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Who says you need a car to get the most out of ski season? Believe it or not, some of North America’s most iconic ski resorts are accessible by bus or train, which means you can cruise through snow-covered landscapes without gripping the steering wheel – or digging your car out of a snowdrift.
With Wanderu, booking cheap bus and train tickets to these powder havens is as easy as gliding down a bunny slope. Whether you’re an eco-warrior looking to reduce your carbon footprint or a ski bum chasing fresh powder, we’re here to help you reach these ski resorts affordably and car-free.
So let’s check out the slopes!
Banff & Lake Louise, AB
Right in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff and Lake Louise are like stepping into a winter fairytale, with breathtaking views, friendly locals, and the longest ski season around. Pick from three amazing ski resorts—Sunshine Village, Mount Norquay, and Lake Louise Ski Resort— to find your perfect vacay abode and access to different slopes.
But it’s not just about skiing! Banff National Park is packed with stunning sights, from turquoise glacial lakes and steaming hot springs to cozy mountain towns. Whether you love the outdoors or just want to snap the perfect photo, this is one bucket-list spot you don’t want to miss.
| Calgary to Banff | $8.36 | |
| Edmonton to Banff | $53.51 | |
| Vancouver to Banff | $114.21 | |
| Seattle to Banff | $142.60 | |
| Whitefish to Banff | $211.00 |
Truckee-Tahoe, CA
Truckee-Tahoe is where California’s chill vibes meet epic alpine adventures. With top ski resorts like Northstar Resort, Palisades Tahoe, and Sugar Bowl Resort, it’s a dream for snow lovers. But it’s not all about the slopes—Truckee’s historic downtown is full of charm, with cute boutiques, cozy coffee spots, and amazing restaurants. Add in Lake Tahoe’s stunning blue waters and endless outdoor fun, and you’ve got the perfect spot whether you’re chasing thrills or just want to kick back and relax.
| San Francisco to Truckee | $56.00 | |
| Richmond to Truckee | $52.77 | |
| San Jose to Truckee | $80.57 | |
| Sacramento to Truckee | $89.33 | |
| Salt Lake City to Truckee | $112.26 |
Winter Park Resort, CO
Murray Foubister / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Nestled in the heart of Colorado, Winter Park Ski Resort is a paradise for outdoor lovers any time of year, but really knocks it out of the park in winter (hence the name). As the longest-running ski resort in the state, it’s got some serious street cred—and over 3,000 acres of terrain to back it up. Whether you’re cruising Vasquez Ridge or taking on the legendary (and leg-burning) Mary Jane trails, there’s something for every kind of shredder. Plus, many trails connect and interweave, meaning that buddy bunny slopers and black diamond pros can ride the lifts and meet up on the slopes!
Winter Park is one of the easiest resorts to get to from Denver, making it a prime pick for a quick weekend escape. And it’s not just about skiing—the town itself has a buzzing après-ski scene, a cozy mountain village, and year-round fun like mountain biking.
| Denver to Winter Park | $10.00 | |
| Denver to Winter Park | $38.76 |
Whistler Blackcomb, BC
Whistler Blackcomb isn’t just North America’s largest ski resort, it’s the ultimate playground for snow lovers. With over 8,100 acres of skiable terrain, from smooth groomed trails to wild backcountry runs, it’s a little slice of alpine heaven. Oh, and did we mention it was a star of the 2010 Winter Olympics? 🎿
And the fun doesn’t stop when you unclip your skis! Think luxury, nightlife, and dining, all in a cozy, pedestrian-friendly town. And with the Coast Mountain views, there’s no contest for this year’s winning Christmas Card.
| Seattle to Whistler | $65.17 | |
| Seattle to Whistler | $99.50 | |
| Vancouver to Whistler | $119.17 |
Whiteface Mountain, NY
U.S. Department of the Interior / Flickr
Tucked away in New York’s Adirondacks, Whiteface Mountain is a must-visit for anyone who loves the outdoors. Famous for hosting the 1980 Winter Olympics, it boasts the highest vertical drop in the East, perfect for skiers and snowboarders looking for a challenge—and the views are incredible!
Not into skiing? No problem, there’s plenty to do in Lake Placid! You can go ice skating on the Olympic Oval or check out the Lake Placid Olympic sites. Whether you’re into history or just love exploring, Whiteface has something for everyone.
| Montreal to Lake Placid | $51.00 | |
| New York to Lake Placid | $87.89 | |
| New York to Lake Placid | $93.00 | |
| Boston to Lake Placid | $177.17 |
Mammoth Mountain, CA
Nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada, Mammoth Mountain lives up to its name with an incredible 400 inches of snow every year and one of the longest ski seasons in the U.S. Famous for its epic terrain parks and high-altitude powder, it’s a go-to spot for thrill-seekers.
When you’re not out on the snow, you can kick back and enjoy the chill vibe, soak in nearby hot springs, or take in the stunning views of the Eastern Sierra. Plus, it’s close to Yosemite National Park, making it an awesome destination for outdoor adventures all year round.
| Los Angeles to Mammoth Lakes | $71.00 |
Mt. Bachelor, OR
Mt. Bachelor, just outside of Bend, Oregon, is a volcanic treasure with awesome 360-degree views and some of the best powder on the West Coast. With reliable snowfall and tons of terrain, it’s a go-to spot for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Need to warm up? The nearby town of Bend makes it even better with its craft beer scene, laid-back vibe, and access to year-round adventures like hiking and mountain biking.
| Eugene to Bend | $37.46 | |
| Portland to Bend | $60.00 | |
| Seattle to Bend | $91.75 | |
| Sacramento to Bend | $125.42 | |
| Oakland to Bend | $137.18 |
Cranmore Mountain Resort, NH
Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce / CC by 2.0 via Flickr
Looking for a family-friendly skiing spot with a dash of old-school charm? Cranmore Mountain Resort in New Hampshire’s White Mountains is calling your name. It’s perfect for beginners and intermediates, with wide-open trails and jaw-dropping views of Mount Washington (talk about a photo op!).
Off the slopes, the fun keeps going with snow tubing, a mountain coaster, and a pretty awesome après-ski scene in the adorable town of North Conway.
| Concord to North Conway | $22.50 | |
| Boston to North Conway | $36.00 | |
| Portland to North Conway | $54.00 | |
| Providence to North Conway | $90.00 |
Whitefish Mountain Resort, MT
Whitefish Mountain Resort, in Montana’s Flathead Valley, is where world-class skiing meets small-town charm. With over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and some of the best glade skiing around, it’s basically paradise for powder lovers. But it’s not all about the slopes—there’s plenty to do off the mountain too.
Check out the majestic Glacier National Park, kick back in the charming town of Whitefish, or soak in the jaw-dropping views of Whitefish Lake and the surrounding peaks. Adventure, relaxation, and a whole lot of fun await.
| Spokane to Whitefish | $42.50 | |
| Shelby to Whitefish | $44.15 | |
| Missoula to Whitefish | $72.50 | |
| Eugene to Whitefish | $125.33 | |
| Seattle to Whitefish | $155.00 |
Taking a bus or train to your ski resort isn’t just more convenient than driving the icy roads yourself – it can also be far more affordable. Booking with Wanderu or the Wanderu app means no headaches about parking, traffic, or chains in a snowstorm — and some extra cash for impromptu snow tubing.
So what are you waiting for? Your winter wonderland awaits!
