Affordable Sun & Ski Adventures

Affordable Sun & Ski Adventures

By Carrie Dunlea

When it comes to winter travel, families often find themselves deciding between two vastly different experiences: chasing the sun on a warm beach or embracing the chill on a snow-covered mountain. 

While these options can seem like a financial stretch, there are affordable destinations that allow families to enjoy a memorable vacation without breaking the bank. 

Here’s a look at some budget-friendly options for both sun and ski vacations. 

Budget ski adventures

Skiing, often associated with high costs in lift tickets, equipment rentals, and lodging, doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive. Texans are well-positioned to explore affordable skiing options, with Colorado and New Mexico accessible by car and flights to Salt Lake City, Utah, opening up even more opportunities.

In Colorado, smaller, family-friendly resorts offer great prices, ample terrain, and low-density skiing. Buying discount lift tickets online is typically the best way to save if you don’t have a season pass. Midweek tickets are often the cheapest, saving families a significant amount over weekend rates. Many resorts offer “kids ski free” promotions, and seniors can often find discounted rates as well.

For families with kids just learning to ski, Granby Ranch is a top pick. Located just north of Winter Park and a couple of hours from Denver, this family-owned resort boasts 400 acres of skiable terrain across two mountains. While lift tickets can cost around $150 on holidays and weekends, weekday prices are often closer to $100. Granby Ranch’s night skiing tickets, usually half the price of daytime passes, offer an excellent value. The resort is also part of the Indy Pass, making it a great option for those combining trips with nearby Winter Park, just 20 miles south.

In the San Juan Mountains near Durango, Purgatory Resort uses a variable online pricing system, with tickets as low as $13 during early or late-season ski days. More realistically, skiers can expect to pay at least $55, with holiday rates around $100. Booking early ensures the best prices. Nearby Durango, a lively Western town, offers budget-friendly accommodations and dining options catering to Fort Lewis College students and visitors alike. Durango is frequently ranked as one of America’s top small towns.

Powderhorn Mountain Resort in Mesa, Colorado, is another standout for affordable skiing. The resort recently implemented an initiative to freeze or reduce lift ticket window rates for the 2024-25 winter season, helping families enjoy winter sports without feeling the pinch of inflation.

Utah also offers plenty of affordable skiing options. According to onthesnow.com, resorts like Brian Head, Cherry Peak, Powder Mountain, Nordic Valley, and Brighton provide excellent value. Brian Head Resort, just 50 miles north of Zion National Park, features eight chairlifts, 72 runs, and 650 skiable acres. Lift tickets can be as low as $30, depending on the time of year and day of the week.

In New Mexico, Sandia Peak Ski Area near Albuquerque offers incredible affordability with online tickets at just $16 per day. Originally established in 1936 as La Madera Ski Area, Sandia Peak is New Mexico’s first-ever ski resort. It boasts 35 trails, four lifts, and 300 acres of skiable terrain for all skill levels. Families with kids under 12 can take advantage of the Power Kids season pass, offering unlimited free skiing at participating Power Pass mountains.

Sun & Sand Escapes

If the thought of bone-chilling cold, bulky skiwear, and clunky boots doesn’t excite you, affordable beach destinations abound.

Pristine beaches and low-cost accommodations welcome visitors to Gulf Shores, Alabama. Activities like hiking in Gulf State Park or fishing from the pier provide family-friendly entertainment. Late spring and early fall are the best times to visit, offering warm weather and smaller crowds.

If you’re looking for aquaint, family-friendly atmosphere with budget lodging options, Tybee Island, Georgia offers activities such as dolphin tours and historical sites to explore. The island’s mild weather in early fall and late spring makes these seasons ideal for visits.

Another excellent option for families is The Outer Banks in North Carolina. Ample vacation rentals can accommodate large groups, while free or low-cost activities like visiting the Wright Brothers National Memorial or flying kites on the beach provide endless fun. Late spring and early fall are the best times to visit for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Folly Beach, South Carolina, just 12 miles south of Charleston, offers six miles of shoreline and affordable vacation opportunities. At the northern end of Folly Beach, the Morris Island Lighthouse provides a stunning backdrop from the shore. Visitors can get a closer look from the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve or via kayak or boat. The island has a plethora of both oceanfront and river-view properties that are budget-friendly in the spring before the summer season heats up, making Folly Beach a relaxing and picturesque escape.

For West Coast travelers, fly into San Diego, California and check out affordable alternatives in nearby towns like Oceanside or Carlsbad. Families can enjoy beaches, and all that San Diego has to offer, without the high cost of staying in the city. Plus, the area’s mild climate makes it a year-round destination, though winter months may call for a light jacket.

Closer to home, South Padre Island is a hidden treasure that’s accessible by car. Families can enjoy affordable beachfront hotels and attractions like water parks and sandcastle lessons. Winter and early spring provide warm temperatures, making it a perfect February getaway.

Wallet-Friendly International Sunspots

For those willing to travel internationally, Playa del Carmen in Mexico provides affordable all-inclusive resorts and access to cenotes and Mayan ruins. Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, features family-oriented resorts that package meals, lodging, and activities into one economical price.

Visitors can take a direct flight from Dallas to Belize City, then a quick hopper to explore Ambergris Caye, Belize, on Central America’s northeastern coast. With plenty of hotel and rental options, and no rental car needed, there’s plenty of time to enjoy beaches, affordable snorkeling excursions on its barrier reef, Mayan jungles and much more. 

For a European twist, Portugal’s Algarve region offers a safe, coastal retreat at a fraction of the cost of other Mediterranean destinations. The Algarve’s family-friendly beaches and rich cultural experiences make it a standout option for children of all ages.

Whether your family craves the adrenaline of skiing or the relaxation of a beachside retreat, there are destinations that cater to both experiences without straining your wallet. By choosing lesser-known resorts or taking advantage of offseason deals, families can create lasting memories in the sun or snow without sacrificing quality or comfort.