"An independently owned, budget-friendly mountain with roughly 1,600 acres of terrain, multiple snow parks, and nearby natural hot springs. It’s known for extremely affordable lift tickets (starting as low as $9 based on demand) and a kid-friendly policy where children under 12 always ski free; on-site childcare (The Den) accepts youngsters up to age four. Lodging at the base offers classic ski amenities—lockers and a heated pool—without hefty resort fees, and nearby Durango provides low-cost dining and memorable evening activities like the Polar Express train ride." - Lydia Price Lydia Price Lydia Price is a senior engagement editor at Travel + Leisure, where she hosts short-form videos and leads content engagement initiatives. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines