8 Expensive Mountain Town Getaways + 8 Affordable Alternatives
There’s nothing quite like escaping to the mountains—fresh air, endless views, and that peaceful vibe you just can’t find in the city. But while some mountain destinations offer pure bliss, they can also come with sky-high price tags that make your bank account feel the altitude.
The good news? For every glitzy resort town packed with designer shops and VIP crowds, there’s a hidden gem offering the same stunning scenery without the luxury markup.
1. Aspen, Colorado
Luxury lodges and designer boutiques line streets where you might spot Hollywood A-listers between ski runs. Aspen combines world-class slopes with five-star dining experiences that’ll make your credit card work overtime.
Average hotel rooms start at $600 per night during peak season, while slope-side chalets can rent for $10,000+ weekly. The caviar-topped après-ski scene is just as expensive as the lift tickets!
2. Ogden, Utah
Powder enthusiasts rejoice at this hidden gem just 40 minutes from Salt Lake City airport. Ogden serves up the same champagne powder as its famous neighbors without the champagne prices.
Three fantastic ski areas—Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, and Nordic Valley—offer varied terrain for all skill levels. Downtown’s historic 25th Street features locally-owned restaurants and breweries where your après-ski budget stretches delightfully further.
3. Vail, Colorado
Cobblestone walkways wind through a European-inspired village where fur coats outnumber regular jackets. The renowned ski mountain boasts 5,317 acres of terrain that attracts international visitors willing to pay premium prices.
Vail’s exclusive restaurants require reservations weeks in advance. Luxury accommodations average $800+ nightly during winter, while summer rates barely dip below $500. The sophisticated atmosphere comes with an equally sophisticated bill.
4. Leadville, Colorado
Perched at 10,152 feet, America’s highest incorporated city delivers authentic mountain culture without the inflated prices. Victorian-era buildings house local businesses where genuine conversations replace pretentious small talk.
Ski Cooper offers lift tickets at half the cost of major resorts just 30 minutes away. Leadville’s mining history creates a fascinating backdrop for adventures. Summer brings world-class mountain biking and hiking with breathtaking views of Colorado’s highest peaks.
5. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Rugged wilderness meets extreme wealth in this valley nestled against the dramatic Teton Range. Celebrities and billionaires maintain ranches here, driving real estate prices into the stratosphere.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort features some of North America’s most challenging terrain and equally challenging prices. The town square’s iconic antler arches frame boutiques selling $500 cowboy boots. Even basic accommodations start around $400 nightly during peak seasons.
6. Driggs, Idaho
Just over Teton Pass lies the secret backdoor to Grand Teton views and powder paradise. Local farmers share streets with outdoor enthusiasts who discovered this affordable gem with the same mountain range as its famous neighbor.
Grand Targhee Resort offers comparable snow quality and terrain to Jackson Hole at nearly half the price. Driggs maintains its agricultural roots while embracing mountain town vibes. Authentic Mexican restaurants and craft breweries provide delicious, affordable dining options after adventure-filled days.
7. Whistler, British Columbia
Hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics cemented this Canadian resort’s world-class status and world-class prices. Connected mountains Whistler and Blackcomb create North America’s largest ski area, drawing international jet-setters year-round.
The pedestrian-only village buzzes with high-end boutiques and restaurants where reservations are mandatory. Luxury hotels command $1,000+ per night during peak season. Even with favorable exchange rates, budget travelers find their wallets significantly lighter after visiting this British Columbian paradise.
8. Revelstoke, British Columbia
Legendary snowfall attracts serious skiers to this authentic Canadian mountain town without Whistler’s glitz or prices. Local pubs serve hearty meals and craft beers where ski patrollers mingle with visitors.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort boasts North America’s greatest vertical drop at a fraction of major resort prices. The town retains its working-class railroad heritage while embracing outdoor adventure. Budget-friendly accommodations range from hostels to family-run B&Bs, leaving more money for lift tickets and après activities.
