I also agree that Lutsen in MN is a very good non Mtn. skiing experience. Might be a better experience for young kids too. I think it would be far better than any ski area in Iowa. Sorry Iowans!!

What about the northeast? New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine. Quebec has great ski areas as well. Plenty of ski areas to choose from plus lots of airport options.
I'm biased and prefer Vermont
www.skivermont.com

I live in the Northeast and have a local season pass. If I were flying to ski, I would (and do every year) go west. There is the possibility of rain in the East! The only rainy ski day we've had out west is at Whistler/Blackcomb, which is to be expected sort of. I am not sure what I would advise for a long weekend from Fla. In upstate NY the schools are closed the week of presidents day, in NH it is the week after. I hear it is different all over the country. I would take more than a weekend and go west.