Set your dates far in advance. Have backup dates in case the resort is full or too expensive during your first choice of dates.
Ski Breckenridge in the spring. The area is beautiful as the weather warms, and because there are fewer holiday weekends in spring, reservations may be less expensive during this season.
Shop for winter skiwear during the off-season. You can find sales on gloves, goggles and even big tickets items such as pants and jackets.
Sign up for major airline e-mail clubs. Denver is a large airport and most carriers stop there. Shop for tickets early and you are sure to find discounted rates. If flying is out of your budget, consider driving. It is a beautiful scenic drive.
Look into timeshares. Several of the lodges and resorts in the area are timeshares. See if they're offering a special rate to people who agree to listen to their sales pitch. The pitch usually lasts 2 hours and can save you hundreds of dollars in accommodation fees.
Look for a room with a kitchenette. It will save you time and money. Breakfast can be served quickly so you can hit the slopes early, and dinners prepared at home can cost significantly less than going out.
Eating on the slopes can get very expensive, so pack a couple of protein bars in your jacket pocket. If you can manage a backpack, water bottles are also a good idea.