Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Plan Ahead: 5 Affordable Winter Getaways in the U.S.

Latifah Al-Hazza
By

Looking for an affordable winter escape? Whether you’re dreaming of hitting the slopes this ski season or perfecting your après-ski skills, winter getaways can be expensive, and choosing a destination that checks all your boxes can be a hassle. We’ve rounded up five of our favorite, yet affordable, winter destinations across the country. So grab your ski gear and get ready!

Vail, Colorado

Vail resort in Colorado during the winter.

At Vail Resort everything you need can be found in one spot…the Grand Hyatt Vail. Primely nestled at the base of Vail Mountain along Gore Creek, Grand Hyatt Vail is ideal for skiers and non-skiers alike. Within this expansive ski-in/ski-out resort lies Vail’s only resort-side open-air chair lift. With 5,317 acres of skiable terrain and 195 runs, skiers and snowboarders can hit beginner, intermediate and expert terrain or even try Vail’s infamous Back Bowls. Grand Hyatt Vail guests also have access to a plethora of amenities and weekly activities within the resort’s vast campus. Other than an on-site chair lift and an on-site ski rental service, the resort offers outdoor experiences within its own Cascade Village Square; featuring an ice rink, yurt, an alfresco ice bar, food trucks, and outdoor fire pits.

Related Videos

Lodging: Grand Hyatt Vail

Nellysford, Virginia

Snow tubing in Virginia.

Wintergreen Resort is just over 1.5 hours from the state’s capital and is one of the top ski resorts in Virginia. This resort has 26 runs for every level. A plus for snowboarders and freestylers is that the terrain park has over 40 features including boxes, jumps, and rails. Wintergreen is also home to Virginia’s largest tubing park. The hill is 100 feet high and tubers can hit speeds of 30 miles per hour. Additionally, the resort has seven dining options, including an upscale mountaintop restaurant called Devil’s Grill. For those who prefer to stay at sea level, a spa day at The Spa at Wintergreen is always a good alternative.

Lodging: Mountain Inn

Boyne Falls, Michigan

Boyne Mountain Resort in Michigan.

Boyne Mountain Resort is one of the Midwest’s premier destination ski resorts. With a wide variety of terrain, après, and nightlife, it’s an ideal resort for most travelers. The resort boasts 60 runs for all ski levels and plenty of non-skiing activities as well such as snowshoeing, sno-go biking, fat tire snow biking, and ziplining. With eleven venues to grab a quick bite, a full meal, or a drink there’s plenty to do in the area. Plus, the family-owned resort offers Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark and 19,500 square feet of spa relaxation!

Lodging: Boynehof

Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe in winter.

Lake Tahoe consists of one lake and six resorts and is home to the highest concentration of ski resorts in the country within a 100-mile radius. Although storms typically lead to a couple of feet of snowfall, Tahoe still prides itself in having 300 days of sunshine. Northstar and Homewood are great for intermediate skiers, while Kirkwood and Mount Rose are the perfect challenges for advanced skiers. Squaw Valley and Heavenly offer a nice good mix of runs, from beginner to expert. Travelers must not forget, Tahoe is as fun on the mountain as it is off of it thanks to an array of dining options and aprés ski experiences.

Lodging: Forest Suites Resort at Heavenly Village

Stowe, Vermont

Trees in Vermont during winter.

Stowe is home to 116 trails with 16% for beginners, 55% intermediate slopes, and 29% for experts skiers and snowboarders. Stowe’s terrain is shaped like a horseshoe bowl, with the parking lot in the center. Something that makes the resort so unique is its gondola that not only takes you to the summit, but also transports you from the mountains right into Stowe Village. In the village, you’ll find eight restaurants, an outdoor ice skating rink, and shops.

Lodging: Trapp Family Lodge
Fun fact: Trapp Family Lodge is an Austrian-inspired resort opened by the family who inspired the movie The Sound of Music, the von Trapp family.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
I tried nearly all the ski lodges in Whistler and Banff: Where you should stay
The best Whistler and Banff hotels for every type of adventure
Whistler.

With its epic mountain landscapes, the Canadian Rockies and western coastal region offer some of the most renowned outdoor opportunities in the world, whether you’re into snow sports, mountain biking, or simply enjoying magnificent scenery. The Banff and Whistler areas in particular are popular thanks to their combination of natural splendor and charming mountain hamlet vibes. With dozens of hotels to choose from, which one is right for you? Here, we’ll check out the top Banff and Whistler ski resorts and hotels for a variety of trip categories: Budget, family-friendly, and so on.

You can rely on these recommendations, as I have vetted each and every one of them personally. Last summer I spent three solid months crisscrossing the region, and along the way I stayed at nearly two dozen lodges. Not all of them are worth planning your outdoor adventure around, but here are several that will provide a superior experience.

Read more
The 10 best ski resorts and mountains in the U.S.
The best ski resorts: How and where to get out and play in the winter snow
best places to ski in the us

When figuring out vacations, most people usually think of warm tropical locations with sandy beaches and surfing. There are those, however, who love the cold and snow. These individuals wait every winter to hit the best ski resorts and mountains in the U.S. They travel from location to location testing out the powder on every slope.
If skiing is a hobby or your favorite activity, then these quaint ski towns and shops will be of interest—  some for their epic mountain terrain, and some for their deep, fluffy powder. These are the best of the best places to ski in the United States. Check out these top ski resorts in the U.S. that are perfect for every kind of skiing and snowboarding.

More Ski Guides

Read more
These are the best Colorado ski resorts for beginners to learn their turns
From small resorts to bustling mountain estates, we have a resort for every budding skier and snowboarder
Skiiers shred slopes

Ah, Colorado. With such a large portion of the Southern Rockies in this state, it's hardly surprising that so many of the best ski resorts in the US are found here. Although many of these feature among the most advanced and gnarly terrain available to anyone hitting the slopes, there are plenty of Colorado ski resorts that are not just suitable for beginners, but perfect for them.

There's nothing straightforward about finding yourself a ski resort, unfortunately. Even what seasoned skiers consider to be the best ski resorts in the world don't work for everyone. Just as each ski resort is different, each skier and snowboarder has unique needs. Would you prefer a quiet mountain to learn on, with only a few other riders? What about a buzzing apres-ski scene so you can hit the bar after your lessons? Or perhaps you're heading out with a whole crew who all ride at different levels. Whatever you're looking for, if you want somewhere to learn in Colorado, we've got a resort for you.

Read more