Replying to Best place for a CHEAP ski vacation?

me and a couple of my friends are trying to spend a week skiing out west this winter, but none of us can afford to stay in a 4 star hotel in jackson hole. so for 3 college guys who dont mind roughin' it a little bit and just want to ski deep pow, where is the best place to go? id really appreciate any advice you might have for saving money in expensive ski towns, finding good deals on lift tickets / hotels / tent platforms, and most importantly the areas with the cheapest economy in general. and if you or anyone you know has taken a similar excursion, please share your story.