SarasotaFL

Floridians looking for snow and some skiing, mid-December to just before Christmas. My husband skis, the rest of us don't, so instruction would be good at the very least for kids (ages 12 and 9). I doubt I'll be wanting to ski, so a nice room or lobby where I can relax and read would be good. Definitely would want other activities available, i.e. sledding or tobogganing, ice skating, etc. The kids want to experience snow. We're thinking also of heading into NYC, so east coast is preferable but not set in stone.

Also wouldn't mind suggestions from other families from warm climates on how to find all the coats, boots, gloves, hats, ski gear, and so forth, which will likely be used only once, for as little money as possible.

Browsing past Fodors posts, I see Stowe and the Von Trapp Family Lodge mentioned, Burke Mtn., Lake Placid, Smuggler's Notch, Killington as a few suggestions. Good and bad points? Other suggestions?

Thank you in advance!

SarasotaFL

Anyone with ideas, advice?

Thanks again.

bm

Believe it or not, mid-December can be iffy for snow. Some years we have it, some years we don't. I would suggest looking at a ski area that has a large snowmaking capacity. Stowe, Okemo, & Killington in Vermont would be good bets. Stratton might be a good bet as well, as you can drop everyone off skiing and head down to Manchester to the outlet shops.
Hope this helps.

johnthedorf

SarasotaFL,
When I use to take the kids (am now in FL) I lived in Seattle so we would go to Canada. The Canadians are wonderful and the prices were much more realistic.
Kids only need to be taught how to stop! By the end of the morning they will ski rings around your husband!

SarasotaFL

Thanks, brn, I'll look more closely at those suggestions. I'm not a outlet shop kind of woman, so that's not a consideration.

Johnthedorf, where did you go in Canada? We'd consider Canada, although I'm still thinking along the east coast because of the NYC leg we'd like to tack on.

astein12

I second Canada. We've had great trips in eastern Canada. With the French speaking Quebec'ers, it really feels like you've gotten away.

If you need shopping, lots of places to eat, etc., I'd check out Tremblant.

If you're more interested in just skiing and other outdoor things, take a look at Mt. Ste. Anne or Stoneham. For a good part of the season, the lifts are open until 10pm (not sure about Dec. though).
Plus, it's a quick drive into Quebec (neat city).

sam

What a coincidence. After reading this thread, I got e-mailed this ad. I don't know if it's a good deal or not, as I don't ski, but I thought I'd pass it along. http://www.boston.com/email/bostontr...tremblant.html

zootsi

As others have mentioned, mid December could by a little iffy as far as snow. However, I'd say 80% of the time we'll have a White Cristmas in the mountains. I'm surprised no one has mentioned Woodstock as a possiblity. The Woodstock Inn is a large, upscale, very New Englandy hotel located in the picturesque town of Woodstock.It has a very comfortable lobby with a huge fireplace to relax, read and sip a hot chocolate. There is a smallish, but well run ski area affiliated with the hotel (Suicide Six), and the giant ski area of the east, Killington is just 20 minutes away. There are horse drawn sleigh rides offered by the hotel, and there is lots to do in the area for non-skiers.
If you want to stay more in the country, the Quechee Inn at Marshland Farm is just outside of Woodstock, and has a very nice trail network on premises for snowshoeing and x-c skiing.
As for gear, ski eqipment should be rented. Hats, parkas, boots, etc can be had very inexpensively at one of the local thrift stores.

wliwl

I always recommend Mt Tremblant in Quebec as it is fun even for non-skiers.

Go to this thread to read all the stuff I say about it.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34674235

SarasotaFL

wliwl, I read your comments on Mt. Tremblant. While I think going to Quebec sounds like a great idea, I don't know if our family could hack 10 to 15 below. (wow) I don't think the kids would want to learn, they'd be so distracted by the cold. They've never seen snow and they shake and shiver when the temperature drops below 55. (ha!) However, we do want snow, and preferably not manmade, so maybe I'm being too particular.

zootsi and astein12, thanks for the additional suggestions. I'll be researching all of these ideas tonight and tomorrow.

sam, I'll look at that offer, thanks!

johnthedorf

SarasotaFL,
We went to Apex which is just outside of Penticton. There is also Big White which is highly rated (and more crowded). The further from the Coast (ie. Whistler/Blackcomb) the drier the snow. A search should give you info. This is also...wine country!

wliwl

It could be a little warmer in Tremblant in December (we go in February). According to this weather web site (which isn't using any info actually from the mountain):
http://theweathernetwork.com/weather...3.htm?CAQC0360) Average Dec high 25 F, low 7 F. Feb high 23, low 3 F. That site also lists snow cover. (Looks like plenty in December.) Of course Tremblant makes snow too.

