Reasonably uncrowded place to ski at Christmas
 

We usually go skiing in Colorado every year in the springtime. This year we won't be able to do that because spring break falls way too late...so we were thinking about going over Christmas break. I'm looking for suggestions of places that are reasonably uncrowded during Christmas week and also not terribly code...would like highs in the 30s. We're not limited to places in Colorado.

Look for ski resorts that are not near a major metropolitan area. Ski resorts near places like Denver and Salt Lake City draw large Christmas week crowds because people take time off from work and it is an easy day trip. You want to avoid Vail, the Summit County Colorado resorts, Park City and the other SLC resorts (withthe possible exception of Deer Valley because it controls the crowds)or the Lake Tahoe resorts. Look at Telluride, Crested Butte, Big Sky in Montana, Sun Valley, Idaho, etc.

We love Sun Valley,Idaho, the holiday atmosphere is incredible and normally the snow is sufficient at Christmas but nature is fluky so no guarantee. Staying at the SV Lodge is a favorite family memory for us-they also have family suites but it's popular at Christmas time. They do move the crowds well throughout the ski area so that's not really a problem and I have yet to see more beautiful ski lodges on the mountain than those at SV.

How about one of my favorite places on earth? Crested Butte Colorado. I've been skiing there for years and have never waited in a lift line. The snow is usually excellent. The resort has new owners this year and they are investing million to upgrade the resort. They brought in different grooming machines which make the snow perfect everday. They have lots of expert territory if you are an extreme skiier.

The town of Crested Butte is very funky and quaint. There are lots and lots of great restaurants for such a small area. And some cute shops too.

It's a short 30 minute drive from Gunnion, easier than getting to Vail or Beaver Creek in my book. Everyone is super friendly. It's just a wondeful place.

williamscb13, do you mean Gunnison? Is that the closest airport? Have heard great things about Crested Butte but haven't been...yet :-)