We are planning to go skiing in Colorado for our first time. We have 7 people and 2 babies. We would like to get a cottage type condo with a loft of some sort.
We like to be in the center of activity but not too far from the slopes.
Cost is a factor in this decision.

Which place would be best(Breck, Vail Steamboat, Aspen)?
Which Lodges have what we want?

If this is your first ski trip than I would focuse on the resort with the best classes. I have not been out west but I have heard good things about vail and winding green trails that go on forever.

epicski.com is an excellent ski forum where you can ask serious ski bums for ideas on the best resorts/classes blah blah. I look for resorts that limit class size.

SEE YOU ON THE SLOPES. Well if you come out east anyway!!!

Will you need daycare for the babies while everyone skis, or are Moms not skiing? Breckenridge and Vail would be my choice of the four, but then I've only been to Aspen and Steamboat once each. There is a resort in Breckenridge called Beaver Run that has various size condos. It is a wonderful ski in - ski out place, but maybe pricey. I stayed there 14 years ago when we had three small children skiing and needed the convienence. Try the resort websites (vailnet is one and Summit County has a good one too). You will find a very wide range of prices in all of these areas. Will you have a car? If not, you'll need to be close to bus service if not within walking distance of slopes, etc. I like to use VRBO.com to rent condos from owners. In Vail I have also used Prudential Gore Range Properties.

Of the ones you mention Vail or Steamboat, but would throw in a plug for Keystone as they have GREAT childcare facilities. Consistently rated the best for the kids in Summit County. Vail and Steamboat will be higher cost wise both for lift tickets and lodging. Another plug for Keystone is that if you order before Nov 15th they have a great deal on lift tickets if purchased through their web page. www.snow.com

The Summit County site is www.summitnet.com
Page is right its much less to rent direct rather than pay the agency fee.

Great info so far guys.
Here is more info. Its 3 couples 2 of which have babies and a nanny to take care of the kids while we are out. We have all been skiing before except for my wife. Not sure if we want the added expense of a car. Is it neccasary?
How about lodge locations. Which ones are the best. I will check out these sites in the meantime.

Steamboat has great skiing and fun nightlife. So does Vail (which is pricier, by the way). I learned to ski at Vail many many moons ago and can recommend the ski school. For skiiers with differing abilities and a very family-friendly atmosphere I'd suggest Keystone. We love it there. Really, you can't go wrong with any of the three. Breckenridge is getting too crowded and is totally overrun with snowboarders--we avoid it now for that reason.

Very much agree with Mom on Breckenridge. We never ski there.

As to were to stay close at Keystone. You will want either River Run area or Mountain House area. Note that while they may say ski in ski out at Keystone there is really very little of that but many just a very short walk away. You will not need a car.