We are looking for a place to take our 8-year and 5-year old boys on a spring ski break. We are looking for a place with the following characteristics (can be anywhere in the Western US/Canada);

a) Kid friendly - they both started sking this year and are "beginners". Good ski school for kids and parents (neither of us ski and will be taking lessons).

b) Accomodations luxury - price is not an issue, we want a 2 or better bedroom (suite/condo/); that has maid,room service; pool, hot-tub; great views; walking distance to town center. Super clean, fresh (not "tired") and great service.

c) In town/close to town shopping, restuarants, etc.

d) Ski in/out would be ideal but not necessary; but close to lifts/shuttle (short distance - walking/drive) would be acceptable. Not crowded.

Any pointers and specifics would be much appreciated.

Your dates are late in the ski season but there is still some good snow out west. Expect spring ski conditions- ice in the morning and slush at the bottom by the time the lifts close.

Beaver Creek, Deer Valley or Snowmass would be your best options given your criteria. All have great ski schools with luxury accomodations. Check out their websites for specific lodging options.

Tahoe just got slammed with snow this weekend...it's still snowing there. Husband is stuck in it on his way home.

May be hard to find a place...that is only a couple weeks away. Tahoe books up early.

Try the Embassy Vacation Resorts in South Lake Tahoe. Heavenly is right up the street.

www.aspensnowmass.com

Good website to find accomadations as well as check out the ski school and lift tickent info. There are lots and lots of lodging options from hotels to moderate condos to incredible houses. Snowmass' ski school is really good as are the private instructors.

Solitude is a great beginners' mountain with a wonderful small and relatively new ``village.''

The late snow is almost always better than Colorado. It meets all of your specs . . . except it is bit of a drive back to Salt Lake City proper -- a little under 30 miles.

They've had 540 inches so far with more on the way. The midmountain base is 139 inches. It's uncrowded and has an innovative lift ticket system.

http://www.skisolitude.com/snowsports_academy.cfm