if you're really looking to go there on the cheap then take the train to winter park and stay at the winter park hostel (
Winter Park Lodging Colorado. Inn, Hotel &*Hostel near Winterpark Ski Resort*& Rocky Mountain National Park. Inn, Accommodations) its cheap and pretty nice - not your typical european hostel. then you can get multi-day passes to winterpark and maryjane - both of which have more than enough terrain to keep you busy for a couple of days.
grab some cheap beers and awesome eats at Randis Irish Saloon. the ribs are so good they gonna make you wanna slap yo mama!