Deciding when and how long to take a ski vacation can bring up many factors, from personal schedules and budgets to holidays and snow conditions. As you might expect, making mid-week ski plans during early or late season dates can lead to significant savings in lodging and transportation rates. Many resorts also offer discounted passes for off-peak ski days. You also want to consider what's going on in the ski town to avoid longer lift lines. Holidays -- especially when a long weekend off work is involved -- tend to draw the biggest crowds. Events like Sundance Film Festival may draw big crowds to Park City and rates may be higher there at that time. A great option, however, is to stay in the Salt Lake Valley for cheaper rates and drive up to Park City to enjoy very short lift lines, as everyone is busy movie watching and star gazing. At that time the Cottonwood Canyons are also a very good option for saving some cash and waiting time. You may also want to consider domestic Winter Olympic schedules if you're traveling with a group. Many buses are sent off to work the Olympics when it's in the U.S. and finding transportation may be tricky... and costly.