Everyone knows that ski vacations are expensive. But with these tips and tricks, discounthotels can help you save hundreds of dollars the next time you book your family's ski vacation!

Ski resorts often give discounted rates to visitors who choose to book their vacation before ski season begins (in mid-November). October is a great time to book, as early-bird ski specials fill the search engines with special prices not only on hotels but often on packages including lift tickets or other normal ski expenses.

Ski resort prices are usually the highest during the times that have the biggest chance of snow and during school breaks. Choosing to take your vacation early or late in the season can sometimes save you up to 50% off your trip!

Not only are the lines longer with day trippers and weekend vacationers during the weekends, but lodging and lift tickets are also frequently more expensive on weekends than on midweek days Monday through Thursday.

Many states offer free or discounted skiing to students in a specific school grade. Students can usually apply online or through the mail and must provide proof of their current school grade. Each passport is usually good for up to three free lift tickets at each participating resort. Fourth graders nationwide can apply for the Pennsylvania 4th Grade Snowpass and New York 4th Grade Ski & Ride Passport. Fifth graders are eligible for the Vermont 5th Grade Passport, Colorado 5th Grade Passport, Ski Utah 5th Grade Ski & Snowboard Passport, Wisconsin 5th Grade Passport, New Hampshire 5th Grade Snowsports Passport and the Inland Northwest 5th Grade Ski or Ride Free Passport, which includes resorts in Washington and Idaho. For sixth graders, there's the Ski Utah 6th Grade Snowpass.

- Invest in your own helmets. Youth helmets can cost just $40 but can rent for up to $10 a day.

- Supermarkets and local ski shops in mountain resort areas often sell lift tickets for up to $10 per day less than is charged on-site.

- Consider investing in a coupon-filled Entertainment Book for the area you will be visiting. The books for Denver, Utah and Vermont, for example, offer discounts on lift tickets, ski equipment rentals, dining and many other common tourist expenses.