Which mountain would you recommend for a family?

We were absolutely spoiled last year (our first family trip skiing) by having the oppostunity to use a friend's ski on/off two bedroom condo in Aspen. This year we have to go to a wedding in NYC during president's week and would love to add in about two nights at a mountain we can drive to. I don't ski, so I want the lodgings to be clean and attractive. A kitchen would be great. The kids are 12, 10 and 5.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

You may want to consider Hunter Mountain it's only about 1/12 hours outside of NYC. You can return in the evening. If you do want to do Vermont, Stratton is lovely for someone who doesn't ski

Misha:
You are spoiled with having had a ski on/off condo in Aspen! There is no comparison in the east to match that!!...However
1. President week will be a crush on the slopes.
2. Hunter is ALWAYS crowded on the weekend. It is what we call a BBQ ski resort. I, however think it is the best "closest" ski area to NYC. Also will throw Windham into that mix.
3. Stowe is great, but a long, long trip.

4. Check out OKEMO Jackson Gore area. Clean Hotel/Condo with some nice skiing.

Stowe is a long way off and I had trouble finding ski in/out. I have stayed at Okemo and they have a lot of those types of condos and the skiing was great. Big place, lots of families. Stratton is even a little closer and it's also a well run mountain. You could also look at Mt. Snow.

you might also have a look at:

www.belleayre.com

Hunter will be loaded with meatheads on President's Week. Last year I went on MLK and ski patrol was hauling bodies off the mountain left and right. It was humorous since they all skied recklessly and got what they deserved. But don't send your kids up there to be a casualty.

Stowe is nice for kids and a nice town. Smuggler's Notch is nearby and is consistently rated great for families. I usually rent a house on VRBO for Stowe as there is a lot of off mountain lodging in the area. I think it's worth the drive to Stowe or Smuggs. Also, since you don't ski, Stowe has a lot to do/see in town while the kids ski.

While anything in the East will be a disappointment vs. Aspen, the Catskills will be extra-disappointing. Spend the the time on the road and head up to VT.

Skiing on NE often means ice, while here in Colorado, it means powder and lots of it. WAY different skiing conditions. Since it sounds like your kids skiied for the first time in Aspen, I assume they are beginners. Ice is hard to ski on [and fall on.]

When I lived in NY a lifetime ago, Hunter had lots of day skiers who had no idea how to ski [it was before boarding].

Perhaps western Mass. would work better for you. We used to love it there. Quaint and the further drive time from NYC seemed to make it more family oriented and less crazy.

Butternut was our place of choice back then.

http://www.onthesnow.com/MA/skireport.html

President's Weekend is a zoo where ever you ski.

If it is easy for you to get to, it is for EVERYONE else too.

Deb

Wow! Thanks for all the great ideas. After looking at everything western Mass seems like it could really suit us, though I'm still considering Okema.

Any other thoughts on these area in particular? If we settle on the Berkshires how would you compare Butternut to Jiminy Peak for families?

Thanks again.

As I said, we always found Butternut to be very family friendly, but that was ages ago, so I can't be more helpful after the intial suggestion.

Might I suggest a new thread with topic of "Western Mass. family ski areas" to get replies on that area, since this thread is asking about other areas and might get more replies.

Deb

Thanks