If you can get a good rate at the Hotel Jerome- I'd go for it! It's a 5 minute walk to the slopes (and you can always stop for a little "apres ski" refreshment on the way back to the hotel at the end of the day).

it's done! Thanks for all of the advice! I am so excited See... I don't discriminate based on posh clothing choices ;-)

I cant beilieve I forgot Steamboat
My second favorite Colorado ski area Steamboat is great for families much nicer town then Vail

Breckenridge/Keystone. Can ski a bunch of different mountains on one pass. Ski schools are excellent--and we even gave our expert skiiers lessons at least once on trips.

According to http://www.familyskiresorts.net, the top family resorts in the west are:

Steamboat
Big Sky
Winter Park
Deer Valley

Find a good deal at any of those and you'll be happy. Steamboat and Big Sky can be harder to get to from the East Coast.

I think you will love Aspen. And staying at the Jerome is the cream of the crop IMHO. It's the grand old dame of Aspen. Be sure to ask them stories about the hotel's infamous guests. I think there's a good one about Hunter Thompson and Bill Murray in the swimming pool, when they were discussing making the movie about Hunter's book. Anyway, lots of colorful history at the Jerome.

And being in 'downtown' Aspen is the best for a picturesque spot. I consider it, Crested Butte and Telluride to be my favorites, for their Victorian architecture and history.

Don't worry about the "posh clothing". Aspen is very open-minded and all types of clothing is seen. Except maybe at the Little Nell, which I think is the place where people go who want to be seen.

You wil have four mountains to choose from, so terrain doesn't get much more varied than that. We're all jealous!
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