Learn these ski resort secrets to avoid getting snowed

Living in a snowy, mountainous state, one quickly learns that it's essential to embrace the snow or risk a serious case of cabin fever. And that's why Vermonters, Coloradans and others living near ski slopes quickly pick up on the secrets of alpine resorts to avoid getting snowed by high rates and inaccurate snow coverage reports.

It's important to realize that, like shopping in general, one never has to pay the MSRP for lift tickets. Discounts are to be had, although it can take a bit of digging and planning to find them, according to SmartMoney magazine.