I wasn't the only one who rec'd Park City and no, I don't have time Nora to read through heaps of other responses. Just trying to offer my opinion as I have skied in New Zealand and know what similar mountains would be like here.

Geeez--sorry, Abby. I didn't mean to create controversy. I just wanted Schnauzer to know that the positive recommendations about Park City do not apply in January during the film festival.

Settle down folks, I don't want to cause an argument. I am very, very grateful for everyone's valued responses. I am thinking of ease of access and a combination of terrain and Aspen, Whistler and Steamboat appear the best possibilities. The winter wonderland feel doesn't have to be over the top, just that some places appear to have more "street appeal" than others. I am also trying to link up something to do before hand and maybe something afterwards so all that has to be taken into consideration when it comes to flights etc.

Is there anything else to do in the Rockies or Grand Canyon way in the winter or is it all skiing? (not skiing in the canyon I realise, but can you go and walk/look at that time of year?) I like Steamboat as it seems to offer lots of other snow activities, ie snowmobiling, snow shoeing, sleigh rides etc. Their web page is awesome, so detailed. I am sure the other resorts offer similar activities. But sometimes you just get that "feel" for somewhere even though you don't know much about it.

I really appreciate everyone's advice and I am still working my way through it.

Settle down?

Grand Canyon---the South Rim is open and accessible all year. Winter is a favorite time for many people---not so hot, and fewer people. There may or may not be a bit of snow on the rim. You can hike for miles along the rim in either direction from the hotel area, or if the trails are not icy, you can hike partway down the Bright Angel trail or one of the others. Some people hike it even in snow, wearing little traction devices on their boots. If you are considering the Grand Canyon, you could check for availablity of reservations here:
www.xanterra.com
One problem is that the Bright Angel Lodge will be closed for renovations in Juanuary 2007, putting extra pressure on the other lodgings. If the lodges within the park are full, there are a number of motels just outside in the village of Tusayan.