Finding Lodging Deals

[Drifter643]

Does anyone have tips for finding affordable lodging specifically for solo travelers? I came across a thread from November 2023 that discussed lodging prices and how they’ve skyrocketed over the years. I’d really appreciate it if any of the divas could share advice or suggestions on finding budget-friendly lodging near ski areas. If there’s a better thread or forum for this topic, please let me know!

 

[marzNC]

Does anyone have tips for finding affordable lodging specifically for solo travelers? I came across a thread from November 2023 that discussed lodging prices and how they’ve skyrocketed over the years. I’d really appreciate it if any of the divas could share advice or suggestions on finding budget-friendly lodging near ski areas. If there’s a better thread or forum for this topic, please let me know!

Welcome!

It's easier to get advice for finding reasonable lodging for a specific region or resort. Do you have a multi-resort pass such as Ikon, Epic, or Indy?

For instance, for Taos here is a thread with travel tips.

Travel Tips, News, and Conditions for Taos Ski Valley (TSV) 2025-26

As has been mentioned in recent discussions, making the trek to Taos Ski Valley (TSV) for a Ski Week is a great option for skiers interested in a multi-day group clinic that costs under $500. Travel arrangements for Taos are a bit more complicated than for most destination resorts. Read on for...

www.theskidiva.com

Lately there has been discussion about Big Sky because the Diva West gathering will be there in March.

 

[Drifter643]

Welcome!

It's easier to get advice for finding reasonable lodging for a specific region or resort. Do you have a multi-resort pass such as Ikon, Epic, or Indy?

For instance, for Taos here is a thread with travel tips.

Travel Tips, News, and Conditions for Taos Ski Valley (TSV) 2025-26

As has been mentioned in recent discussions, making the trek to Taos Ski Valley (TSV) for a Ski Week is a great option for skiers interested in a multi-day group clinic that costs under $500. Travel arrangements for Taos are a bit more complicated than for most destination resorts. Read on for...

www.theskidiva.com

Lately there has been discussion about Big Sky because the Diva West gathering will be there in March.

Thanks for offering to help! I usually have an Epic Pass, and because of that I’ve mostly skied in Colorado, typically at Breckenridge and Keystone. Last year I went to Park City in SLC and really enjoyed that as well.

That said, I’m not committed to any particular resort and I’m pretty open on destination—I just love skiing. The biggest expense for me is always lodging. It’s great when I can split costs with a friend, but most of the time it’s just me. I’ve even considered car camping to help offset lodging costs.

I’d really appreciate any suggestions/advice on finding affordable or convenient places to stay, especially options that work well for solo travelers and keep costs reasonable.

 

[wernerslab]

Have you looked for hostels in any of the ski areas? Last year we (my 14 yr old and me) stayed at a hostel like place in VT bw Killington and Sugarbush. It was very nice with shared kitchen, bathrooms and was cheaper on President's weekend than places closer or at the ski area. There was another one closer to Sugarbush but seemed like a bit more rowdy than I would like. I found this one with a google search in Breckenridge (The bivvi). I stayed in other nice hostels in NZ (not for skiing).

 

[diymom]

I'm curious, do other regions have ski clubs with hostel type lodges, or is that a New England thing? The kind where you pay low annual membership dues and have access to cheap bunk rooms, maybe some chores here and there?

 

[Jilly]

There is one at Tremblant, owned by the Toronto Ski Club or High Park Ski Club....can't remember which one.

 

[Drifter643]

Have you looked for hostels in any of the ski areas? Last year we (my 14 yr old and me) stayed at a hostel like place in VT bw Killington and Sugarbush. It was very nice with shared kitchen, bathrooms and was cheaper on President's weekend than places closer or at the ski area. There was another one closer to Sugarbush but seemed like a bit more rowdy than I would like. I found this one with a google search in Breckenridge (The bivvi). I stayed in other nice hostels in NZ (not for skiing).

