Hi! I would like to know what is the cheapest skiing facility in the US.
I am traveling on a shoestring budget next winter. Please advise me!
email: [email protected]

Ski Ward, Shrewsbury, MA

East Coast? West Coast? Rockies/Bitteroots? What time of year?
Willamette Pass in Oregon is our favorite "secret" ski resort in the West Coast. It's also one of the few places in the NW where you can have glade skiing.
Accommodation isn't too plentiful...could try Odell Lake Lodge (although I think it went up for sale). An alternative and one that might be fun for you is to say in Eugene, OR (cheap accommodations, good restaurants, brewpubs, etc.) and catch one of the buses to WP that are run by the local ski shops.

My nephew and his friends got a heck of a deal last year for Park City. They got great airfare on Delta into Salt Lake and stayed at a Quality Inn there which had free shuttle service to the ski areas. Another idea is Lake Tahoe. I have seen affordable packages staying at the Casinos or staying in Reno with free shuttle service. You might also want to check out southwest vacations and the other airlines to see what kind of package you can get.

take a look at http://skicolorado-extreme.fws1.com/travel.html they have good informtion on hostels, In the early fall watch the web sites for Copper and Keystone as they have offered 4-pack lift tickets for 100.00

Summit County CO also has a free bus system

How cheap you want it to be? There are many local ski areas throughout the US with a few hundred feet of drop and a ski-lift or two. Most of those charges around $20 for a weekday of skiing, $25 for weekend. But is that what you're looking for?

If you want top quality skiing at the lowest price, consider staying in either Sandy or Midvale, Utah (Try the Extended Stay Motel) and then take a bus from the hotel to the ski slopes. The lift tickets will be a little more pricey than some of the more local areas already posted, but you'll save a ton in lodging and the step up to better terrain would be a good investment.

Thanks for your advice.
Now that I am aware of reasonable skiing sites I have another question.
Well, the thing is that this could be my first skiing experience and I am from South America ( I do not have any skiin gear or equipment)
Is it possible to rent it in the ski resorts? I do not want to buy special clothes for only a few days in the snow.
Thanks

Thanks for your advice.
Now that I am aware of reasonable skiing sites I have another question.
Well, the thing is that this could be my first skiing experience and I am from South America ( I do not have any skiing gear or equipment)
Is it possible to rent it in the ski resorts? I do not want to buy special clothes for only a few days in the snow.
Thanks

In my opinion, "affordable skiing" is an oxymoron, like jumbo shrimp, or military intelligence, however there are deals to be found. I live in Denver and last year we scored in Copper Mtn. with a 4-pass that worked out very well.

Good luck and have a fabulous time!

I would suggest expanding your search to include Canada. Exchange rates will probably make Canada a more affordable option.

Then your question is altitude. If you are a first timer, I suggest the east. You really don't need to deal with altitude acclimation and sickness, which could occur in the Rockies. There will be plenty of terrain as well as learning programs in Maine, NH, VT or Quebec to meet your needs. Check http://www.skimag.com/skimag/ for some guidance.

You can rent skis and boots at any ski area, as well as independent companies operating around any ski areas. The only stuff I do suggest buying is your own ski-pants - that's absolutely necessary to keep your behind dry.

Other stuff you'll need, you may be able to use what you already have - a good waterproof jacket, plastic/polycarbonate sunglasses, waterproof gloves, and a hood. Especially if it's not too cold on the days you're going.

For the best deals ski in Canada and ski either early season (before Christmas) or late season.

Furthering RKKwan's point, if your fingers and toes are cold, you will be miserable. Invest in good MITTENS and several pairs of ski socks.

Pitufo - "Smurf" en Espanol? Where in South America are you from?

Colorado & Utah can be expensive. Generally the areas there offer discounted prices at the beginning and end of the season (November and April.)

You might take a look at some of the areas in Oregon, Washington, Idaho & British Columbia.

In Eastern Washington & North Idaho, there are several smaller areas like Mt. Spokane, Schweitzer Basin, Silver Mountain, 49 Degrees North and others. They offer quality skiing at a decent price.

As for equipment, you usually rent skis, boots & poles as a package. All resorts offer this. As others here have mentioned, must have items include waterproof pants, warm jacket, mittens (much warmer than gloves) sunglasses and some type of hood/hat to reduce heat loss from your head.

The trick to staying warm is to dress in layers. As the temperature fluctuates, you can take layers off or put them on to keep the heat trapped next to your body.

Enjoy your trip!