Yuki Matsuri in Sapporo ‘09

I'm a college student currently studying abroad in Tokyo and I'd really like to go to the Yuki Matsuri in Sapporo in February of next year, but I am having trouble finding accommodations and a means of transportation that aren't terribly expensive. My budget is flexible, but ideally I'd like to spend 20000 yen for round trip transportation (I have no idea whether or not this is even possible considering how many people go...). And as far accommodations, I'm willing to spend around 6000 yen a night for 2 or 3 nights. Any advice at all would be appreciated :D

The hotel situation is much less difficult on Sunday to Thursday than on Fridays and Saturdays. So, if possible, I recommend to travel there during the week rather than on the weekend.

For transportation, I recommend flying. Domestic air tickets will not go on sale until two months before departure date.

If you are not a resident of Japan, you can also consider a Japan Air Pass.

Air passes and discount air tickets are explained here:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2364.html

I am a resident of Japan, so unfortunately, I can't buy the discounted flights. Would anyone happen to know how much a round-trip flight would cost if purchased within Japan? I've tried looking for accommodations on hostelworld.com but nothing came up. Is it because all these places are full? or is it because I am searching too soon?

If you book more than four weeks in advance, you can get huge discounts. It is explained here:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2364.html

Domestic air tickets go on sale two months before travel date at 9:30am. I recommend to make reservations as soon as they go on sale. One of the cheapest airlines, Skymark Airlines, has an English reservation interface:
http://www.skymark.co.jp/en/

Thank you so much! That actually looks affordable. I don't suppose you'd have any recommendations for hotels/ryokans/etc. ?