8 Affordable Places to Ski in Colorado

Colorado is known for its world-class skiing and its status as a top vacation destination, but you don’t need to break the bank to hit the slopes. Lesser-known ski area gems have small-town charm, fewer crowds and wallet-friendly prices. Whether you love steep runs, gliding through glades, or cruising groomers, these spots are great for families, powder seekers and all skill levels. All these affordable ski resorts offer daily lift tickets under $100, and some are even under $50. Here’s how to enjoy eight affordable Colorado ski destinations on and off the slopes.

Jennifer Broome

Close to Grand Lake, which is the west entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, Granby Ranch is an affordable family-friendly ski resort. With 47 trails and 500+ skiable acres, Granby Ranch’s East Mountain caters to beginners and intermediates, while West Mountain has more challenging runs for more advanced skiers and riders. Enjoy the slopes after dark on one of their guided night ski tours. Take a break from downhill skiing and try cross-country skiing, fat biking, or snowshoeing. Go on a guided snowshoe tour to learn about the local history and landscape. Relax and enjoy views during a scenic snowcat tour.

Winter adventures in Grand County, Colorado, extend far beyond the slopes of Granby Ranch. Explore a picturesque valley on cross-country skis or unwind with a luxurious spa treatment and après-ski dining at the Ranch House Restaurant and Saloon at nearby Devil’s Thumb Ranch. For more Nordic fun, head to Snow Mountain Ranch, where you can ski, fat bike or snowshoe your way to the historic Rowley Homestead.

History buffs will appreciate the Pioneer Village Museum, housed in the original 1924 Hot Sulphur Schoolhouse, before soaking in the soothing mineral pools of Hot Sulphur Springs Resort and Spa, a tradition dating back to the 1840s. Take to the skies with Grand Adventures Balloon Tours for a breathtaking sunrise over Fraser Valley, or dash through the snow with Redemption Dog Sled Tours.

Prefer a more grounded experience? Saddle up for a winter trail ride with Rocky Mountain Stables or cozy up under a blanket on a magical sleigh ride. Thrill-seekers can ride the Continental Divide on a snowmobile with Grand Adventures, while nature enthusiasts can join a ranger-led snowshoe tour in the serene Kawuneeche Valley of Rocky Mountain National Park, which also boasts exceptional cross-country skiing opportunities.

For a unique winter experience, try ice fishing on Grand Lake, Colorado’s largest and deepest natural lake.

Jennifer Broome

Owned by the City of Steamboat Springs, Howelsen Hill Ski Area is rich in skiing history. Open since 1915, it’s the oldest continuously operating ski facility in North America. 

Founded by Norwegian immigrant and ski jumper Carl Howelsen, it was the site of Steamboat’s second winter carnival kicking off its ski jumping legacy. Howelsen Hill is home to North America’s largest natural ski jumping complex, where over 100 Olympians have trained. Plus, it’s within walking distance from downtown Steamboat Springs. On Ski Free Sundays, grab a free ticket to hit the slopes or Nordic trails where you can cross-country, fat bike or snowshoe. Howelsen Hill also offers tubing or sledding for even more family fun. 

Experience the magic of winter in the Yampa Valley with unforgettable adventures. Begin your day soaring above the snow-covered landscape on a sunrise ride with Wild West Balloon Adventures. For a more grounded thrill, saddle up for a winter trail ride through a snowy wonderland at Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch.

Nature lovers won’t want to miss the short but steep hike to Fish Creek Falls, where you’ll be rewarded with the sight of a stunning 280-foot frozen waterfall. Adrenaline seekers can get their fix snow tubing or snowmobiling at Saddleback Ranch.

After a day of excitement, unwind in the therapeutic waters of Old Town Hot Springs, or take a shuttle to the serene Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs for a more secluded and tranquil soaking experience.

Jennifer Broome

Ski Cooper’s laid-back vibe and stunning views of Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, two of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks make it a hidden gem for families and powder enthusiasts. At 14,438 feet and dubbed “Rooftop of the Rockies,” Mount Elbert is Colorado’s tallest mountain and second-highest peak in the contiguous United States. Known for short lift lines and long runs, the small ski area near Leadville is the highest unincorporated city in the United States.

