The Art of Winter Break on a Budget

If you’re in the middle of finals week, take a deep breath, step away from your econ text book (but really, your Facebook newsfeed) and do a little relaxation exercise with me, just for a moment.

Envision yourself flying down a powdery slope of freshly fallen snow. As you descend, the wind gets a little faster and the momentum gently tugs at your cheeks; a cool feeling whips into your eyes. The sun beams intensely off the icy white slope- and you bask in a silent adrenaline.

Photo by Rhys Asplundh on flickr.com

Okay, maybe that was a slight exaggeration, but skiing and snowboarding are awesome. And if you already have skis or the best snowboard, boots and bindings, then it can also be cheap and awesome.

So, when the dust from you finals has settled, find a group of your ski-bunny/bummy friends and check out these 5 Ski Resorts Under $40

For the beginners:

Thunder Ridge Snow Ski Resort (New York, NY)

Price of Lift Ticket: $40

Hours: Mon – Fri 10am – 9pm

With 40% of its trails ranked the easiest difficulty, beginner skiers can learn how to maneuver the slopes without becoming a giant human snowball tumbling down the mountain, crashing into trees, and breaking a few limbs.  Thunder Ridge Snow Ski Resort also offers ski and snowboard lessons for first-timers or inexperienced skiers and snowboarders.

For the intermediates:

Homewood Mountain Resort (California, CA)

Price of Lift Ticket: $39

Hours: 9am – 4pm

35% of Homewood’s trails are ranked the most difficult and 50% of the trails are intermediate level.  With 8 ski lifts, 1,260 acres of skiable area, and 59 trails, skiers can ski to their heart’s content.  Tired and need a break? Homewood also has 15 restaurants and 7 bars to choose from.

For the experts:

Pineridge Cross Country (New York, NY)

Price of Lift Ticket: $30

Hours: 8:45am – 4:15pm

Pineridge Cross Country has ski trails for powder-loving experts only.  In addition to the traditional skiing trails, Pineridge also offers 20 kilometers for skate skiing and 15 kilometers of ungroomed trails reserved for snowshoeing.

For the super frugal:

Wolf Mountain (Eden, Utah)

Price of Lift Ticket: $25

Hours: 9am – 9pm

Priced at only $25 per lift ticket, Wolf Mountain is a bargain.  Wolf Mountain is also known for great quality ski lessons. Wolf Mountain also offers night skiing and cross country skiing options.  After a long day of skiing, choose from Wolf Mountain’s selection of 15 restaurants and 2 bars for a delicious dinner and a post-ski drink.

For the adventurers:

Tignes/Val d’lsere (Rhone-Alpes, France)

Price of Lift Ticket: $37

Hours: 9 hours of operation

This famous resort in France was the freestyle skiing venue for the 1992 Winter Olympics.  Val d’lsere has 2 terrain parks, 2 half pipes, 90 lifts, and 154 trails.  More than just a place to enjoy the snow, this resort has 115 bars and 60 restaurants, a shopping area, and options to ice skate, dog sled, and drive a snowmobile.  Voted as one of FindTheBest’s Best Ski Resorts of 2011, this snow resort is a must-visit.

If you are on a budget and can’t break the bank on an epic Heli-Skiing trip, then impress your friends by planning an awesome trip to one of these ski resorts for a great value and great time.