By the way, if you want to ski for free, you can just hike up past the first lift. This works at most mountains, and on the Aspen ski map it even condones such practices. I have a friend who skied 30 something days in a year and didn't pay once because he would just hike every time at Vail and Aspen. Once you get up to Mid vail, you are to ski the entire backside and blue sky basin all day. Once you get to the Lodge Peak lift at Highlands you are also set for the entire day.
Yeah, it is hard, but you get in hella good shape.