8 ski towns just like Aspen, but much cheaper

Aspen, Colorado, with its luxurious resort hotels, upscale restaurants, and designer shops, has long been a popular winter vacation destination for the rich and famous. However, it has become financially unaffordable for most ordinary people.

In general, skiing has never been a sport for the frugal, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it on a tight budget. Finance.yahoo.com has prepared eight ski towns that are similar to Aspen, but a fraction of the price.

1. Big Sky, Montana

Big Sky, located in Bozeman, Montana, is a great destination for skiers on a budget. You can fly nonstop to Bozeman from 30 destinations in the US. At Big Sky, you'll book your lodging, lift tickets, lessons, and ski rentals all in one place, saving money with package deals.

2. Ketchum, Idaho.

Ketchum and neighboring Sun Valley offer a resort feel at more reasonable prices than resorts in Utah or Colorado. The Knob Hill Inn offers reasonable room rates and early booking discounts. You can also check out the Best Western Tyrolean Lodge or Cottonwood Condominiums.

3. Stowe, Vermont

The quintessential New England ski town, Stowe has resorts, hotels, dining options and, most importantly, charm. Stay at The Lodge at Spruce Peak Village for an all-in-one experience, or choose a bed and breakfast or vacation rental. If you plan ahead, you can even stay at the Trapp Family Lodge.

4. Park City, Utah

Winter sports enthusiasts can choose from Deer Valley, Park City Mountain, and Woodward Park City resorts for skiing, snowboarding, telemarking, and even heli-skiing. For a luxurious experience, stay at the Montage at Deer Valley or St. Regis Deer Valley - book in advance and stay five or more days to get discounted rates. If these resorts are out of your budget, look for VRBO or Airbnb rentals.

5. Truckee Tahoe, California

The Lake Tahoe area is a year-round vacation destination and home to several world-class resorts for skiers and snowboarders. For ski in, ski out condos, check out Red Wolf Lodge in Olympic Valley. Or stay at the Forest Suites Resort in Heavenly Valley, where you can hop on the Heavenly Ski Resort Gondola for your first run of the day.

6. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole in the Tetons can be reached from 12 major US cities with a direct flight to Jackson Hole Airport, 20 miles from the resort. An interesting fact about the mountain: the air temperature at the top of the mountain can be 30-40 degrees higher than in the valley. Here - unlike in most ski areas - if you want to warm up, go to the top of the mountain, not down to the bottom.

Jackson Hole has a great selection of lodging close to the mountain where you can get a great deal (less than $200 per night). Many have a shuttle service that will take you to the mountain, so if you don't need a place to ski, you can get a great deal here.

7. Arapahoe Basin, Colorado

If Aspen is too expensive for you but you still want to ski in Colorado, try Arapahoe Basin. Lift tickets can cost less than $100 USD, especially on weekdays, but you need to buy them in advance online. You can get an even better deal if you ski for three or more days. Basin lodging is also available, with well-known hotel chains like Best Western, Comfort Suites, and Homewood Suites by Hilton offering clean, reliable accommodations.

8. Beech Mountain, North Carolina

North Carolina may not be the first place that comes to mind for a ski vacation, but it's worth considering, especially if you're on a tight budget. Beech Mountain Resort offers lodging, lift tickets, lessons, and equipment rentals all in one place. You can get a lift ticket for $40 or about $300 for a five-day pass, and the lodging is also reasonably priced. If there is no snow forecast, they will make it for you, so don't miss out on a ski vacation in North Carolina.