10 Amazingly Affordable Ski Resorts for Spring Break

A visitors’ introduction to June Mountain begins with a dramatic lift up to its chalet-like lodge, which is perched on the top of the mountain instead of at the base. Weekly bonfires and s’mores events, wildlife and nature walk programs, and a playful mascot named Bucky make June Mountain even more magical. Tucked adjacent to busy, sprawling Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain—just outside Yosemite National Park—provides tranquility, community, and seriously fun skiing. 

Located within the Willamette National Forest of Central Oregon, Hoodoo is perched near the summit of Santiam Pass on Hoodoo Butte, a volcanic cinder cone. Adjacent lodging can be found in the quaint cowboy town of Sisters. A cult favorite of long-time ski bums and old-timers, Hoodoo’s lodge offers a retro feel, and bluebird days in the high desert are the norm. Don’t miss the resort’s tubing hill, dubbed the “Autobahn,” and consider renting a "snow bike" for the day: these trikes on skis are a blast.

Known to be “steep and deep,” Southern Oregon’s Mt. Ashland offers no shortage of vertical terrain for expert skiers and riders. The historic lodge has recently undergone an extensive remodel, expanding its three stories of roaring fireplaces, classic ski lodge fare, and cozy seating. “Mt. A” is located about 25 minutes from quaint Ashland, Oregon, home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. After a day of skiing, families can take in a performance and channel their inner Bard.

Located, as one might guess by the name, in Massachusetts’s Berkshires, Berkshire East is one of the only hometown ski resorts to make its own snow, ensuring the white stuff will be there when you need it to be—a big plus for those planning spring skiing trips. Families can stay adjacent to the hill at the Warfield House Inn, a classic New England property. A unique wind turbine at the top of Berkshire East makes this resort one of the greenest in the country, and the nearby Deerfield River Valley is chock full of dining options to satisfy everyone after a day on the slopes.

Mad River Glen skiers are mad about their mountain! When Vermont skiers head to larger or better-known resorts, they’re missing out on some of the most challenging (and fun) terrain in the East. Mad River’s motto: “Ski it if you can,” says it all.  Best of all, Mad River Glen often goes low when others go high. During holidays and school breaks, they’ve been known to lower their lift ticket prices instead of raising them. Naturalist programs are on-site, as well as daycare (usually unheard of at small resorts).

Look out, large resorts: Lookout Pass, straddling the Idaho-Montana border on I-90, is coming for you. Lookout offers unparalleled tree and glade skiing when snow conditions cooperate, and every year it provides small-town-esque charm with a small base lodge, excellent children’s programming, and easy access from the Interstate. Stay in one of Northern Idaho’s historic silver mining towns nearby.

Tiny Soda Springs sits next to big sister Sugar Bowl outside of Truckee, California. For families desiring to ski in the Lake Tahoe area who may just be beginning, Soda Springs offers an excellent starter mountain with just two lifts and a price point to match. But don’t let the size fool you. Soda Springs is packed with fun extras, like their Planet Kids area with tubing hills, a tube carousel and sleigh rides. Graduate to their black diamond runs or head to Sugar Bowl and beyond as Tahoe’s larger resorts are right at-hand.

Hurricane Ridge is dedicated to keeping skiing fun, affordable and inclusive. The only snag: you’ve got to get there. Located in the heart of Olympic National Park on the Olympic peninsula of Washington State, accessing this small ski resort can be a challenge. Once families arrive, however, an old-school Poma lift and rope tows beckon; parents who grew up skiing mountains like this will be basking in the nostalgia.

With three lifts and a magic carpet, our family calls Showdown, "slow down"…and that’s a compliment! Located in the lesser-known Little Belt Mountains of central Montana, Showdown offers some of the best lift ticket prices anywhere. Best of all, White Sulphur Springs is only 30 minutes away, offering hot springs in which to soak sore muscles at the end of the day. Grab a spa-ski package and live the dream!

Known for having one of the longest ski seasons in the Midwest, Ski Brule in Iron River, Michigan, may have a humble vertical rise of only 500 feet, but they do have snowmaking capabilities—a big plus. If you need a break from downhill skiing, you can rent a fat bike here for a winter workout, and there are abundant cross-country trails, too.

Wherever you plan your small ski resort vacation this spring, keep in mind that most of these resorts are located off the beaten path. Families will find solitude, but you may need to drive to the slopes instead of staying in a ski-in, ski-out condo or hotel. Consider renting a vacation cabin for your stay or find an adjacent town to use as a home base. You’ll save on lodging as well as on lift ticket prices.