I'm not sure - but in mid-December you might have to go that far north to be assured of snow. In fact, we started going to Tremblant one year when it was a really whimpy winter in the northeast and we couldn't find snow anyplace else!

wliwl

I just noticed your question about clothing. Ski stuff is SO expensive!

Can you borrow the outermost items? Jackets, pants. You will have to buy everybody very good long underwear and socks. Try to stay in a place with laundry facilities - because you will want to wash the long underwear and socks every night! We always rent a condo so it's no problem.

All ski centers have extensive ski shops. So, if you need extra clothes you can buy them on site. (We always end up buying those neoprene face warmers to prevent frost bite if it's really cold.) The shops are pretty expensive, but cheaper than buying items you might never use.

I would not recommend Lake Placid (Whiteface) especially. That is one tough mountain - my opinion only, but the beginner choices just aren't that great. For beginners, Gore (also in Adirondacks) is a much more fun place (they also have excellent advanced options). Gore has a problem of being isolated though. No fun town right at the slopes. The best place to stay for Gore is the Copperfield Inn in North Creek. They have a shuttle to the mountain. Not cheap, but some of the accomodations around Gore are bad. There are also some good condos nearby.

123Go

I need to add my two cents being an avid skier as well as a New York state resident. The following info is MHO and based by the time of year you're talking about, not necessarily my opinion of the area at other times.

Echo all above, mid December is extremely iffy for Lake Placid. You're coming a long distance so you'll want the best ski experience you can get for your time and money. In your original post you mentioned Von Trapp Family Lodge: Stowe in general is a quaint little New England town you might enjoy, skiing can be great if conditions are there. Burke Mtn: Have to say I've never heard of it. Lake Placid: Great town always events taking place so if snow isn't good, at least you can keep busy. Often past/future olympians are there training and you can see some of the 1980 Olympic venues. Weather can be very cold and the ski area can be referred by the locals as "Ice Face". Smuggler's Notch: Kind of out of the way and since it's much farther north can be especially cold. Killington: Very expensive and on weekends very busy and can be full of big city skiers. Many love it, many hate it. Good chance they'll have snow b/c they do great snowmaking.

Mt Tremblant has been mentioned. Been there many times and it's a GREAT place. Like being in a little European village. Great food, ambience, shops. Skiing is great if snow is great. Have been in January and it was extremely cold, also have been in Feb Mar and April. Depending on the type of snow year we get, you may or may not have good skiing. Many of my friends go over Thanksgiving and don't always have the best conditions but always have a good time.

Clothing: Can't say I've ever seen it for rent. Just for over priced sale. I recommend getting what you need before you go unless you like high prices.

If you're looking to go to NYC, you might consider Windham or Hunter in the NY Catskills. Have been to both in early Dec. and had some epic snow. Both small towns, guessing about 3 hrs from NYC depending on where you are.

Good luck

johnthedorf

You may want to take a look at this site about Apex. http://www.apexresort.com/explorer.htm
There are several other listings of ski resorts also. I know the kids would love it especially being picked up at your Condo by horse drawn sled to take you to the lifts.

jules39

I know you mentioned east coast would be best for your but I have to suggest Utah. If Park City suited your budget it would be perfect for you as you can stay in the town and there is a lift right there to the ski runs so that gives lots of oportunities for activities for all of you. Other areas like Snowbird, Alta, Solitude & Brighton are close enough to downtown Salt Lake City that you can take trips out and about and all the resorts have lots of different activities. Brighton is a very beginner/intermediate friendle place. Look into it. If your are not tied to the east coast then I would definately concider Utah. Plenty of spas and outlet shopping also.
Have fun
J

123Go

I highly ditto jules39.
Park City has it all and should fit all your needs. If you need a "big" city fix, maybe Salt Lake will fit the bill.