Beyond skiing, Leadville is a winter playground steeped in mining history. I recommend snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at Tennessee Pass Nordic Center. For an off-the-grid experience, spend the night in one of their solar-powered yurts perfect for winter stargazing. Soak in an idyllic backcountry setting while skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking to lunch or dinner at the historic Tennessee Pass Cookhouse. Glide along the 11.6-mile Mineral Belt Trail looping around Leadville’s historic mining district while soaking in breathtaking views.

Thrill-seekers can mush a dog sled or explore scenic backcountry trails on a snowmobile with Alpine Adventures. For a truly unique experience, hop aboard the Leadville Railroad Winter Express, departing from a station at an impressive elevation of 10,151 feet.

History enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum or stepping back in time with a tour of the Healy House and Dexter Cabin, which offer fascinating insights into Leadville’s rich mining heritage. For a mix of history and adventure, snowshoe or cross-country ski to Mayflower Gulch, where you’ll find the remnants of a late 1800s mining settlement set against the dramatic backdrop of a natural amphitheater.

Jennifer Broome

Founded in 1939, Monarch Mountain is 20 miles from Salida and 40 miles from Buena Vista. With 350 inches of snow annually, Monarch Mountain is a prime spot for cat skiing in off-piste terrain zipping down steep chutes, wide open bowls and some of Colorado’s best tree skiing. Best of all, it's a very affordable ski resort in Colorado. Mirkwood Basin is a haven for double-black diamond enthusiasts, while two terrain parks cater to novice and intermediate skiers and riders. If you like to earn your turns or want to ski at sunrise, Monarch offers uphill permits. When you’re done skiing or riding for the day, Monarch Tubing Park is perfect for family fun.

Soak where you stay and book a room or cabin at historic Mt. Princeton Hot Springs to enjoy the natural geothermal hot springs near Salida, an 1880s railroad town on the banks of the Arkansas River. Or, book a room at Palace Hotel, originally a boarding house when it opened in 1909, if you’d rather stay in town. Salida and nearby Buena Vista are in Colorado’s “banana belt” so you can ski or ride in the morning and hike snow-free trails in the afternoon.

If you’re spring skiing in March or April, experience Colorado’s largest aerial park at Captain Zipline. Enjoy fat biking on Cottonwood Pass, which is closed to cars in winter or go for a guided snowshoe, cross country skiing, skiing, or splitboarding tour with Buena Vista Mountain Adventure. I also recommended sampling local wine, spirits, and beer at Vino Salida, Wood’s High Mountain Distillery, and Elevation Beer Company.

Jennifer Broome

Head to western Colorado for a ski experience surrounded by a desert landscape without breaking the bank. 

Less than 50 minutes from Grand Junction, Powderhorn Mountain Resort sits on the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain. Known for tree skiing and a plethora of intermediate runs, Powderhorn offers a unique skiing experience surrounded by a high-desert landscape. You can also explore Grand Mesa’s snowy terrain snowmobiling, snowshoeing, fat biking or cross-country skiing. With over 300 lakes, it's outstanding for ice fishing. For oodles of family fun, go sledding at Old Mesa Ski Hill, or Old Powderhorn as the locals call it.

After a morning on the slopes, spend the afternoon wine tasting and visiting some of the more than 25 wineries in the Grand Valley. Let JR’s Carriage whisk you away on a horse-drawn wine tour for a unique tasting experience in Palisade. Get dusty in the desert mountain biking the Lunch Loops Trail, UTVing with Adrenaline Driven Adventures or hiking in Red Rock Canyon near Grand Junction. Stroll through downtown Grand Junction admiring some of the over 115 sculptures and mural as you pop in and out of galleries, boutiques, and shops. Marvel at the sheer-walled red rock canyons filled with towering monoliths in Colorado National Monument. Views from historic 23-mile Rim Rock Drive are out of this world along one of the most spectacular drives in America.         

Jennifer Broome

Just 30 minutes north of Durango, Purgatory Resort has big resort amenities and is one of the best affordable ski resorts in Colorado. It has a laid-back atmosphere and family-friendly vibe with short lines in the stunning San Juan Mountains. Purgatory has some of the best snowcat skiing in the state. Take a thrilling ride on the Inferno Mountain Coaster or zoom down their tubing hill. Swap your skis for snowshoes to go on a guided tour at 10,500 feet. If you’re an early bird, get on the slopes first with a First Tracks Brunch.