Yes, I’ve looked into hostels, bunkhouses, and similar places. I actually checked out The Bivvi last year when I was planning a trip. The cost for a single bed in a six-bed dorm was almost the same as staying in a hotel or a place with a private room, so it didn’t end up being quite as budget-friendly as I hoped. I’m sure prices vary a lot by region, though, and there are probably areas where hostels make more financial sense. I’ve just noticed that around popular ski spots in Colorado, Alta, Park City, Jackson Hole, and Tahoe, lodging tends to stay pricey no matter the setup.

 

[Drifter643]

I'm curious, do other regions have ski clubs with hostel type lodges, or is that a New England thing? The kind where you pay low annual membership dues and have access to cheap bunk rooms, maybe some chores here and there?

I actually hadn’t heard of that before — it sounds like a really interesting setup. The idea of a ski club having its own lodge with affordable bunk rooms and a community feel is new to me, but it definitely sounds appealing. I’d love to learn more about how it works and whether it’s something other regions do too. Which New England lodge were you referring to? It sounds like a great concept.

 

[santacruz skier]

In Tahoe, there’s Clair Tappan (Sierra Club) and almost next door is UC Berkeley Cal Lodge. Both are dormitory style where you have to do a chore. Stayed at Clair Tappan once probably 30 yrs ago.

 

[marzNC]

I’ve just noticed that around popular ski spots in Colorado, Alta, Park City, Jackson Hole, and Tahoe, lodging tends to stay pricey no matter the setup.

It sound like you are mostly considering destination resorts. How long are you willing to drive or take public transportation for a ski day?

For example, any lodging in Little Cottonwood Canyon is on the pricey side. However, there are plenty of more budget friendly options in SLC. Most people who ski Alta and/or Snowbird stay in Sandy/Midvale. Staying close to a bus stop for the UTA ski bus means it may be possible to not rent a car.

For Aspen/Snowmass, lodging prices in Carbondale or Glenwood Springs is much less than in the town of Aspen or Snowmass. Can be done without a rental car, but of course need to be willing to work around bus schedules.

For a lower lodging budget, considering alternatives to the typical Epic/Ikon resorts can make quite a difference. Are you familiar with the Indy Pass?

How many nights would you typically stay in one location?

 

[ski diva]

I actually hadn’t heard of that before — it sounds like a really interesting setup. The idea of a ski club having its own lodge with affordable bunk rooms and a community feel is new to me, but it definitely sounds appealing. I’d love to learn more about how it works and whether it’s something other regions do too. Which New England lodge were you referring to? It sounds like a great concept.

If you want to ski Okemo (VT), there are two ski club lodges that I know of in Ludlow: One that belongs to the Manchester (CT) Ski Club and one that belongs to the Mount Laurel (CT) ski club. Both charge a membership fee, and then a fee if you stay over in their lodge. I think they're both pretty reasonable. The lodge that belongs to the Mount Laurel club looks pretty nice, though I've never been inside.

 

[Drifter643]

It sound like you are mostly considering destination resorts. How long are you willing to drive or take public transportation for a ski day?

For example, any lodging in Little Cottonwood Canyon is on the pricey side. However, there are plenty of more budget friendly options in SLC. Most people who ski Alta and/or Snowbird stay in Sandy/Midvale. Staying close to a bus stop for the UTA ski bus means it may be possible to not rent a car.

For Aspen/Snowmass, lodging prices in Carbondale or Glenwood Springs is much less than in the town of Aspen or Snowmass. Can be done without a rental car, but of course need to be willing to work around bus schedules.

For a lower lodging budget, considering alternatives to the typical Epic/Ikon resorts can make quite a difference. Are you familiar with the Indy Pass?

How many nights would you typically stay in one location?

That’s a fair assessment. Since I’m based in a location where I have to fly to all ski destinations. Because I get the Epic Pass at a very low cost through work, I usually focus on Colorado or other Epic locations to maximize its value. I typically rent a car—when I compare shuttles versus renting, the cost difference is minimal and the flexibility is worth it to me, and time is valuable

I usually stay 4–5 nights, sometimes up to a week if work allows, and I try to be strategic about maximizing ski time. I’m comfortable with a 20–30 minute drive if it meaningfully reduces lodging costs and the tradeoff makes sense.

