For your frat friends, the words "Spring Break" are synonymous with a place in the sun. But as a faithful worshipper of Ullr, the Snow God, when you finally receive your freedom from the necessary ordeal of college, you long to pack your boards and find a place in the snow. So where's the party? It's all happening in Breckenridge, Colorado, and you don't have to be a Trustafarian to afford it.

Rollin' with a Posse

In general, larger groups get better deals. You can rent an SUV from Denver International Airport. If someone in your group is over 25, that is. Otherwise, be prepared to pay a little more for drivers under 25 years old, which is still usually a better deal than squeezing into a shuttle with 6 complete strangers for the long drive to Breck from DIA. Once in Breckenridge, use the free Summit Stage Bus to get you around Summit County, and avoid DUI's or using that 'extra' rental insurance. 

For Cheap Digs, Rent a Phat Crib 

Two, three and four bedroom condos can be rented for as little as $300 a night. You can find even cheaper deals on vacation rentals in Silverthorne or Dillon. With hotel rates going for a minimum of $100 a night, for a big group, a condo rental in Breckenridge is a no-brainer. Summit County has three big supermarkets: City Market in Dillon and Breckenridge, and Safeway in Frisco. Save cash by cooking meals at the condo. Additionally, most condos have washer/dryers, which are a lot more economical than the rip-off laundry rooms at ski area hotels. This means that you can wash your smelly underwear, rather than stuff your luggage with extra pairs. What? You never wash your underwear on a ski trip? Perhaps you should consider Killington. (Just kidding.. sort of)

While renting a condo is usually the economical choice, there are two situations that might make it inadvisable:

1. If you're traveling with a group of slobs who are used to having their moms clean up for them, you may be shocked to discover that some condos do not supply daily housekeeping. Also, if you damage the property after a drunken party, don't even think of asking for the return of your security deposit.
2. If you're traveling solo or with a smaller group. In this case, consider the Fireside Inn and Youth Hostel on French Street. You can choose to stay in the ski dorms, or, for a bit more money, you can stay in their lovely, affordable B&B. Caveat: Must love dogs! The owners have two standard poodles.

Now that you've found an affordable place to crash, let's talk about the mountain. Breckenridge has the most versatile terrain of any resort in North America. Newbies can take lessons with the acclaimed Breckenridge Ski & Ride School. The terrain off the Quicksilver Lift is extremely friendly for new skiers and riders. Peak 9 is an intermediate cruiser's paradise, whereas expert skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the backcountry type of terrain that runs off the Imperial Express Chair. The town has a variety of other activities such as Nordic skiing, ice skating, historic tours and theater.

Breckenridge also offers multi-day packages which can sometimes be used at Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, Vail or Beaver Creek. Be sure to sign up for Peak Rewards, so you can earn points towards future trips. While supermarkets offer discount lift tickets, take it from a local, this year, they are pretty lame. Now let's talk about food.

Get the Grub, Find the Best Clubs

If you're not eating in, start your day at Daylight Donuts on North Main Street. They offer $3.95 breakfast specials, as well as donuts that rival those made by Krispy Kreme. Check out Rasta Pasta on South Main for pasta specials with a Reggae accent. There is also an outdoor crepe cart on Main Street appropriately called Crepes a la Carte.Downstairs at Eric's which is also a popular apres ski lhangout, also features affordable meals and nightly entertainment. Cecilia's at 520 South Main is the hottest dance club in Breck. Get there by 5PM and enjoy three hours of half-price martinis.

Why break the piggy bank for your spring break vacation? Come to Breckenridge. Ullr is waiting!

This insider info was provided by Lisa Marie Mercer, based solely on the condition that skiers DON'T look her up when they get to Colorado.