My husband and I ski almost every weekend in the winter. We've decided that this year we want to stay more 2-night weekends in the mountains to optimize our time and enjoyment. Usually we only do this once or twice a season. Just looking for your favorite low-cost, good quality accomodations. I'm hoping there's a gem out there I haven't yet discovered.

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How close to a resort does it have to be? Would you be willing to stay in Dillon, Frisco or Silverthorne? How long a drive are you willing to make to the resort?

Dillon, Frisco and Silverthorne are all in Summit County which is what I am looking for in addition to Vail/Avon/Eagle County. We'd like to be within 30 minutes of the resort.

Maybe 20 minutes.

Inn at Riverwalk in Edwards - 10 minutes to the base of BC (shuttle up), 15 to Vail. New hotel (less than 5 years), walking to shops and restaurants in Edwards. Great Mexican food across the street, upscale dining at Junipers, home comfort food at the Gore Range Brewery - all walking distance.

It's getting harder to find much up there that is truly low cost but I've enjoyed staying in Dillon at a number of the condos. Marina Place is one we've stayed at multiple times. They lack elevators so upstairs in the winter can be a pain with all the ski gear but they overlook Lake Dillon and are cheaper than what you'll find in the ski towns. They also have covered parking.

We usually rent through Resort Quest. They give you deductions for repeat business, which is nice. You may also want to try out www.vrbo.com. (Vacation Rentals by Owner) They have tons of listings up there and if you don't mind negotiating with the owners you can sometimes get great last minute deals.

Dillon (I believe it's technically Dillon and not Silverthorne because it's on the south side of I-70) also has a new hotel (Quality Suites, perhaps?) that is pretty nice. Brand new with a microwave and fridge in every room and nice hot tub/pool. Priced right in line with all the other chains up there.

A strong second on the Inn at Riverwalk, Edwards. Great spot and great little town. The Christie Lodge in Avon is fine for a couple of nights, but the rooms are kind of small for any longer stay. (Also expect a strong chlorine smell in the Lobby as the pools are located inside the main building. It's a short hop to Beaver Creek from there. Avon also has some good eating places.

Also in the Avon, Vail area are a couple of the chain hotels - Comfort Inn Avon, Holiday Inn West Vail that you may be able to get deals on thru Priceline or similar.

The Roost Lodge and Park Meadows are also low cost Vail. The Roost during Xmas and March/April has a lot of college kids.

Vailonsale.com is a last minute booking clearinghouse for lodging specials.

Thanks for all the great recommendations. A few of these were not on my list.

Yale you can sometimes find good deals at http://denver.craigslist.org/vac/

you might also try the want-ads in VRBO.com. Sometimes owners will post a last minute cancellation or vacancy and offer at a special rate to not have unit sit empty