What is cheaper, Vail or Aspen?
Comparing the cost of Vail and Aspen is complex, as both are universally recognized as two of the most expensive and luxurious ski destinations in North America. There is no truly “cheap” way to visit either resort during peak season. However, there are clear differences in *what* you pay for. Generally, Aspen is considered more expensive for day-to-day costs like lodging and food. Conversely, Vail’s single-day, walk-up lift tickets can be significantly more expensive, a nuance that is critical to understand.
The Overall Cost: Aspen’s Luxury Premium
When comparing the total cost of a vacation, Aspen is generally more expensive than Vail. The town of Aspen has a higher cost of living, which is reflected in nearly every visitor-facing business. This is partly due to its remote location, which makes it harder to supply, and its global reputation for exclusivity. You will find a higher concentration of ultra-luxury brands, from five-star hotels and residences to designer boutiques. While Vail also has these, Aspen’s entire brand is built on this foundation of elite luxury. Both destinations offer a range of lodging, from ultra-luxe, ski-in/ski-out estates to more modest condos. However, the baseline price for comparable lodging, dining, and shopping is typically higher in Aspen.
Lodging and Dining Costs
Data comparisons consistently show that “off-mountain” costs are higher in Aspen. According to one analysis, restaurants and entertainment tend to be about 17 percent more expensive in Aspen than in Vail. The cost of groceries is also reported to be around six percent higher. This adds up quickly over a week-long vacation. For lodging, both resorts have trophy properties that command thousands per night. But at the mid-to-high end, Vail’s larger inventory of hotels and condos provides more competition and a slightly wider range of price points. Aspen’s smaller, more exclusive inventory keeps its lodging prices at a premium. If you plan to eat out for every meal and stay in a luxury hotel, your bill will likely be higher in Aspen.
The Skiing: Lift Ticket vs. Pass Value
The cost of skiing is where the comparison gets nuanced. If you walk up to the ticket window on a holiday weekend, a single-day lift ticket at Vail can be one of the most expensive in the world, sometimes priced significantly higher than a single-day ticket at Aspen. However, almost no one does this. Vail’s parent company, Vail Resorts, has built its entire business model around the Epic Pass. This system heavily incentivizes—or forces—guests to purchase their lift access far in advance. By buying an Epic Day Pass or a full Epic Pass months ahead of time, the per-day cost of skiing Vail drops dramatically. Aspen, on the Ikon Pass, has a similar system. Therefore, the “price” of skiing is not the window ticket price. It is the pass product you buy. For travelers who do not plan ahead, Vail can be more expensive. For savvy pass-holders, the cost is more comparable.
