Cheap/Free Accommodation and Sleeping Spots?

I was thinking, given ski culture and that many of us are broke and on tight budgets to maximize the stoke every year, we could use a thread about cheap accommodation or free spots to crash/camp near mountains. What mountain and surrounding area do you know? Do you know any cheap spots (i.e. hostels, budget motels) or any free spots to car camp?

We could also include any interesting or fun places to stay that stand out from your typical Super 8, Travelodge or condo rentals.