Best Ski Resort for Non-Skiers
 

Promised my husband we could go skiing this winter. I'm not a big skier myself and neither is our toddler (go figure) but I know we could have a great time if we find the right spot. Any suggestions on great ski towns with plenty of other things to keep the non-skiers occupied? We'd like to go to a nice place and one that also has activities for kids.
Thanks!

Where do you live and how far are you willing to travel, or which area of the country do you want to go to?

Willing to travel anywhere in the U.S. -- We're coming from Atlanta, others from L.A.
Open to Colorado, Wyoming, Tahoe...haven't been to too many resorts before. Ideally would want a condo but still want an all inclusive type place with plenty of other things to keep us busy!

I would look at Vail for the most to offer for everyone. Condos are easy to find. check out http://denver.craigslist.org/vac/ for some owner direct.

Vail has great dining, shopping, the adventure Ridge for outdoor activites, spas. And of course the best skiing around! :)

Vail, Beaver Creek, Park City, Whistler.

Vail - Good pedestrian village with lots of shops. Outlet malls in driving distance. Plenty of non-ski activities. Good variety of terrain for the skiers. If you can fly into Eagle, Colorado directly from Atlanta, Vail and Beaver Creek are only 30 minutes from the airport

Beaver Creek. Next door to Vail so you have all the Vail stuff, but stay in a little more family friendly area. Snowshoeing course at top of mountain. Also has plenty of stores and a beautiful village. Great skiing and easy for skiers to meet up with non-skiers. (Vail is so big, it's not as easy there).

Park City/Deer Valley (They're a stone's throw from one another). Great town, plenty to do and see. Deer Valley if you really want to be pampered, but Park City has more going on. Closest resort to a major airport. Deer Valley = $$$.

Whistler. Huge village with plenty to do. Might be a little tougher to get to and will be a longer plane flight for your kid.

I didn't mention Snowmass/Aspen becuase I don't know the skill levels of the skiers. Unlike the above resorts, it may be tougher for skiers of mixed abilities to ski together here. Aspen is a tough mountain, Snowmass is great for intermediates. Buttermilk is best for beginners. A shuttle will take you around, but I prefer when everyone is happy on the same mountain.

Also, Jackson Hole has great stuff for non-skiers, but I wouldn;t recommend it unless the skiers were all advanced intermediates or above.

Haven't done Tahoe so I can;t comment.

I think I would recommend Park City, UT. It is a real town with lots of activities and only 45 min from Salt Lake airport. That airport sees very few snow delays. Because you will be close to a city, you could take a day and see the sights there too. If you enjoy gambling and shows, then South Lake Tahoe area would suit. Heavenly ski area is there and the views from the mt. are breathtaking. Vail is also nice but a tad isolated for non-skiers, IMO, unless you're into upscale shopping for several days. Breckenridge, CO is a cute and active town but a longer drive from the airport than you would have in UT. Whistler is another option too but you would fly into Vancouver and have a longish drive from there. Also, it rains ALOT there. All ski areas will have great lesson and equipment pkgs. for all of you including your toddler or, if he/she is too young, they will have on mountain daycare. All it takes is $$! Enjoy.