I'm writing from Germany. We'd like to take a ski holiday in the USA. We're both beginners (only skied once before and weren't too great at it). Anyone have any specific suggests where we should go? We'd like to stay on the east coast because the flight would be cheaper, but we'd consider California as I have family there. Price is definitely a consideration, i.e. Vail or something similar would be out of the question. Thanks for the help.

Try Smugglers Notch Vermont. Website: www.smuggs.com

I would suggest either Vermont, North Carolina, or Virginia. I am not very familiar with Vermont, but in North Carolina there are many places around Boone (two are Sugar Mountain and Bush Mountain), and in Virginia I would suggest Wintergreen. All three states are very scenic too. Remember that the ski season here is not as predictable or as early as in the Alps. Often the snow is machine-made. I would try January or February.

Tahoe has some good beginning skiing if you would like to visit your relatives as well.(Heavenly is quite nice) Ordinarily I would suggest Keystone, Colorado, as I think East Coast skiing is cold and wet. Vail and Taos are both expensive and pretty rugged skiing. There is also nice skiing (but wet) in Pennsylvania, but it's a beautiful state to see. Have fun.

If you decide on New England, Sunday River in Maine would be a great choice.

Big Bear, California is a good choice if you are in Southern California. Not as nice as Lake Tahoe but much more convenient if you intend to stay in Southern California.

dear pamela;

on the east coast, one of the best areas for beginners is Vermont, specifically the Mt. Snow area. aprox 41/2 hrs from JFK airport. Great shopping, easy bus transpertation to the ski area from many B&B's or hotels, and if skiing is not your thing you can rent tubs and sled down the mountian. Mt. Snow has great programs for beginner skiiers. If you would like more info, I would be happy to fax or mail some info to you. Just email me. Have fun, what ever you choose.

Stay in Manchester Center, Vermont. There's lots of shopping, restaurants and B&Bs. For skiing there's Stratton (my favorite) and Bromley (good for beginners). Try the Manchester Highlands Inn.It's reasonable, very charming, and the breakfasts are great.
Sunday River is also a great suggestion. It's a very large ski area with great slopes, but there's not much else to do there except ski.

New England offers several posibiliites. If you fly into Boston in less then 3 hours you can be skiing in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. If you visit the web site www.mountwashingtonvalley.com you will see photos and learn about the town of North Conway. The Mount Washington Valley has Cranmore, Wildcat, Attitash and Black mountain ski resorts. Along Interstate 93 you will find Loon Moutain, Waterville Valley, and Cannon Mountain. Check www.ski93.com
I learned to ski at Waterville Valley, it has well groomed novice slopes. They have snowmaking ability which is important as winter snowfall is not the same each year. Not all mountains provide snowmaking for the novice and intermediate slopes. We have spent many weekends in North Conway, prefer the to ski Cranmore overlooking the town, it looks like a typical New England Christmas card. For an american experience, ataying in one place for a week and exploring the area would be my best advice.
Have been to Lake Tahoe on the northern Nevada/California border, much to do in that area besides skiing. Especially if you like gambling at Casinos. Ski Country magazine compares all the ski areas. it offers much information. Enjoy your visit to America.