10 Cheapest Colorado Ski Resorts for Families

This post and lift tickets prices were updated as best possible as of late 2023. This post contains affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

Families Choose These Cheap Places to Ski Colorado

Cheap Colorado ski resorts offer affordable family fun. Find out where they are located here!

Whether you are driving in from out-of-state, or just planning on skiing a few days this winter, don’t overlook these fabulous cheaper ski resorts, ideal for families learning to ski.

With average prices for adult lift tickets at bigger ski resorts like Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Winter Park, and Keystone hovering around $119-$229 per day (a smidge cheaper with multi-day passes), families on a budget are wise to consider nearby smaller resorts where the skiing is just as good and you won’t lose each other on the mountain.

But first, be advised on the best way to get the best price on lift tickets. Please note that adult, teen, junior, and/or child prices are available with age delineations differing at each ski resort.

Tips for buying Cheap ski lift tickets for any ski resort:

• Buy your lift tickets online in advance to get the lowest price guarantee.

• Booking online not only saves you money, you’ll skip the lines at the ticket window at the ski resort!

• Skiing 3 or more days on the same mountain? Save money by buying a multi-day pass instead.

• Purchase 7+days in advance for the biggest savings.

• Keep in mind, some resorts offer teen/youth prices, and/or child lift ticket prices. Senior discounts are amazing, so bring Grandma and Grandpa along too!

• Currently active duty in a branch of the military? Fantastic discounts for you and your family.

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10 Affordable Colorado Ski Resorts

The cheapest way to enjoy skiing in Colorado is to stay at a cheap resort or book a vacation home near the mountain.

The places below often charge less for lodging and lift tickets, so you can save money on your vacation.

Ski lift tickets at these smaller places can cost about half the price of what you’ll spend at the big resorts, like Breck.

Monarch (Salida, CO)

Monarch Mountain is one of the cheapest Colorado ski resorts. It offers affordabel lodging nearby and cheap lift tickets too.

Great family skiing at nearly half the cost of the big ski resorts in Colorado. This family-friendly ski mountain is just up the road from Salida, Co, and about 30 minutes from my favorite little mountain town Buena Vista.

Remember there’s nothing better than a nice soak in a private hot tub after a long day of skiing or snowboarding. Plus, Mount Princeton Hot Springs is just around the corner.

Monarch lift tickets for adults can be as low as $64 with juniors less when you book online. There’s a tubing park too!

Arapahoe Basin (Dillon, CO)

Arapahoe Basin is a small mountain resort in Colorado and is known for a longer ski season than most ski resorts. A- Basin is often open until early June, and sometimes even early July — while most other ski areas close in early April.

With A-Basin Lift tickets reserved online for as low as $70 online for adults, you can experience fantastic skiing at low cost!

Nearby Frisco Adventure Park offers tubing and sledding. It's easy to get to, and also has a beginner's ski slope and sleigh rides!

Check out neighboring Loveland ski area down below too.

Crested Butte (Crested Butte, CO)

This sweet old mining town known for spectacular fall foliage, is also well known for family ski getaways.

While this somewhat cheaper ski resort in Colorado is known for its extreme skiing, beginners will also enjoy skiing at Crested Butte.

With one day lift tickets at Crested Butte as low as $103 online, you can’t go wrong.

Their number of well-groomed, easy terrain that's simple and safe to access is one Crested Butte’s top qualities.

Howelsen Hill (Steamboat Springs, CO)

North America’s oldest operating ski area, Howelsen Hill is run by the City of Steamboat Springs. Since 1915, it has sent more skiers to international competition than any other area in North America.

Howelsen Hill has the biggest and most complete natural ski jumping area in North America and has trained up nearly 90 Olympians. You might just bump into an Olympian while you’re there.

Colorado’s cheapest lift tickets around: adults pay only $47, youth at $34, and a child can be free!

Unlike the other ski resorts where it pays to buy online ahead of your ski dates, you’ll buy these lift tickets in person only.

During the season, tickets can be purchased at the concession stand, the Winter Sports Club office on the 2nd floor of the Howelsen Hill Lodge, and at the vending machine located inside the Fireplace Room on the first floor of the Howelsen Hill Lodge. 

For additional ticket information, call 970-879-8499

Silverton Mountain (Silverton, CO)

“Steep and deep!” Silverton Mountain in southwest Colorado is served by one ski lift and is meant for advanced or expert skiers only. So consider this a place to go with your adventurous, thrill-seeking teenagers who ski or snowboard.

Silverton Mountain Resort is one of the cheapest Colorado ski resorts for the advanced and adventurous skiers in your family.

Guided and unguided skiing available on ungroomed terrain. One day of unguided skiing will run you $99 in 2023. Obviously, guided skiing runs higher. Note: Unguided skiing runs roughly from mid March to mid April 14. More unguided information here.

