Under $100: Summit County, Colo.

Ski and snowboard enthusiasts flock to Summit County, Colo., throughout the winter to experience world-class conditions. But, a ski trip out to Colorado isn’t usually the most affordable of vacations. Thankfully, there are ways you can cut costs for your day on the slopes.

First, you’ll need to grab some friends. Unfortunately, there’s no sure way to ski in Summit County for less than $100 without at least splitting lodging. Staying in or near resorts like Breckenridge, Vail or Beaver Creek will be costly. Consider looking for lodging in nearby towns like Frisco, Dillon and Silverthorne. Head to a site like Expedia and search all of Summit County. Grab a room for around $100, and split it with 3 friends. True budget travelers can even see if they’re able to find a couch-surfing host.

If your hotel offers free breakfast, load up on that before heading out. Consider grabbing some snacks to stuff in your pockets, too.

Choose your mountain based on price and don’t get your heart set on one resort. Check websites like Liftopia for discounts on passes. You can snag a day pass to Arapahoe Basin for around $50 during peak season.

Now, it’s time to get to the mountain. Summit County offers free bus transportation to most ski resorts. The buses are labeled Summit Stage, and they’re a fantastic way to save on gas and parking fees.

Next, enjoy your day on the slopes! Don’t eat in the lodge — the food is pricey, and often not too tasty. Snack on the energy bars and other snacks you shoved in your pockets. At the end of the day, grab dinner at one of the many great restaurants in the area. Dillon and Silverthorne have cheap options like Wendy’s, but since you’ve saved on lodging, gas and lift tickets, you can splurge a bit. The Dam Brewery in Dillon is a blast after a day of skiing.