Just looked up the lodging. Well, there are no Motel6s in Vail, unfortunately. You and I are in the same boat friend, as I try to do things on the cheap too and I'm a far better skier than boarder (and my skiing's not great). I did go to Vail last year and got bumped off a flight coming back. I fortunately made the next flight, but it's a scary place to be stuck due to the pricey lodging there. The agent told me that the non-rev seat availability online can be a little deceptive. Since so many people going to Vail are carrying skis/boards, the extra weight can sometimes take a seat away, again so I was told.

I probably won't hit a mountain this weekend. Your message got me excited, but I've since calmed down and remembered that I'm actually sick. Let us know how this goes, if and when you go. There are not enough Delta flights out of EGE for me to do this as a very cheap and convenient day trip.