5 Best Ski Resorts for College Students

You'll know as you drop over the Wyoming side of Teton Pass on the way to Jackson Hole that you've landed somewhere special. Some call Jackson Hole, "the last of the old west," and while there may be slightly more "western" towns scattered across the state, you won't find one with 4,000 vertical foot drops to ski down.

Jackson Hole made a name for itself as a big mountain adventure mecca throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and it is now a world-class destination resort. This comes with its downsides: mainly costly lift tickets and lodging, but college students can find discounts for the former and cheap(er) digs for the latter. Overall, it's a young-at-heart community with an undertone of sophistication -- and simply not-to-be-missed as a check off any skier's bucket list.

Best For: A pilgrimage to the mecca of North American big mountain skiing; the classic ski town adventure.

• Stay: The Hostal is Teton Village’s last true budget-friendly option, offering both dorm and private rooms, a cozy communal kitchen, and a prime location right at the resort’s base. 
• Ski: Hit Saratoga Bowl of Après Vous for secret stashes on a powder day. No matter your skill level, you’ve got to take a ride up the legendary aerial tram – advanced skiers can drop into Rendezvous Bowl, while the rest can grab a delicious waffle in Corbet’s Cabin before catching the tram back to the base.
• Eat: Pearl Street Bagels, a local favorite in Wilson, serves up bagels, sandwiches, salads, and more.
• Après: The Mangy Moose brings rustic country charm and tasty bites, making it a must-visit spot, especially on weekend afternoons when local bands hit the stage. 
• Nightlife: Explore downtown Jackson and check out iconic spots like the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar and Silver Dollar Bar.
• Off The Slopes: Take some time to wander around town, where you’ll find awesome outdoor gear shops and funky western wear stores. 
• Don’t Miss: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s free annual outdoor spring concert, Rendezvous Fest.

See Jackson Hole Ski Packages

Pull into the Bridger Bowl parking lot, and you'll spot the ski area's motto: "Ski the cold smoke" -- and they're not kidding. Bridger Bowl is known for some of the lightest, fluffiest powder in North America. What we love about Bridger is its old-school vibe. As a not-for-profit ski area, you won't find over-commercialized condos or a bougie village -- just a tight-knit community of locals chasing face shots and good times. Only 20 minutes from downtown Bozeman, home to Montana State University, Bridger offers the perfect mix of world-class skiing and vibrant nightlife. Major live music acts frequently drop into town and the community is full of outdoors enthusiasts who like their food organic and their IPAs hoppy.

Best For: Extreme inbounds terrain and epic powder in a lively university town.

What Locals Think:  You’ll enjoy all the big-mountain thrills and vibrant nightlife of a major resort, without the hefty price tag.

• Stay: The Lewis and Clark Motel, located in downtown Bozeman, steps away from Main Street’s bars and restaurants.
• Ski:  If you’ve got the backcountry experience and gear, be sure to hike the Ridge off Bridger Lift. 
•  Head skier’s left for powder curtains, or go skier’s right for the legendary chutes off The Nose.
• Eat: Montana Ale Works, a former freight house turned local hotspot, known for its incredible craft beers, creative pub fare, and unbeatable happy hour.
• Après: Grizzly Ridge Station serves up old-school ski bar eats; you’ll be brushing shoulders with local legends while watching famous ski movie clips on TV.
• Nightlife: The Molly Brown Bar is the go-to spot for shooting pool or catching a Tom Petty cover band. It’s also conveniently located in the “Bermuda Triangle,” a nightlife hub of 3 downtown bars on Main Street.
• Off The Slopes: Just a short, scenic drive from town, you'll find Chico Hot Springs Resort, where you can soak in relaxing open-air mineral hot springs, enjoy delicious dining, unwind with yoga and spa deals, and catch live music most weekends. 
• Don’t Miss: Watch local pros and gutsy amateurs send it big in the Bridger Gully Freeride competition, usually held in February.

Breckenridge Ski Resort tops the list for its fun-loving atmosphere, diverse terrain, proximity to major Colorado schools like Colorado Mountain College and University of Colorado, plus season access with the Epic Pass Program. Breck boasts nearly 3,000 acres of skiable slopes, world-famous terrain parks, and some of the best snow in Colorado thanks to its location in the Rocky Mountains. While it has its share of glitz and glam, Breck is welcoming to any budget, drawing in plenty of college students – especially during Spring Break. The town buzzes with regional and national live music acts, and the outdoor concerts in late March are a must-see. Plus, Breckenridge is one of the top ski resorts for beginners, making it the perfect choice for group trips.

Best For: Day-trippers from Dillon, weekend warriors from Denver and Boulder; and the ultimate spring break destination.

What Locals Think: Breck is the best for stunning steep slopes and nice secret stashes of trees.