I’m familiar with the Indy Pass but haven’t used it yet. I’ve mainly stuck with Epic because of the cost. Given the travel involved, I prioritize destinations where I’m confident in snow quality and overall experience but I’m open to exploring other options, including New England.

 

[Christy]

Scanning the list of Epic destinations in the West, those are all expensive spots. Have you checked out lodging costs in some of the Epic Canadian areas? I'm not sure what the lodging landscape looks like near Fernie or Kimberly, but the exchange rate for us is good. I see Nakiska is on the list; I know people don't like the skiing there as well as they do the other Banff area resorts, but I also know there's a very well regarded hostel at Lake Louise that frankly looks beautiful and has ski shuttles. If maybe you could pay out of pocket to ski Lake louise, it could be a fun trip.

You also might look at the European Epic options. I know a lot of people find lodging and travel near European ski resorts to be much more economical than the US. I would think that staying in some cozy Swiss or Australian pension with half board would be a really fun option for a solo traveler as well.

Along the lines of club lodges, The Mountaineers have lodges at Mount Baker and Stevens Pass (Epic) here in WA. They are rustic, communal dorms, with communal meals and I think a chore. They are the only lodging at those ski areas which are generally day use. They are a well-loved tradition so if you are into the idea it could be great. My caveat is at in the last 10 years our weather has gotten much more uneven and I wouldn't recommend someone plan a trip on random advanced dates than fly across the country for this.

@diymom the only club lodge I've heard of in Washington, besides the Mountaineers lodges, us the Boeing Employees ski club lodge at Crystal Mountain. It probably has to do with the fact that our ski areas are set on USFS land without nearby private land and are generally day use without other development.

 

[aliciaski]

I thought SLC accommodations, especially in Sandy, were very reasonable, and it’s not too bad of a drive to ski.


Tahoe has a pretty wide range of accommodations, you can find something for $100/night on weekdays, tho no snow at the moment…

I met a few women in Banff who were staying at the hostels - the average age is young, but the women’s only rooms are quieter, and it’s incredibly cheap, plus free shuttle to the mountains. My very nice Banff hotel was only $150USD/night tho.

 

[marzNC]

Since I’m based in a location where I have to fly to all ski destinations. Because I get the Epic Pass at a very low cost through work, I usually focus on Colorado or other Epic locations to maximize its value. I typically rent a car—when I compare shuttles versus renting, the cost difference is minimal and the flexibility is worth it to me, and time is valuable

I usually stay 4–5 nights, sometimes up to a week if work allows, and I try to be strategic about maximizing ski time. I’m comfortable with a 20–30 minute drive if it meaningfully reduces lodging costs and the tradeoff makes sense.

That's helpful. For a solo traveler, renting a car provides more flexibility for the location of lodging. Being willing to drive 30-45 minutes for a ski day will almost always mean lower lodging costs.

While a low-cost Epic is a great deal, that should be balanced out with the travel costs required for the resorts of interest.

As an exercise, I suggest you price out a trip to ski Bogus Basin. That involves a flight to Boise, renting an AWD SUV, a motel room in Boise, and lift tickets at Bogus. The drive is on a steep mountain road and takes about an hour with snow on the road. Bogus is a non-profit aimed at serving locals so lift tickets prices are reasonable. People have been skiing Bogus for over 80 years. They have 2600 acres of skiable terrain . . . that's about the same as Alta. There is night skiing on 200 acres, which the largest amount of terrain I've ever seen with lights. The elevation is 5800 ft at the base, and goes up to 7600. For a flat-lander, being able to sleep in Boise at 2700 ft can be a plus for a short trip.

 

[marzNC]

Given the travel involved, I prioritize destinations where I’m confident in snow quality and overall experience but I’m open to exploring other options, including New England.

I live in North Carolina. While I have reasons to ski in the southeast with friends a few times in January, the rest of my ski trips are usually out west. I've skied in the northeast. While I'm likely to ski there again with friends a few times, if I were still working, I wouldn't consider a trip to that region at all.

How far in advance do you like to plan vacation time for ski trips?