9. Park City, Utah
Annual Sundance Film Festival transforms this former mining town into celebrity central, with prices to match the star power. Luxury resorts and high-end dining establishments cater to visitors willing to pay premium rates for mountain elegance.
Park City Mountain Resort offers excellent skiing connected to neighboring Canyons Resort. Main Street’s preserved historic buildings house galleries and boutiques where a simple souvenir can cost a small fortune. Even off-season visits strain travel budgets with luxury accommodations rarely dipping below $300 nightly.
10. Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
Desert meets alpine in this culturally rich alternative with significantly lower prices than Utah’s famous resorts. Challenging terrain attracts serious skiers who prefer authenticity over amenities.
Taos combines Native American, Spanish, and Anglo influences for a unique mountain experience. The town of Taos (20 minutes from the ski area) offers adobe architecture, art galleries, and excellent New Mexican cuisine. Accommodations range from budget-friendly casitas to mid-range lodges without the sticker shock of other mountain destinations.
11. Telluride, Colorado
Remote location in a dramatic box canyon creates natural exclusivity and eye-watering prices. Victorian-era buildings house galleries and restaurants where reservations and black cards are equally necessary.
Telluride’s free gondola connects the historic town with Mountain Village’s luxury accommodations. Celebrity homeowners drive real estate prices skyward, with modest condos starting at $1 million. The spectacular setting and deliberately limited development maintain the exclusivity that keeps prices firmly in the luxury category.
12. Ouray, Colorado
Victorian charm without Victorian-era prices makes this self-proclaimed “Switzerland of America” a budget traveler’s dream. Natural hot springs provide affordable relaxation after days spent exploring the surrounding San Juan Mountains.
Ouray’s ice climbing park attracts winter adventurers, while summer brings jeeping and hiking opportunities. Family-owned businesses line the main street instead of designer boutiques. Accommodations range from historic hotels to vacation rentals at half the cost of nearby Telluride.
13. Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
French-Canadian flair creates a European-style village where colorful buildings house upscale shops and restaurants catering to international visitors. The pedestrian-only village base creates postcard-perfect views—with prices to match.
Mont-Tremblant offers excellent skiing just 90 minutes from Montreal. The carefully designed resort village maintains strict architectural controls that preserve its charm and exclusivity. Peak season accommodations rarely fall below $400 nightly, with slope-side options commanding significantly more.
14. Mont Sutton, Quebec
Maple forests create natural glades perfect for intermediate skiers seeking authentic Quebec experience without Mont-Tremblant’s hefty prices. Locals outnumber tourists at this hidden gem just north of the Vermont border.
Mont Sutton embraces its natural setting rather than creating an artificial village experience. Family-owned inns and B&Bs offer comfortable accommodations at reasonable rates. The surrounding Eastern Townships region provides excellent farm-to-table dining and local microbreweries where your dollars stretch considerably further.
15. Stowe, Vermont
Classic New England charm meets Swiss-inspired mountain luxury in this historic resort town. White-steepled churches and covered bridges create Instagram-worthy backdrops for visitors paying premium prices for the quintessential Vermont experience.
Stowe Mountain Resort’s recent acquisition by Vail Resorts pushed prices even higher. The charming village features boutique shopping and farm-to-table restaurants requiring advance reservations. Historic inns and luxury lodges dominate accommodations, with peak foliage and ski season rates starting around $400 nightly.
16. Burke, Vermont
Tucked away in Vermont’s remote Northeast Kingdom region lies a mountain experience focused on skiing rather than scene-making. Local microbreweries and family restaurants replace upscale dining establishments. Burke Mountain offers challenging terrain that developed Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin.
The surrounding area maintains its rural character and reasonable prices despite excellent snow conditions. Accommodations range from budget-friendly motels to vacation rentals at half the cost of Stowe, leaving more in your budget for lift tickets and local maple syrup.