Hello,
I need some advice from experienced skiers about a ski trip we are planning for four nights sometime between February 5th-13th. 4 adults will be traveling: late 20s/early 30s, 3 of whom are experienced skiers, one novice/beginner.

What we are looking for:
*excellent ski conditions (we have frequent flyer miles so location is not a huge issue in terms of airline prices)
*nice lodging with a kitchen, 2 bedrooms
*prefer to stay on a mountain where the non-skier (that's me!) can watch other folks ski and maybe relax by a fire.
*prefer to stay where there are some shops and restaurants, but not a ton of nightlife.

Any thoughts/suggestions? Thanks so much for any help!
Cindy

I think there are many resorts that would meet your descriptions. My short list would include Beaver Creek, Deer Valley, Telluride, Steamboat, Snowmass, Copper Mountain. Each of those are very different resorts, with different plusses and minuses, but seem to match your general criteria. Of the above, Deer Valley, Telluride and Beaver Creek would be the least crowded. I've never been to any of the Lake Tahoe resorts, so their absence from my list is ignorance, more than a statement about them.

Deer Valley sounds like a nice choice. It has easy access to the main street of Park City, plus it is convenient to other slopes (PC, Canyons) if the skiers want variety and you could take an easy day trip to SLC.

Whistler would be another option.

In terms of the Tahoe area, I would strongly recommend Squaw Valley. There is a very nice new hotel (The Village at Squaw Valley USA) and my family always enjoys staying at the Squaw Valley Lodge (each room comes with a kitchen so you can make your own meals if you like). Both the Village and the Lodge are ski-in ski-out and the gondola is a nice alternative for non-skiers. Squaw has some of the best difficult terain in Tahoe as well as some nice beginner runs.

I would strongly recommend Beaver Creek. It is a great mountain for the novice in your group because, unlike most ski mountains, the beginner's area is at the top of the mountain where he/she can enjoy the great views usually reserved for more experienced skiers. There is also plenty of challenging terrain for the experienced skiers in your group. And for a non-skier, there is the great spa at the Hyatt (open to the public), plus a wonderful cross-country and snowshoe park, also at the top of the mountain. Lots of great condo options right at the base of the mountain.

If you go, make sure you you take the sno-cat to Beano's Cabin for dinner one night.

Don't overlook Big Mountain in Northwest Montana.
www.bigmtn.com

If the budget allows Deer Valley! easy access to and from the airport. Park City is a great little town. Beaver Creek is very nice. Like Neil said beginers get to take in the great views too. The Ritz again if the budget allows. If not then I would go to Vail. Lots to do for both skiers and non skiers. Stay at the village if you can. Also fly into Eagle instead of Denver since you are using FF miles.

Vail/Beaver Creek, Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge all fit within your description and are all on my favorites list.

We like Aspen for its classy atmosphere and beautiful setting. With all the nearby mountains to choose from, Aspen will please just about any skier. Condos at The Gant are close enough to walk into town, or Aspen Square is right in the heart of 'downtown' Aspen. Or splurge at the Hotel Jerome. Also Telluride, Crested Butte, and Steamboat Springs are cool places for skiers and non-skiers alike.

east, west?

Do you care?