 

[teppaz]

Does anyone have tips for finding affordable lodging specifically for solo travelers? I came across a thread from November 2023 that discussed lodging prices and how they’ve skyrocketed over the years. I’d really appreciate it if any of the divas could share advice or suggestions on finding budget-friendly lodging near ski areas. If there’s a better thread or forum for this topic, please let me know!

I'm in a similar boat: I'm in NYC and tend to fly out west for trips, with lodging being a headache. I've shared with a range of people, including women I've met through this site — sometimes even in pretty tight quarters like sharing a studio or a bedroom in a condo. It's always gone well. The key is to find compatible people who approach the trip the same way.

 

[Drifter643]

Scanning the list of Epic destinations in the West, those are all expensive spots. Have you checked out lodging costs in some of the Epic Canadian areas? I'm not sure what the lodging landscape looks like near Fernie or Kimberly, but the exchange rate for us is good. I see Nakiska is on the list; I know people don't like the skiing there as well as they do the other Banff area resorts, but I also know there's a very well regarded hostel at Lake Louise that frankly looks beautiful and has ski shuttles. If maybe you could pay out of pocket to ski Lake louise, it could be a fun trip.

You also might look at the European Epic options. I know a lot of people find lodging and travel near European ski resorts to be much more economical than the US. I would think that staying in some cozy Swiss or Australian pension with half board would be a really fun option for a solo traveler as well.

Along the lines of club lodges, The Mountaineers have lodges at Mount Baker and Stevens Pass (Epic) here in WA. They are rustic, communal dorms, with communal meals and I think a chore. They are the only lodging at those ski areas which are generally day use. They are a well-loved tradition so if you are into the idea it could be great. My caveat is at in the last 10 years our weather has gotten much more uneven and I wouldn't recommend someone plan a trip on random advanced dates than fly across the country for this.

@diymom the only club lodge I've heard of in Washington, besides the Mountaineers lodges, us the Boeing Employees ski club lodge at Crystal Mountain. It probably has to do with the fact that our ski areas are set on USFS land without nearby private land and are generally day use without other development.

I thought SLC accommodations, especially in Sandy, were very reasonable, and it’s not too bad of a drive to ski.


Tahoe has a pretty wide range of accommodations, you can find something for $100/night on weekdays, tho no snow at the moment…

I met a few women in Banff who were staying at the hostels - the average age is young, but the women’s only rooms are quieter, and it’s incredibly cheap, plus free shuttle to the mountains. My very nice Banff hotel was only $150USD/night tho.

Based on what you ladies mentioned, I’ll definitely have to look into some skiing options in Canada. It’s been on my list for a while, but your conversation really motivated me to explore it further.

 

[Drifter643]

As an exercise, I suggest you price out a trip to ski Bogus Basin. That involves a flight to Boise, renting an AWD SUV, a motel room in Boise, and lift tickets at Bogus. The drive is on a steep mountain road and takes about an hour with snow on the road. Bogus is a non-profit aimed at serving locals so lift tickets prices are reasonable. People have been skiing Bogus for over 80 years. They have 2600 acres of skiable terrain . . . that's about the same as Alta. There is night skiing on 200 acres, which the largest amount of terrain I've ever seen with lights. The elevation is 5800 ft at the base, and goes up to 7600. For a flat-lander, being able to sleep in Boise at 2700 ft can be a plus for a short trip.

I’ll give that exercise a try and look into Bogus Basin! The way you described the ski area makes it sound wonderful. I’m not exactly thrilled about the hour-long drive you mentioned, but it’s definitely not a dealbreaker—I’ll just have to weigh the pros and cons.

 

[Drifter643]

I'm in a similar boat: I'm in NYC and tend to fly out west for trips, with lodging being a headache. I've shared with a range of people, including women I've met through this site — sometimes even in pretty tight quarters like sharing a studio or a bedroom in a condo. It's always gone well. The key is to find compatible people who approach the trip the same way

Agreed! I’m hoping to reach 15 posts soon so I can join the other forums—and hopefully connect with some new friends and potential travel companions. I’ve already learned so much from this community!