said than done. Once you add up the cost of gear, lodging, and lift tickets, a day on the mountain can add up quickly. However, there are many New England ski resorts that make it easy to ski and ride affordably. You can even find lift tickets for less than $50 at some ski areas. So keep reading as we highlight some of the most affordable New England ski areas.
The Most Affordable Ski Resorts in New England
Burke Mountain, Vermont
Located way up in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, Burke Mountain boasts 270 acres of terrain, 2,011 feet of vertical, and 50 trails. This classic Vermont ski resort is known for being a snowy hidden gem with steep trails and tons of glades, while it’s home to a world-class ski racing academy, Burke Mountain Academy. An adult day ticket at Burke Mountain is $89, while discounted lift tickets are available for college students, military, kids, and seniors. Full rental equipment is $60. Burke’s Wicked Wednesdays come with a buy one, get two free offer, in which you and 2 friends can all ski for $45. Vermont residents also get a discount on lift tickets with valid proof of residency.
» Check out lodging options at Burke Mountain
Magic Mountain, Vermont
Magic Mountain, located in the Southern Vermont town of Londonderry, features a respectable 1,500 feet of vertical, and has 39 trails served by 5 lifts. Its ski runs are a solid mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails, so everyone in the family can find something to enjoy. Magic Mountain’s legendary red chair, built in 1971, and its “No Wind Holds” motto, contributes to the mountain’s old school New England skiing vibe. The window day ticket for adults is $89, with discounts for military, police, firefighters, seniors, and youth. Londonderry is full of restaurants and bars, making après-ski here just as fun as your day on the hill.
» Check out lodging options at Magic Mountain.
Berkshire East, Massachusetts
Berkshire East, a family-run resort located in Western Massachusetts’ Berkshire Mountains, is a popular vacation spot for families and Boston city dwellers. It has 100 runs spread across 180 skiable acres, offering a wide variety of trails for skiers and riders to play on. OnTheSnow users rate it the no. 1 small ski area in Massachusetts. Weekday adult tickets go for $40, with weekend tickets running anywhere from $60-$90, depending on the day. Half-day, night skiing, and junior tickets are also available, while a full rental package runs around $55. Also of note, Berkshire East is the only ski area in the world to generate 100% of its electricity from on-site renewable energy, powered by a 500kWh solar facility and a 900kWh wind turbine.
» Check out lodging options at Berkshire East
Yawgoo Valley, Rhode Island
Yawgoo Valley holds the title of being the only ski area in Rhode Island. Located in Exeter, the humble ski area is about 90 minutes from Boston, and offers skiers and riders 12 trails and 36 acres of terrain. Yawgoo Valley also has lighted night skiing and lesson packages. Lift ticket prices vary depending on when you plan to ski, but they’re generally below $60. Weekday evening tickets are around $45. A full-day ticket on Fridays is $33 and weekend/holiday prices range from $36 to $45. Yawgoo also has a flat $30 full-day rental fee, and offers military, senior, and child discounts on lift tickets. Ticket purchases are also slightly discounted if you buy them online ahead of time.
» Check out lodging options at Yawgoo Valley
King Pine, New Hampshire
King Pine Resort, in the White Mountain National Forest of New Hampshire, is a nice affordable option for chill East Coast skiing. It’s part of Purity Spring Resort, in East Madison, and a good choice for beginners, intermediates, and progressing skiers. The family-friendly environment is perfect for kids getting on skis for the first time, while there’s still enough to keep adults entertained.
Full-day adult pass price for weekends and holidays are $79, which drops down to $53 during the week. Half-day weekend prices are $63, while weekdays are $45. After 3:30 pm the mountain offers night skiing with tickets priced around $30. King Pine also offers packages for groups who plan on skiing multiple days. Make a weekend of it by staying at Purity Spring Resort, where rooms start at $113 per night.
» Check out lodging options at King Pine.
Dartmouth Skiway, New Hampshire
Dartmouth Skiway, which isn’t just a ski area for Ivy League students, is a nice introduction to skiing in New Hampshire. Guests will find reasonable prices and relatively low crowds over its 30 trails and 107 acres of skiable terrain. Located in Lyme, New Hampshire, about 20 minutes away from Dartmouth College, Dartmouth Skiway is known for producing ski racers. Nearly 100 U.S. ski team members over the years have learned to ski and race here.
Weekday tickets are priced at $35 for adults, with discounts available for teens, seniors, children, and military. Weekend tickets are $60 for adults, while Dartmouth students and faculty are offered a discount with proof of enrollment. Uphill passes, night skiing, and half-day tickets are also available.
Cannon Mountain, New Hampshire
Rated by OnTheSnow users as the no. 2 small ski area in New Hampshire, Cannon Mountain is known for its technical terrain and strong community vibe. In fact Cannon Mountain has New Hampshire’s highest ski area summit, at 4,080′, and most vertical drop, with 2,180 feet of vert. Beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers will all find a lot to play on over 285 skiable acres. The base of the mountain is home to the New England Ski Museum and the iconic aerial tram, which provides access to the mountain’s wide range of terrain.
Adult tickets are $96 if you buy ahead online and $111 at the window. Teens can ski for $83 online and $98 at the window. A rental package for everything runs for $54, while there are discounts available for military, juniors, seniors, half-day tickets, and beginner-only access. Every Wednesday New Hampshire residents can ski for $45 with valid proof of residency.
Mohawk Ski Mountain, Connecticut
Don’t overlook skiing in Connecticut. Mohawk Mountain, in Cornwall, Connecticut, is ideal for beginners and progressing intermediate skiers. A longtime staple of the East Coast skiing scene, opening in 1947, it has 650 feet of vertical, 8 lifts, and 26 trails spread across 112 acres of ski terrain. Mohawk Ski Mountain’s window price for a day ticket is $42 mid-week, and only $77 on weekends and holidays. For a few quick laps close to home or a family day trip, Mohawk offers something for everyone at a price that’s just right.
» Check out lodging options at Mohawk Mountain.
Big Moose Mountain, Maine
Big Moose Mountain (formerly Big Squaw) is run by the Friends of the Mountain non-profit, which was created to breathe new life into the classic mountain. Currently, the resort has a single lift that serves 27 trails overlooking the beautiful Moosehead Lake. The resort itself still has an old-school feel, with not much changing since the 1960s. Locals strive to preserve the traditions of the mountains and keep it an affordable spot for families. Tickets are $40 for adults and $35 for students, while young kids and seniors ski for free. Full rental packages are $30.
A ski trip can, no doubt, cost you a pretty penny, but exploring these affordable resort options helps ease the blow and keep the sport more accessible. If you’re traveling outside New England and looking to save money check out our top picks for the most affordable resorts across the U.S.
Header image: ©Cannon Mountain
February 15, 2024
