:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-red-lodge-mountain-montana-BESTUSSKIRESORT1025-5f6abfe98e7949f0acd125f753a275b9.jpg "This ski resort was just named the most affordable ski resort in the US and lift tickets start at")
Skiing has a reputation for being an expensive pastime, from expensive equipment to ever-increasing lift tickets and luxurious mountain hotels. But in truth, there are many ways to carve your tracks without going completely broke.
According to a new report from HomeToGoOne US ski resort in particular stands out from the rest when it comes to destinations for an affordable ski trip. The company analyzed 70 U.S. resorts, taking into account lift prices, vacation rental rates and ski terrain size to see which winter wonderland offers travelers the best bang for their buck.
After crunching the numbers, Montana’s Red Lodge Mountain emerged as the best value ski resort in the US.
The 1,635-acre resort is located just outside the northeast corner of Yellowstone National Park in the Rocky Mountains. He is born in the town of Red Lodge, which was once considered the most charming small town in America. Just seven miles from Red Lodge’s classic Main Street, the mountain is the perfect choice for those looking to combine a ski getaway with shopping, Western history, saloon revelry and traditional small-town hospitality.
First opened in 1960 as Grizzly Peak Ski Area, Red Lodge Mountain offers a variety of terrain, with a vertical drop of 2,400 feet and an average of 250 inches of annual snowfall. HomeToGo calculated the average cost per night for an overnight stay at $80.73 and the average lift ticket price at $62, for a total cost of $142.73 per day, per person and a value score of 27 out of a possible 30. Visitors save a good chunk of change compared to the $171-per-night rooms and $162 lift tickets that were the overall median and average, respectively, for all mountains combined. Red Lodge Mountain is also in Indy Passa collection of over 270 independently managed ski resorts around the world that aims to make the sport more economically accessible.
Montana Ski Area is known for being a great place to ski in the spring, with the best conditions of the season in March and April. It also has the second-largest snowmaking system in the state, making it a reliable early-season option, even if the weather isn’t cooperating.
Montana had a strong overall position in the top 10 list, with Bridger Bowl and Whitefish Mountain Resort taking spots 3 and 4. Mount Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park in Washington came in second and was found to have the lowest lodging options of all resorts, averaging $62. Idaho’s Brundage Mountain Resort and Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Colorado’s Purgatory and Wolf Creek Ski Area, Oregon’s Mount Bachelor, and Arizona’s Sunrise Park Resort rounded out the top 10.
As for the most expensive resorts the report examined, three Aspen-area mountains received the lowest value scores: Aspen Highlands ($803.25 per day), Buttermilk ($702.44) and Aspen Mountain ($803.25). With the glamorous city’s emphasis on luxury accommodation to complement its premium skiing, it’s no surprise its mountains aren’t winning any bargain competition.
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