12 Most Expensive Ski Resorts Where Lift Tickets Cost Well Over 250$ a Day

If you’ve found yourself balking at the cost of a ski lift ticket lately, you’re not alone. Gone are the times when you could spend an entire weekend skiing for the price of a family dinner.

Although it’s always a bit of sticker shock, it’s common to see peak season access at top ski resorts climbing well over $250 for a full-day lift ticket! This doesn’t even include lodging or food costs.

I’ve rounded up the top 12 most expensive ski resorts in the US, where the thrill of schussing down pristine snow may come with exclusive experiences and impeccable services, but at a steep expense. In compiling this list, I held the date constant for December 29th, a weekend day in the middle of the winter holiday season.

Important Note: These high prices reflect one of the busiest times of the year, but rates vary drastically throughout the season. If you’re flexible with travel dates, snag advanced discounts or off-peak pricing. Other combo passes, like the Ikon or Epic pass, are great if you plan on going to the mountain often.

Heavenly, California

• Lift Ticket Price (12/29/2024): $255

Set in South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly straddles a massive area along the California-Nevada border. With over 4,800 acres of terrain, it’s one of the largest ski resorts in the US, with unreal views. On a clear day, you’re treated to panoramas of Lake Tahoe on one side and Nevada’s desert landscape on the other.

Heavenly’s vertical drop is a jaw-dropping 3,500 feet, making it a haven for adrenaline junkies who love steep runs. The other wide groomers and laid-back après-ski scene cater to all skill levels.

Palisades Tahoe, California

• Lift Ticket Price (12/29/2024): $260

Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley) has Olympic history that screams “big mountain.” With over 6,000 acres, it’s not just the vastness but the variety that keeps skiers and snowboarders coming back.

The terrain offers everything from steep chutes to wide-open bowls. The après-ski scene at The Village is buzzing with energy, and I can attest that the stunning Lake Tahoe views are a huge added bonus.

Aspen, Colorado

• Lift Ticket Price (12/29/2024): $264

Aspen is the star-studded luxury resort where you’re just as likely to be in the gondola line with celebrities as you are to find world-class powder. One pass gives you access to four mountains, which means you can choose to go to a more beginner mountain or play in the epic terrain parks at Snowmass. I did one day in Aspen Highlands, and man, it is undeniably steep.

Aspen’s nightlife and dining are top-tier, but with fun, also expect this place to get incredible snowfall and some killer tree runs.

Northstar, California

• Lift Ticket Price (12/29/2024): $265

Northstar, tucked away near Lake Tahoe, is known for being the family-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on luxury. The village is adorable, packed with cozy fire pits and outdoor bars for when you’re not carving down the mountain.

The slopes here cater more to intermediates, with plenty of wide, groomed trails to practice your turns. But its advanced terrain is just as exciting when the snow is fresh. It’s also home to one of the best terrain parks in the area.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

• Lift Ticket Price (12/29/2024): $269

Jackson Hole is legendary for a reason. I was so sad after my snowboard was stolen after one full day in the park when I had planned for four!

It’s the kind of place where the pros go when they want a challenge. With a 4,139-foot vertical drop, it’s home to some of the most iconic expert terrain in the world, including the infamous Corbet’s Couloir.

The surrounding Teton Mountains make for a breathtaking backdrop, and you may catch bison casually crossing the road at the entrance of the resort.

Breckenridge, Colorado

• Lift Ticket Price (12/29/2024): $269

At Breckenridge, or “Breck” to locals, you can hit the slopes hard or just enjoy the lively mountain town. Spread across five peaks, the resort offers terrain for all abilities.

Beginners can take it easy on wide, groomed runs, while experts can head to the high-alpine bowls for some serious powder stashes. Breck also claims one of the highest chairlifts in North America, topping out at 12,840 feet, and it’s usually one of the first ski resorts to open for the season.

The eclectic mix of bars and eateries at its base make it hard to leave after a day on the mountain. Make sure to try their famous crepes!

Big Sky, Montana

• Lift Ticket Price (12/29/2024): $270

Big Sky’s tagline isn’t a joke. “The Biggest Skiing in America” lives up to its name with over 5,800 acres of terrain. Because of its vast size, you practically won’t ever be battling huge crowds.

The Lone Peak Tram whisks you to a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. With plenty of long, meandering runs, Big Sky caters to all levels of skiers and snowboarders.

Park City, Utah

• Lift Ticket Price (12/29/2024): $289

Park City is massive, plain and simple, and one of my absolute favorites in the country. As the largest ski resort in the US, it has 7,300 acres to explore. The terrain varies from mellow groomers to gnarly steeps, and the lift infrastructure is some of the best in the country.

Its proximity to Salt Lake City means easy access, so you can hit the slopes quickly after landing and get back to town for some nightlife.

The après-ski scene is lively, with historic Main Street packed with restaurants and bars. Every year, the legendary Park City’s Sundance Film Festival takes place right in the heart of it all.

Vail, Colorado

• Lift Ticket Price (12/29/2024): $295

Vail is another king of Colorado ski resorts. With over 5,300 acres, you won’t run out of things to explore, especially with its famous Back Bowls. On a powder day, these wide-open bowls are the stuff of legend.

Vail’s charm also lies in its village, which feels like a little slice of Europe in Colorado. Its cobblestone streets are lined with high-end shops and gourmet restaurants.

Beaver Creek, Colorado

• Lift Ticket Price (12/29/2024): $295

Beaver Creek is Vail’s more refined sibling, known for its even more luxurious touches and fewer crowds. The resort goes the extra mile, like freshly baked cookies handed out at the base in the afternoon.

The mountain has plenty of terrain for every level, from long, wide runs for beginners to steep glades for experts. The village is upscale, with high-end restaurants and chic boutiques.

Deer Valley, Utah

• Lift Ticket Price (12/29/2024): $299

Deer Valley equates to ski luxury, and they back it up by capping the number of lift tickets sold each day. The exclusivity is heightened by the fact that snowboarders are not allowed on its slopes, making it one of the last ski-only resorts in the US to do so.

With meticulously groomed runs and plans for a massive expansion, Deer Valley is perfect for those who prefer smooth, easy turns over bumps and powder. The service is also top-notch, with complimentary ski valets and heated sidewalks in the village.

Silverton, Colorado

• Lift Ticket Price (12/29/2024): $299

Silverton is a no-frills resort in Colorado that focuses all its energy on advanced terrain and backcountry skiing. You won’t find groomed runs or fancy lodges here.

Instead, Silverton delivers deep powder, steep chutes, and the kind of terrain that will challenge even the most seasoned skiers.

They cap the number of skiers each day, so it’s never crowded, and you can even hire a guide to take you into untouched areas.

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