Ski the Northeast on a Budget: These Are the Best Cheap Ski Resorts Under $50
If you’re like me and don’t want to make skiing a whole ordeal, these affordable spots are perfect for a quick, stress-free day on the slopes.
When I first started skiing a few years ago, I fell down an internet rabbit hole (as I often do) and sensed there was a "right" way to do it: Leave the house by 7 a.m., hit the slopes the moment the lifts open, and ski until close to squeeze every dollar out of your season pass or that $150+ lift ticket. Not everyone does that, of course. But that’s sort of the overarching vibe on online forums and social media dedicated to snow sports.
Following a recent trip to Belleayre Mountain in the Catskills, I realized it didn’t have to be that way. That same internet deep dive had convinced me to drive 90+ minutes each way and pay more than I'd like, all for the chance to find the perfect terrain for me (lots of long, green trails that were great BTW).
However, I’m not sure it was worth the money and extra time in the car, at least for where I’m at right now. I don’t need the perfect ski resort. What I really need is something that’s close, affordable, and where I can get plenty of practice without feeling guilty about heading home after three hours.
It’s taken me three ski seasons to realize I don't have the stamina (yes, I mean physical stamina, but also emotional and mental) for full-day ski marathons. I'm all for spending a couple of hours on the slopes, mostly to get outside, enjoy nature, and keep my mood up during winter. After that, I'm ready to trade in my skis for a comfy chair and draft beer.
Besides, if I regularly ski while exhausted, I could end up with a broken leg. That would definitely hinder my progress. Plus, I can afford to take a more relaxed approach with so many East Coast ski resorts just a short drive from where I live. I might as well take advantage of it.
For now, I've found that Butternut in Western Massachusetts fits the bill. While working on this piece for AAA Northeast, I also stumbled on several other regional ski areas that offer similar value. So, if you're looking for budget-friendly places to ski, here's a list of locations where you can hit the slopes for under $50 (as of February 2025).
Check out These Affordable Ski Resorts in the Northeast
Connecticut
Known as the birthplace of modern snowmaking, you can explore 25 trails across 107 acres, and lift tickets available during the week for just $45.
This ski area has 14 trails, a terrain park, and illuminated slopes at night. Best of all, tickets are only $45 during mid-week and at night.
Maine
Since 2013, the nonprofit organization Friends of the Mountain has been working to restore this ski area to its former glory by investing in snowmaking, lift repairs, and getting more skiers back on the slopes. Tickets are a steal at $40 (and just $10 for the beginner lift).
You can snag $39 lift tickets daily through a partnership with LL Bean; Maine residents pay $19.60 on Thursdays (except during vacation weeks). And it’s nice that those still practicing with the magic carpet area only need to pay $10.
Massachusetts
Just east of North Adams along the Mohawk Trail, Berkshire East was one of the first mountains I visited. It’s also the only ski area in the world that generates 100% of its electricity on-site, thanks to a 500 kWh solar facility and a 900 kWh wind turbine. Midweek lift tickets start at $44.79 if you book early, and night skiing runs Wednesday through Saturday, with prices starting at just $28.99.
Located just outside Pittsfield, Bousquet has been in operation since 1932, which makes it the Berkshires’ oldest continuously operating ski area. A recent renovation brought improved snowmaking, a modern lodge, and night skiing. Weekday lift tickets are $40 for four hours or $45 for a full day, while those sticking to the beginner carpet lift pay just $29. Twilight tickets (3 p.m. to close, Monday through Saturday) range from $46 to $48.
This Berkshires mountain has become my go-to lately. Thanks to a partnership with LLBean, Butternut offers $25 tickets on Fridays. However, I've been thinking about hitting it up mid-week for just $40 to avoid the crowds. It's not overcrowded by any means, but I'm a scaredy-cat (I'm terrified of crashing into someone).
New Hampshire
Whaleback Mountain is a community-focused ski area run by a nonprofit that aims to keep snow sports accessible to all. Weekend lift tickets at just $50 (and a half-day pass for $40). Midweek all-day tickets are just $40.
This laid-back ski area in Lyme, owned and operated by Dartmouth College, promises "a classic, unpretentious New England skiing experience." Daily lift tickets are just $35, and twilight tickets are available for $30.