Take a break for the slopes and explore Molas Pass or Haviland Lake on snowshoes, cross-country ski at Durango Nordic Center or join a guided snowmobile tour with Snowmobile Adventures. Mush a dog sled at Durango Dog Ranch, enjoy at scenic sleigh ride at Bears Ranch, or cast a line ice fishing at Vallecito Lake. After your day of skiing, soak in the therapeutic waters at Durango Hot Springs Resort and Spa then sample craft brews or spirits in Durango’s vibrant downtown. You can stay slopside at Purgatory or book a historic room at Strater Hotel built in 1887 or Rochester Hotel built in 1892. Embark on a magical winter journey aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, where stunning scenery meets nostalgic charm. Just an hour away from Purgatory, discover the serene beauty of Mesa Verde National Park. In the quieter winter months, explore archaeological wonders like Cliff Palace, North America’s largest cliff dwelling, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

Jennifer Broome

Nestled along the Colorado River between Vail and Aspen, Glenwood Springs has a mix of skiing, soaking and adventure. Just 25 minutes from downtown, Sunlight Mountain Resort caters to intermediate-level skiers and riders.

Glenwood Springs has a trio of geothermal experiences. Iron Mountain Hot Springs and Sunlight’s ski-and-soak package includes a day on the slopes followed by a 3-hour soak. Because of the unique ecosystems, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Holly Cave and Glenwood Caverns are a National Natural Landmark. Iron Mountain has 25 pools including the adult-only WorldSprings, inspired by geothermal experiences like Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. Stay where you soak at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, home to the world’s largest mineral pool and soak in their new Yampah Mineral Pools. Open since 1888, it’s one of the oldest tourist attractions in the state. Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves are the only known natural vapor caves in North America. Ride the gondola up to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, North America’s only mountaintop theme park, where you ride the Alpine Coaster and explore the underground wonderment of Glenwood Caverns. The historic Fairy Cave Tour is a 40-minute guided walking tour perfect for exploring Colorado’s largest show cave. Strap on snowshoes or traction devices for a winter hike to Hanging Lake. While bustling in summer, the serene winter setting lets you enjoy the travertine lake in peaceful solitude. A hiking permit is required year-round.

Step back in time at the historic Hotel Colorado, built in 1893 and once host to guests like President Theodore Roosevelt and Titanic survivor “Unsinkable” Molly Brown. Discover the teddy bear's origins during your stay. For a unique journey, ride Amtrak’s California Zephyr from Denver Union Station to Glenwood Springs, taking in breathtaking views of Colorado’s snow-covered Rockies and Glenwood Canyon.

Jennifer Broome

Situated on the Continental Divide in the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado, Wolf Creek Ski Area is known for its deep snow and hike-to terrain. Established in 1939, this ski area on a high mountain pass gets “the most snow in Colorado” with an annual snowfall of 430 inches. Head to the Alberta Park Area if you’re a cross-country skier, skate skier or snowshoer for free access to over six miles of trails. This family-owned and operated ski area is less than 30 minutes from Pagosa Springs, one of Colorado’s premier hot springs destinations. Stay where you soak at The Springs Resort and Spa. They have 25 therapeutic pools, fed by the mineral-rich Mother Spring, certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring at 1,002 feet deep.

Just off Highway 160, marvel at ice climbers scaling the 105-foot Treasure Falls. Drive a team of huskies with Mountain Paws Dog Sled Tours or explore the backcountry with Snow Country Snowmobile Tours. Soar over Pagosa Springs on a sunrise flight with Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures. For a scenic outing, hike Ice Cave Ridge along the Piedra River to discover snow- and ice-filled fissures year-round. For a tranquil escape, stroll the San Juan Riverwalk and soak in the serene beauty of the Riverwalk Wetlands, especially at sunrise or during the golden glow of late afternoon.

For even smaller options, try the tiny Lake City Ski Hill, the newly re-opened Cuchara Mountain Park or Echo Mountain in Idaho Springs. If you’re a newbie to skiing or riding, taking lessons is the best way to set you up for tons of fun on the slopes.