I am looking for advice on the best ski destinations for families. We will have 6 adults and 3 children (ages 7 mos, 2 1/2, and 3). We are looking for a destination that offers childcare or ski schools, as well as other activities, i.e. snowmobiling, sleigh rides, shopping, spas, etc... We are planning to get a condo or home for a week. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

1. Deer Valley
2. Beaver Creek/Vail
3. Snowmass

All are great family ski destinations. All have excellent ski schools and have childare for non-skiers. Only the 3 year old (if potty-trained) will be able to go to ski school. Vail had a program where you could pay extra and they would take your 2 year old from the childcare center out to the slope for an hour lesson each day. I don't know if they still do so.

Deer Valley is the easiest to get to in terms of proximity to a major airport.

Only the 3 year old (if potty trained) will be able to go to ski school.

From experience traveling with children to ski resorts, I suggest taht you look for lodging as close to the childcare and ski school as possible to minimize carrying toddlers in snowsuit and snow boots any farther than you must. Have fun!

If you let us know the expected dates of travel, that could change some of the responses. Also, there are few ski resorts that offer ski school for 2 1/2-3 year olds. Check the age limits at each resort before booking.

In deciding where to go, I would first try and decide between West or East. If you want to go East, my first choice would be Smuggler's Notch, Vermont. The second would be Okemo, Vermont.

Out west, the skiing will be better, but I don't think you'll find the family amenties as plentifil as at Smuggs. A strong recommendation would be Steamboat.

Now, having said all of the above. With kids of 3, 2 1/2, and 7/12, I think you'll have a more affordible and more fun time at a local resort nearest where you live. With very young kids, you should just be out in the snow with them playing around. If you let us know your location, you'll get good recommendaitons for local resorts.

Thanks for the information! We are looking at going at perhaps one of the busiest times of the year, sometime between Dec 23-31. Unfortunately we live in Florida so there really isn't any snow near us. We are thinking of going out to Colorado. We have been working with our travel agent, but so far have not been thrilled with the feedback from her. She's great with Europe, but so far not much help with Skiing. One more wrench in the plans is that only 2 of the adults have ever been skiing before, so lots of beginners and 1 non-skier. Thanks for all of your advice!!!!

based on the last information, and assuming money's not a big issue, I change my recommendation. I would suggest Beaver Creek. Check out Border's Lodge for accomodations. Great mountain for beginners, good nursery, near snowmobiling (try nova guides, www.novaguides.com), Hyatt Beaver Creek has a great spa, and Beaver Creek is less crowded at Christmas than most large resorts.

Deer Valley is another great choice and limits lift ticket sales, thereby minimizing crowds.

Both of these are very expensive.

Steamboat is still a good choice, but will be much more crowded at Christmas. Snowmass may also be of interest as there are a lot of good ski in ski out condos.

Make reservations quickly as I'm sure that period is already selling out.

I would avoid the Northeast just in case they have another winter like this one.