We'll be visiting family in Rhinebeck, NY this Christmas and were looking forward to some snow activities (hopefully it will be a white christmas).

The particpants will be my husband (black diamond skier), myself (skied once in PA, so I don't think it counts) and our three year old son who has only seen the Georgia version of snow (less than an inch for less than a day).

I know Smugglers Notch is the DisneyWorld of skiing and my 3 yr old would love it, but that would be 4 hrs away.
What options would you consider as day trip or an overnighter if Rhinebeck was your basecamp? And how crowded are the slopes the week prior to christmas?

I'm sketchy about where Rhinebeck is but are you sure that it's 4 hours from VT skiing? Once you get past NYC, 87N usually moves very well and the time from the Hudson to VT flies. ASk for VT help with skiing on the southwest side of the state or around Lake Gearge in NY state.

I looked on a map at Rhinebeck is close to the Catskills. There are alot of smaller places not far. I would do a "google" search on Catskill Mountain Ski areas or try either the ski resort guide website or skiing magazine. Skiing rates resorts.

http://www.skiresortguide.com
http://www.skimag.com/skimag

I forgot to add Lake Placid. Not sure if it's any closer or not.

http://www.catamountski.com

I always wished for a white Christmas and in many many years, I think we had 3..so don't be too disappointed if it is not white.
I have included the Catamount ski site for the Berkshires, which is a drive north and to the east of Rhinebeck.. You would drive North to Hudson then East on Rt 23 all the way. Easy drive.

Also, check across the Hudson for the Wyndham ski resorts.