• Stay: Rine Ridge Condominiums has convenient ski-in/ski-out access and budget-friendly rates when splitting costs with friends. Plus, Epic Pass holders can snag extra discounts.
• Ski: Peak 8 for the most variety – then tackle the Peak 8 Summit for challenging hike-to terrain – or head to Peak 10 to escape the crowds. 
• Eat: HD Tavern for affordable dogs and sausages, plus drink specials.
• Après: Soak up the sun at T-bar, Breck's iconic hotspot at the base of Peak 8. This lively slopeside bar serves up craft beers, creative cocktails, shareable appetizers, and unbeatable patio vibes—especially on a bluebird day.
• Nightlife: Most clubs are 21+; if that’s you, head to Cecilia’s for late-night dancing to spinning DJs.
• Off The Slopes: Take a day trip to the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort in Nathrop.
• Don’t Miss: Spring Fever is Breck’s blowout end-of-season festival, packing a whole month with pro competitions, beer and food tastings, outdoor concerts, and more.

See Breckenridge Ski Packages

Whistler knows how to party, making it the perfect spot if you’re ready to hit European-style underground nightclubs after crushing it on the slopes. With over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain—and even more in the nearby backcountry—this place is a playground for adrenaline junkies. Here, après-ski isn’t just an activity; it’s a lifestyle, with legendary parties and a food scene that spans at least 5 different international cuisines. Just a heads-up: many condos and houses require you to be 25+ to book, but don’t worry—we’ve included a great hostel option as a solid alternative.

Best For: Thriving nightlife for the 19+ crowd and the ultimate destination for outdoor adventures and social vibes.

What Locals Think: It’s the Disneyland of ski resorts—a magical world of diverse runs, epic terrain parks, high-speed lifts, and all the amenities you could ever need, spread across 2 mountains.

• Stay: For the best budget-friendly stay, Squamish Hostel has you covered. If convenience is key, Blackcomb Lodge puts you right in the heart of Whistler Blackcomb, just a short stroll from the Excalibur and Village Gondolas.
• Ski: The ridge off the Harmony 6 Express lift delivers an epic intermediate run paired with stunning views on a clear day, while Glacier Bowl is your powder-day paradise with some of the best snow on the mountain.
• Eat: Tacos La Cantina has massive takeaway burritos that hit the spot, or head to Sushi Village for a mean sake margarita and their famous udon noodle soup.
• Après: Kick back on the deck of Merlin’s Bar & Grill with a local beer in hand and some mouthwatering bar bites – this is the spot to meet a fun young crowd before a night on the town.
• Nightlife: Garfinkel’s has earned its reputation as Whistler’s #1 dance bar, hosting some of the wildest parties in town history. Get ready for packed crowds on Fridays and Saturdays and themed nights every day of the week.
• Off The Slopes: For an adrenaline rush, book ahead at Whistler Bungee. Just 15 minutes south of Whistler Village, you’ll leap from a stunning bridge surrounded by epic views – rides are available, as well as group discounts.
• Don’t Miss: Whistler’s biggest seasonal celebration, the World Ski and Snowboard Festival (WSSF), takes over in April with epic outdoor concerts, food and drink events, and so much more.

Sunday River might not have the non-stop buzz of a major Western Resort, but it’s got plenty to offer college students looking for a good time. With events like College Ski Week in early January—featuring 5 days of lodging deals and fun activities—and the budget-friendly New England College Pass (offering access to Sunday River, Sugarloaf, and Loon), it’s a go-to for East Coast college riders.

Located just far enough north to escape the tri-state weekend crowds, Sunday River boasts shorter lift lines and snow quality that holds up throughout the day. This is the perfect spot to carve some turns, hang with friends, and kick back at, like, 3 bars. (But hey – they’re great bars!)

Best For: New Englanders looking for a local getaway, long days on the slopes and fun nights at the Foggy Goggle.

What Locals Think: Sunday River is a solid choice for reliable snow and boasts one of the longest ski seasons in the U.S.

Stay: Rent a condo in Bethel at a decent price, stay at the affordable Inn at the Rostay, or check out the discounted rates at Snow Cap Inn.

Ski: Lap Locke and Barker Mountains in the morning, then head to the glades off Oz for some tree line thrills.

Eat: Smokin’ Good BBQ at Bethel for the best BBQ in Maine and unbeatable prices.

Après: No trip to Sunday River is complete without a stop at the Foggy Goggle. Expect fun crowds, live music, and solid pub grub—all ages welcome!

Nightlife: Head to the Matterhorn Ski Bar for live music, beer, and craft brews.

Off The Slopes: Beyond skiing, there’s plenty to do—try Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, or even ski biking.

See Sunday River Resort Packages