Family trip to CO in Jan or Feb with toddler?
 

I am debating about taking our vacation next year to Colorado. We'll be going in either Jan or Feb and taking our toddler who will have just turned 2. I don't ski, but DH used to, but from what I understand, there are lots of things to do besides skiing (I hope). I've heard Steamboat is nice, and I read here that Snowmass is nice. Any other towns we should look at, and most importantly, where should we stay? I'd like childcare, things to do with young kids, not too pricey... I'm basically clueless when it comes to cold weather destinations. I grew up in a beach family. :) Your help would be greatly appreciated.

PS - what do I need to know about altitude sickness?

Do you plan on trying to ski? If so, Steamboat and Snowmass are definitely both nice. I'd also recommend Vail and Breckenridge. Breckenridge is a great town and sits close to a lot of variety in skiing, shopping and activities. If you don't plan on skiing though, I'd almost say come back in the summer when you can enjoy the mountains in the warm weather. Not that it's hard to enjoy them in the winter but if you're not into skiing you may not enjoy other winter activities (like snowshoeing for example) either. In the summer, you can hike, bike, camp, boat, drive roads like Trail Ridge in RMNP and Mt. Evans.... etc. Just some food for thought.

Steamboat is a great family place, summer and winter. We've stayed at the Sheraton before--right by the mountain and is a full-service resort. Breckenridge is also fun.

My husband would definitely ski. I might try it, but I wouldn't be opposed to anything else where I'm less likely to break my leg, like showshoeing. :)

fllady, the older I get, the more I am of the 'sit by the fire with a good book and peppermint schnapps' kind of girl :-)

I'm trying to remember childcare options at ski resorts when our kids were tiny. I recall excellent facilities in Keystone and Winter Park where DD did ski school at age 3--they skiied on a bunny slope for a very little while, then had craft time, lunch and snooze time. Parents coud check in as they wished (I just looked through the window so she didn't see me) and she had a great time. I recall that they also took toddlers who were too young to ski. Am guessing Steamboat and Breck also have those options.

FYI, Vail is nice but lift tickets, lodging and food are VERY pricey. I personally think you get more bang for your buck in Steamboat.

Breckenridge is an historic Victorian town that has lots to offer besides skiing. The ski area does have child care for full or half days. If you want to use child care I suggest making advance reservations if you plan to travel around President's Day weekend in Feb. There is an ice skating rink, a children's hands-on museum, horse-drawn carriage rides around town, snow shoeing.

Your best defense against altitude sickness is to stay hydrated. Buy a bottle of water at the airport and consume it before reaching your destination.Keep drinking and go easy on alcoholic and caffeinated drinks. Make sure your child is also consuming more liquids than he is used to drinking. If you don't feel well- especially have trouble breathing - see a doctor right away. You can get medication and oxygen and you will feel so much better.