Would like some reccomendations for taking the family skiing. I don't ski (but would like to try cross country), my husband skiis ok, we would like a really good children's ski school for my 5 year onld and would prefer to stay in a condo? Also it should be no more than 4 hours from nyc.. thanks so much

Loon in NH has a good kids program, so does Okemo in VT. Just hope for some cold weather so they can make some snow. The mountains are still green!

As I've said here before, Smuggler's Notch, IMHO, is overpriced for what they offer. However, you can't beat their children's program. We went once when our 5 year old was learning and it was great for him. The rest of our family are experienced skiers and thought it was so-so. For what you're looking for, I think you would enjoy it.

Since you're not super-skiers and you're interested in getting a 5-year-old started, you might consider the Poconos.

Most avid skiers kinda look down their noses at the Poconos, but if you're looking for moderate slopes and kids' programs, that might be a good start.

Can't recommend any specific one, but I'm sure there are plenty at places like Jack Frost and Big Boulder.

Suggestion: You mentioned X-country, but I assume you meant for yourself, no the 5-year-old. Kids find X-country terribly boring, but most like downhill and pick it up quickly.

We went to Windham last winter with 2 5/6-year-olds and it was fine. We stayed in a B&B (with a hot tub!). The girls had skied once before (Okemo the previous year) so they started out on the t-bar but progressed to the chair lift rapidly. At Okemo we stayed in a private home and their children's program seemed wonderful for beginners but very crowded - going to the bathroom took forever.
Windham is about 2-3 hours from NYC and Okemo took us about 5 hours.

Another possibility is Jiminy Peak in the Berkshires. ABout 2 hrs from NYC, has condos and a good ski program for kids. Since you're not such serious skiers, it's probably good enough for a 1st try with your child.

This is 4 hours by air from NYC,but a wonderful family resort with great condos. We used to take our kids to Keystone, CO. Great kid's school, nice skiing and some fun things for non-skiers/cc skiers to do. Pretty little lake for skating. THe folks at the kids' school couldn't be more attentive. A perfect family resort--about 1 hour west of Denverjust off I- 70. Keystone Village has very upscale condos in all sizes, beautifully decorated and cozy.To me the skiing in the East is cold and damp, but don't attack me, I'm not a skier!

Definitely smugglers notch. Awesome kids program and family entertainment at night too.

We did love both Okemo, VT and Breckenridge,CO! Our kids (4, 6, 8y) enjoyed every minute. It depends what you mean by 4 hours from NYC!!