Prices fluctuate at this ski area straddling the border of New York and Massachusetts in the Taconic Mountains, but I spotted some weekday full-day tickets for as low as $37. Carpet lift tickets stay steady at $40, midweek four-hour flex tickets run $46, and night skiing—3 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays—is just $32.
Central New York's largest ski resort, in the Finger Lakes region, has welcomed skiers since 1958. It's just a 30-minute drive from Ithaca and has 45 trails to explore. Plus, full-day lift tickets are only $48 every Tuesday.
I have to give a shout-out to the hill where I took weekly lessons for two seasons. Since 1963, Maple Ski Ridge has been a family-owned business in Schenectady in the Capital District. Full-day lift tickets are just $50 on weekends, and you can grab a 4-hour ticket for $40 on weekends too. For a later start, tickets from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday are only $37. Or you can ski for just $25 from 4 to 6 p.m. on weekends or from 6 to 8 p.m. on weekdays.
I'm a little embarrassed to admit I haven't explored this spot, which is only a short drive from Saratoga Springs and right off the Northway (I-87). Tickets are affordable, too—grab a 2-hour pass on weekdays for $40 or a 4-hour pass for just $49 if you book in advance.
Vermont
This ski area's proximity to Burlington makes it a convenient choice. It also has lots of affordable lift ticket options, including night-only tickets from Tuesday to Saturday (4 to 10 p.m.) starting at $29 and non-peak Monday tickets for $49. Other options include Mighty Mite Only (rope tow) tickets for $20 and One Ride Lift Tickets for $20.
This legendary spot in the Mad River Valley, one of the few skiing cooperatives out there, stays true to classic New England skiing with natural snow, minimal grooming, and one of only two single chairlifts left in the country. Known for its "Ski It If You Can" tagline, this spot doesn't allow snowboarding. I, for one, can't ski it (though I did camp out in the ski patrol hut while hiking the Long Trail one summer). However, you are welcome to grab a ticket for $39 to ski from 2 p.m. to close during the week on non-holidays.
Middlebury College, which stills owns and operates this ski area, cut these trails back in 1934. It’s located just 20 minutes from town. Half-day tickets (1 to 4 p.m.) are just $45 during non-peak periods, and night skiing (4 to 9 p.m.) is only $35 on non-peak days and $45 during peak.
While the early-season deal for two unrestricted lift tickets at $99 for Lincoln Peak and Mt. Elle is no longer available, you can still find solid value with Mt. Ellen-only tickets starting at $49. These tickets give you access to 39 trails, 11 wooded areas, and seven lifts, available Monday through Friday (non-holiday), depending on demand.
What I’m up to
After basking in the perfect Texas weather that hit 80 degrees on some days, adjusting back to the frozen tundra that is winter in upstate New York has been tough. I only made it to Austin for a few hours, so if any old friends are reading this, I'd love to catch up next time! I hope to return there within the next year (maybe even sooner).
What I’ve written recently
AAA Northeast, Best Ski Resorts for Beginners in the Northeast
Hone Health, Struggling with Anxiety During Menopause? HRT Might Help
AFAR, Journeys Itineraries for Aruba: Romance, Food, Family, and Wellness
Hone Health, New Studies Say Mitochondria May Be Key to Healthy Aging—Here’s How
Hone Health, Does Creatine Cause ED?
Hone Health, The Emotional Symptoms of Perimenopause Are Real
AAA Northeast, Where to Go Whitewater Rafting in the Northeast
Wine Enthusiast, What’s the Difference Between Wine Grapes and Table Grapes?
Matador Network, A Sustainable Travel Guide to Vermont’s Legendary Green Scene
Wine Enthusiast, The Best Wineries (and More) to Visit in Maryland Right Now
Matador Network, 4 Vermont Road Trips Perfect for Your EV
How to work with me
Travel enthusiasts: Subscribe to this newsletter to get tips about my favorite destinations in the Northeast U.S. delivered to your inbox.
Editors at consumer and industry publications: Check out my portfolio to see a selection of articles (covering travel, food, health, and wellness) I’ve written for over 40 different outlets.
Branded content editors: Discover how I’ve partnered with 20+ brands to create engaging sponsored articles, blog posts, email newsletters, social copy, and more.
Marketing pros at lifestyle brands: I can assist with your marketing efforts by creating articles, blog posts, email newsletters, travel itineraries, web copy, and social media copy tailored to your brand. I also offer editing services.
This is a public service!!!