Heli drops happen here too. That’s right! You can be dropped off by a helicopter for some of the most magnificent, ungroomed skiing in all of North America.

Hesperus Ski Area (Durango, CO)

Another southwest Colorado ski mountain not far from Silverton, this hill is just minutes from downtown Durango.

Hesperus Ski Area offers 26 trails on 60 skiable acres, with 150 inches of annual snowfall and is one of the cheapest ski resorts in all of Colorado.

Well known for night skiing and riding, Hesperus also allows SkiBikes, and offers tubing too.

Lift tickets at Hesperus ran about $48 per adult and $40 per youth. All kids 12 & under receive a FREE season pass valid.

Purgatory (Durango, CO)

Purgatory in Durango is an inexpensive ski resort with a variety of activities for children and plentdy of things to do for adults too.

Lodge at Purgatory Ski Resort and ski in and ski out to your heart’s content. Snatch cheap lift tickets online as cheap as $42 during the week.

At the ticket window, you’ll likely pay as much as double per person, so it pays to buy your ski lift tickets ahead of time online! Purgatory offers 99 trails, including 5 terrain parks, 88 trails and 12 lifts, including one six-person and one high speed quad lift.

Want a break from skiing? Take a ride on the Inferno Mountain Coaster! Alpine sliding in the winter? Sign me up! Purgatory also offers Snow Coaster Tubing Hill.

Granby Ranch (Granby, CO)

“Less driving, more skiing!” Just 90 minutes from Denver, this family-owned ski resort was created for all abilities and ages, but especially with families in mind.

The best part: all of the trails begin at the same point and end at one base. This easy layout helps families ski to their level and easily meet back at one location.

Children ages 0-5 ski FREE every day! Cross-country and snow-showing options available at Granby Ranch too.

Cooper (Leadville, CO)

Not to be confused with Copper Mountain, Cooper is found in the sweet little mountain town of Leadville sits above 10,000 feet, so Cooper Ski Resort offers some of the best elevated, affordable skiing in the Rockies.

With views of fourteeners, and within close proximity to Vail, Cooper manages to provide excellent family skiing without draining your wallet dry.

Here’s the deal: Purchases must be made at least 2 days in advance to receive a significant discount. Ski for as cheap as $65 when you book ahead; $95 if you buy lift tickets with less than two day. *Walk up / ticket window rates will be higher.

Let’s Talk.

Need help deciding or planning your next family vacation? Book a one hour consultation call with me. Ask me questions and gather tailored advice and next steps for putting together your next adventure.

Email Me to learn more

Loveland Ski Area (Dillon, CO)

Loveland Ski Area has everything from beginner slopes to expert terrain. It’s perfect for families looking for something cheap and easy.

Also not far from Denver and just 25 miles from Breckenridge, Loveland offers 10 lift chairs above 10,000'.

Just outside the town of Georgetown, Colorado before the Eisenhower Tunnel in the Arapahoe National Forest, this ski area offers cheap lift tickets too.

Buy your Loveland ski lift tickets online in advance for as little as $119 for adults. Window sales available too.

Angel Fire, New Mexico

While not in Colorado, Angel Fire is not far from the border and is worth a mention.

Skiers, snowboarders, cross country skiers, and snow tubers love Angel Fire Resort.

This ski resort’s 560 acres of terrain with rolling cruisers, tree runs, a terrain park, plus one of New Mexico’s top ski and snowboard schools.

Hit the slopes at night too!

Lift tickets at Angel Fire Resort run $115 for adults for one day, $100 / teens, $80 / juniors, and just $23 for a young child.

Don’t miss the epic tubing hill, a Nordic Center with over 7 miles of terrain, and a sledding hill perfect with elementary aged kids.

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Ski and Snowboarding Equipment Rental Tip

Ski and snowboard equipment rental tend to be much more expensive on the mountain or at the resort.

Instead, visit a local outfitter in the town closest to the ski resort for better prices on equipment rental.

Christy Sports Ski and Snowboard is also a trusted rental place in Colorado that we’ve used multiple times. Save money by reserving your ski and snowboard rentals online ahead of your ski days.

Don’t skimp on proper outerwear either. Stay warm and dry in bonafide 8 ski jackets fit for the slopes and outdoor winter adventure.

PRO TIP: Don’t forget to pack these road trip essentials for winter road trips this holiday season!

Looking for the ultimate ski road trip that covers more than Colorado? Spend two weeks snowboarding or skiing your way through Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico.

What to pack for a Ski vacation

• Ski or snowboard bibs or pants

• Waterproof mittens or heated gloves by Volt

• Ski goggles

• Long, warm socks made for winter sports

• 8V Heated Lava Boots from VOLT to wear before and after the slopes

• Helmet

• Head and neck gaiter for added warmth

• Sunscreen and lip balm

• Small 20 L backpack to carry water, snacks, and extra layers on the slopes

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