Julie Epstein: Let's face it! Skiing is a pricy sport. The travel expenses, a hotel stay, rental equipments, and lift tickets, the cost can easily snowball out of control. Here are our picks for the best skiing destinations that can be experienced on a budget.

For east coast gears Vermont is as good as it gets, but rather than hitting the pricy slips of Stowe we recommend the Burlington area. You will find reasonable roommates in town and be within a short drive of several excellence ski resorts offering cheaper lift tickets.

On the west coast you have many more budget-friendly options. To take advantage of Lake Tahoe's popular resorts consider stating in more affordable Reno, Nevada just 25 minutes away from the Mount Rose ski area. You will have access to prime powder and cheap room rates.

Well, that's a shame that more people don't visit Montana. Their oversight works in your favor. Ski resorts like Great Divide and Teton Pass near Helena advertise day passes for less than $40, which is a steal for the amount of terrain you can explore.

New Mexico's resorts are also a great budget-friendly option. You can fly into Albuquerque or Santa Fe and find multiple ski resorts with affordable prices just a short drive away.

Visit any of these winter wonderlands and you will save big on your next ski vacation. For more ideas on the best accommodations check out our US News Best Hotels rankings online.