Fireside views of snow-draped slopes and dreams of fresh-powder runs tempt many travelers to hit the slopes during the winter season. The price tag doesn't have to be prohibitive, however. Here are some ways to have a stylish ski getaway for less.

Freebies: Many ski venues offer no-cost lift tickets to entice travelers. For example, Big White Ski Resort in Kelowna, British Columbia allows children younger than 5 to ski, tube and skate for free all season. Complimentary mountain tours with experienced snow hosts are also offered every morning and afternoon to familiarize skiers with the resort's trails.

Similarly, Mt. Bachelor near Bend, Oregon permits children up to eighteen years of age to ski for free all season with the purchase of one adult multiday ticket.

Location: Booking lodging away from the slopes is a huge money-saving strategy. Ski instructor Kathy Bechtel of Italia Outdoors, an adventure tour company, points to the town of Bolzano in Italy's Trento-Alto Adige region as offering off-mountain accommodation value along with culture and charm. In Salt Lake City, Utah, where affordable urban motels offer significant savings compared to higher-priced resorts in the nearby mountains. It's easy to take day trips from Salt Lake City to the ski areas.

Refund policies: Booking months in advance to get the best deal leaves you susceptible to the whims of Mother Nature. When unpredictable snowfall impacts ski conditions, it pays to know your resort's refund policies. ResortQuest.com for example, has a snow guarantee program which allows travelers to check the projected ski conditions at their chosen venue before departure. If it looks iffy, they'll transfer your lodging reservations to a comparable participating resort, based on availability. Since the program includes several resorts in Colorado, planning your getaway to that state makes it possible to travel between venues with your rental car, skipping airfare change fees altogether. See www.resortquest.com.