Any thoughts? We are beg. & intermediates (family); nightlife unimportant. Just best bet for good weather & snow then. Would go to
Canada too. Thanks!

Took my family to Montreal and Quebec City last Christmas (see Canada forum, search for report). Mount St Anne's outside of Quebec City was lovely, and you'll not find a better ski bargain unless the bottom falls out of the US dollar.

EM:

All the big ski areas will be up and running. Where do you want to go? Drive, fly, high price ,low price??...give us a hint and I will try and give my 2cents
JOHN

John, I am pretty flexible; dont care about ticket prices though I dont like jet setty places; more down to earth/family places. Can afford $200nightly --hopefully walk to lifts. I live in NYC & have been to Vermont only. Like something new. I can afford to fly & my husband thinks whistler sounds exotic but I think it sounds long, complicated & dicey weatherwise. How about a place in Utah, Colorado,Tahoe? We would even conside Europe. Its really a question of trade-offs I guess. Thanks!

Try Steamboat Springs CO. Not glitzy but great skiing and has excellent programs for children.

Try posting this in the Canada forum too. Whistler's probably the most famous (and largest) resort on the west coast of Canada, British Columbia (the province of which Whistler is in) is home to many more ski resorts which are more down to earth and family oriented (not that Whistler is not family-oriented, but I wouldn't call it exactly down to Earth!)

If you're from the USA, remember that your dollar will get you farther in Canada due to the exchange (lucky for you, not so lucky for me ).

I think Steamboat Springs is a great place. There are also two hot springs in and near two to enjoy a swim. In early Jan., usually 80% of trails are open, with okay, but not great conditions. We've had a warm year, and the last two years have been light on snow. Jan. is usually quite sunny, but can be very cold. On the other hand, we've had days in the 70's in Denver in January. You never can really guess the weather in Colorado. By the end of January, there is usually good snow for great skiing. Another area in Colorado with variety is in the Breckenridge area. From there, you can choose to ski Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper, Vail or A-Basin. Snow conditions and weather would be about the same as Steamboat. X-country skiing might also be an option if ski area trails are light on snow.

Mt.washington on Vancouver Island(fly to vancouver then a short hop to the island)is a great family mountain, and you can have accommodation right on the hill.Can't guarantee the weather, but it has been known that we can ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon in January! Not a skier myself, but his is such a beautiful area, just had to let you know about it! Mt.Washington has its own web site, but don't know what it is off hand. Good luck.
Lin

Thanks for all the great suggestions!
If we go I will provide a trip report.