Last year, we (wife, 7 year old son, and myself) went to Steamboat Springs for a Christmas Ski vacation. We stayed in a resort in short walking distance from the lifts. There were about 10 or so restaurant choices, also in short walking distance. We liked it a lot, though Christmas week was a bit crowded though not bad compared to Aspen/Vail. We are currently are debating whether to go back to Steamboat Springs or to go someplace else. My son now can ski the greens so that should open up more options for us. Our wish list is Family resort with nice green runs Stay in resort near the lifts (do not want to rent a car) Eat near our hotel/resort Not overcrowded during the week after Christmas (I am dreaming here) Wife wants a nearby day spa I am currently looking into Big Sky (MT), Deer Valley (UT), Sun Valley (ID) and Northstar at Tahoe (NV). I have also always wanted to ski the Canadian Rockies. Vail, Aspen and Breckenridge are out, since they will be way too crowded.
I'm planning going to Revelstoke, BC right after Christmas this year. According to the Canadians that I work with, it's the best deal in skiing in Canada. The resort is supposedly great, and since it's still under construction, you can get some good deals. Not sure on the Day spa, though.
Ha, I am no help then. I live in the area and these would be my top 3 choices. I don't know much about Whistler, but I hear great things. The one of those I would cross off the list is Northstar, Tahoe. It will likely be very crowded and the town of Lake Tahoe is a dump.
Yes. I just got back from working 2 months in Calgary. I'll be going with people that I met working there.
I think a lot of Americans don't consider Whistler for ski trips because they assume it's a lot more expensive to get to since it's in Canada. Flying to Seattle is usually really cheap (especially on Alaskan Airlines via Austin), and Whistler is only a 4-hour drive from Seattle/Tacoma airport.
Sun Valley is good and fits all those needs. Everything is close and definitely not crowded in comparison to other resorts. Not sure about the spa but I am sure they have one nearby.
I should add that you can fly into Kelowna (sp?) and a shuttle will bring you to Revelstoke. You don't have to rent a car.
Fair enough, probably true. The way I see it, the 4-hr drive isn't exactly as dreadful as I-45 Houston-to-Dallas.
I don't know, but I'd bet that Banff is really crowded after Christmas. The cool thing about Banff is that it's a really nice resort town. Like Fredricksburg in the Rockies or something.