Mission Ridge Ski Area Tops The List Of Affordable Ski Destinations.
Mission Ridge Ski Area
Without question, skiing is an expensive activity. Taking into account lift tickets, lodging, meals and airfare (if necessary), a family of four can easily spend up to $10,000 for a week-long ski vacation, according to Out There Colorado. Not exactly pocket change for most people.
Despite the daunting numbers, ski season continues to be one of the biggest and most exciting times for travel, according to Mike Pearce, HomeToGo spokesperson and travel expert. He says, “With our 2023 Ski Season Report, ski fanatics can easily find the most affordable destinations to hit the slopes without doing a financial wipeout. As the urge to travel internationally continues to rise, we’ve expanded this year’s report to also include the top destinations in Canada to inspire skiers interested in exploring new terrains.”
Ski vacations are as popular as ever.
Kimberley Ski Area
HomeToGo recently revealed the results of its annual Ski Season Report for 2023, ranking the top 50 ski destinations in North America based on traveler interest and affordability. After carving through heaps of research from ski destinations across the continent – including lift ticket and accommodation prices – HomeToGo uncovered this year’s most affordable and sought-after destinations for rookie riders and master mountaineers. The study also unveils a change in how skiers are planning to travel as they prepare for the year ahead – including booking longer stays, traveling with larger groups and venturing to international ski destinations.
Mission Ridge Ski Area in Washington tops the list as the most affordable ski area in North America with a total nightly price per person of $115, which includes lift ticket and accommodations. Kimberley Ski Area, British Columbia, ranks second at $124 per night, followed by: Kicking Horse, British Columbia ($129); Mount Hood Meadows, Oregon ($144); Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada ($147); Gore Mountain, New York ($150).
Breckenridge receives more searches than any other resort.
Breckenridge Ski Resort
The most popular ski resorts in North America as ranked by HomeToGo travel searches are: Breckenridge, Colorado ($314); Park City, Utah ($345); Vail, Colorado ($368); Whistler, British Columbia ($236); Keystone, Colorado ($246).
“We are thrilled that Breck is top of mind for travelers when considering a winter ski destination,” says Sara Lococo, senior communications manager for Breckenridge Ski Resort. “From skiing and riding the resort’s Five Peaks to our vibrant Main Street, there is always something new and exciting to experience here. We like to say that you don’t come to Breck to get away from it all, you come to be a part of it all, and we love welcoming guests to be a part of it all with us here in our Breck community.
2023 Ski Season Search Trends
Returning to the Great White North – The share of U.S. skiers searching for international accommodations is up by 10% compared to last year. Specifically, Americans’ searches for stays in Canada have increased by 15%, compared to last ski season. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia is particularly popular among U.S. ski enthusiasts searching for stays on HomeToGo.
Whistler Blackcomb is popular among U.S. skiers.
Eric Berger
A Whistler Blackcomb spokesperson says, “We are honored to see our beautiful mountains recognized and for our incredible team to be featured as they deliver an excellent guest experience.”
Longer Stays & More Ski Days – The average length of stay being searched by U.S. skiers has increased by 12% compared to last year. The average skier is looking for accommodations for 9+ days this season. Snowbird, Utah, for example, is attracting more long-term guests this season with the average searched duration of stay 23 days.
Bigger Chalets for their Ski Holidays – Ski fanatics are teaming up to travel together. The average group size traveling for ski trips this year is four to five people, which is up by 22% compared to last year. Among all the ski destinations in this year’s report, Deer Valley, Utah has the largest average group size at eight plus guests.
Additional Key Findings
Snowcapped Hidden Gem – Skiers who prefer the slopes less traveled will love this year’s hidden gem, Fernie, Alberta, which is the least searched ski destination on HomeToGo. Located in beautiful British Columbia in the Canadian Rockies, Fernie boasts more than 2,500 acres of snow-covered terrain, stunning scenery and unique, small-town charm.
Fernie boasts five massive bowls for powder hounds.
Fernie Alpine Resort
“Mother Nature did some of her finest handiwork when she created Fernie Alpine Resort,” says Fernie spokesperson Matt Mosteller. “Few places have five massive snow-filled bowls, dream worthy, Rocky Mountain skyscrapers and more than enough vertical to satisfy any hardcore powder hound. If Fernie was in the USA it would be in a National Park. Few ski towns are completely wedged in by towering peaks, and no ski area has a massive Rocky Mountain headwall looming above the ski lifts that provides incredible eye candy for locals and visitors.”
Most Mountain for Your Money – When considering the cost of a lift ticket and total length of slopes, destinations in British Columbia offer the most mountain for travelers’ money. Skiers can enjoy budget-friendly skiing in Whistler at $1.15 per mile, followed by Fernie at $1.20 per mile.
Leading with Luxury – Travelers seeking snow-filled luxury can head to the Rocky Mountains to visit the top five most luxurious ski destinations of 2023. Deer Valley, Utah chimes in as the most luxurious and expensive spot with skiers estimated to pay $585.49 per day for accommodations and lift tickets, followed by Beaver Creek, Colorado; Aspen Mountain, Colorado; Vail, Colorado and Big Sky, Montana.
Top States for Skiers – Colorado (10) reigns supreme with the most ski resorts on this year’s ranking, followed by British Columbia (8), Utah (5) and California (5).
Average Ski Lift Ticket Price – At the mountains featured in this year’s report, the average cost of a daily ski lift ticket for one adult is $159 this season. Mount Hood Meadows, Oregon offers the cheapest ski lift ticket price of $79, whereas Deer Valley, Utah boasts the most expensive ski lift ticket at $259.
