10 Best Places to Be Snowed In

If your children are anything like mine, their eyes glimmer at the prospect of snow and their faces light up entirely when they awake to find a heavy white powder covering the ground. So treat the kids -- and yourselves -- to winter wonderland fun by visiting these great destinations, sure to be drenched in white the whole winter long. Each destination is a ski resorts, but even if your family isn't filled with ski bunnies, you'll find plenty of outdoor fun, as well cozy resorts to warm up in at the end of the day.

1. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, aptly named for the Aspen trees filling its mountainsides (those aren't individual trees but a large connection of roots!), is one of the West's oldest towns. Booming in the 1800s during the Gold Rush and becoming a ski mountain in the 1940s, Aspen now attracts the outdoor-loving set who hit its mountains for skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling, as well as summer and fall hiking, biking, whitewater rafting and horseback riding adventures. Located in the Fork Valley, Aspen's slogan is "the Power of Four" due to its close proximity to Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass Mountains, meaning a trip to Aspen actually gives you access to four mountains of fun. Aspen Mountain begins at nearly 8,000 feet at its base, climbing to 11,212 feet in height. Known for its ski slopes, 76 trails over 64 miles keep powder lovers occupied from late November through mid-April. However, Aspen is not for the beginner: there are no green trails on this here mountain. Instead, new skiers and boarders will have to traverse the trails at Buttermilk and Snowmass, the two most family-friendly mountains of the four.

Snowmass is comprised of two entities: the world-renowned ski area and the Town of Snowmass Village. Together, they offer visiting families a wealth of outdoor activities, lots of condominium lodging options and casual spots to eat. Unlike some other Colorado resorts (including nearby Aspen, which boomed in the late 1800s during the silver-mining heyday) Snowmass doesn't have a sense of Old West history. Snowmass first opened to skiers in 1967; one original ski lodge for budget-minded travelers, the Snowmass Inn, is still in business. The Snowmass Village Mall has historically been the center of activity with its slopeside shops and restaurants. The multimillion-dollar Base Village continues to be developed, and features a new luxury hotel -- Aspen and Snowmass resorts pages.

2. Lake Louise, Canada
Stretching across four mountains, this giant Canadian ski resort features more than 4,000 acres of skiable terrain. With more than enough terrain, this resort features 139 trails with green, blue, black diamond and double black diamond trails. The resort's terrain park features an assortment of rails, jumps and jibs for all skiing and snowboarding levels. Entry-level jumps and rails are located in the progression park as well as in the "warm up" area. For those who are just starting out, or if you're looking to fine tune your skills on the slopes, Banff-Lake Louise area has it all, including the ultra majestic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. For more information on area accommodations and lodging you may also want to check out our Banff and Lake Louise resorts pages.

3. Park City, Utah
It's not just its legendary powder. Nor is it the direct flight to Salt Lake City, or mere 45-minute drive to the slopes of Park City, Deer Valley, or the Canyons by lunchtime. It's the fact that Park City is an authentic community -- not a prefabricated resort area like Whistler or Beaver Creek -- made with skiers in mind. Park City might have scored Olympic gold, but it was silver that built this city. The mineral was discovered in the surrounding hills in 1868, and soon after, thousands of miners arrived, seeking their fortunes. Four years later, George Hearst, father of newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst, paid $27,000 for the Ontario Mine. He went on to earn more than $50 million from that sole investment. When the bottom fell out on the silver market in the mid-1930's, Park City began to focus its attention on what would become the area's next form of currency -- skiing. For some reason, Mother Nature blesses the mountains of Park City with a seemingly endless supply of snow. In late November, the ski trails in New England can be as green as billiard felt. Park City, on the contrary, averages about six feet of snow before December 1. It snows early in the season, and it snows often. So, as soon as these ski resorts open, grab your skis or snowboards, and cruise on the fresh powder. Take a break from skiing, and return to the good old days when travel was accomplished with the help of our four-legged friends. All Seasons Adventures leads hour-long dogsledding trips through a dense forest at the base of the Wasatch Range. Or strap on some skates and hit Park City's indoor, Olympic-sized skating rink. Tubers will love that the hills are lit in the evening and open until 8 p.m. And the entire family will enjoy visiting Utah Olympic Park to get a sense of what it was like to be at the Olympics. For more information on area accommodations and lodging you may also want to check out our Park City resorts page.

4. Steamboat Springs, Colorado
More than $30 million has been poured into this world-class ski resort since 2006, and the improvements aren't over yet. While visitors can expect to see some construction in the base area through 2012, one large project near the gondola is complete -- One Steamboat Place has all new retail space, restaurants and resort services, such as a convenient Ski & Snowboard School ticket office. There, 165 trails on nearly 3,000 acres challenge the most adept skiers, but it's also known for its top-notch children's ski school. The newly expanded Kids' Vacation Center, with a Western-themed play area and age-appropriate rooms for care of children, is available for children ages 6 months to 6 years. This slopeside center is also where children meet for ski and boarding lessons; kids as young as 30 months (and potty trained) can strap on skis for an hour-long introduction to the sport. Preschoolers through teenagers can choose from half-, full- and multi-day learning programs for all ability levels -- including race camps and terrain-park training. Brand-new skiers and boarders start on one of Steamboat's five kids-only lifts and two special beginner teaching areas with dedicated Magic Carpet lifts. (Of course, lessons and rentals are offered for grown-ups, too!) Kids can get excited about their Steamboat ski vacation by visiting the Steamboat Snow Monsters Web site. Not a skiing family? Other fun winter outdoor activities in Steamboat Springs include snowmobiling, tubing, ice-skating and snowshoeing. For more information on area accommodations and lodging you may also want to check out our Steamboat Springs resorts page.

5. Stowe, Vermont
With major real estate on Vermont's largest mountain, the Stowe Mountain Resort features 485 acres of terrain for skiing and snowboarding newbies, enthusiast and experts. Stowe features 116 trails, with a total of 13 lifts, and two freestyle terrain parks. Although the terrain park features an 18-inch wall, a halfpipe and a variety of other challenging features, there are small and medium size jumps and rails for those looking to try it out or build up their skills. Stowe offers several lessons and programs at their ski and snowboarding school for adults and children. Choose from private and group lessons, full-day programs for kids or lift and lesson packages for adults. Childcare services are available at the Cubs Day Care for kids 13 months to 3 years. If you are looking to stay mountainside, the Stowe Mountain Lodge is the perfect place to retreat to after a long day on the slopes. This upscale luxury hotel offers standard hotel rooms, condo units, cabin rentals and one-, two- and three-bedroom suites. With its perfect ski-in/ski-out location, this hotel will complete your family ski vacation. For information on area accommodations and lodging you may also want to check out our Vermont resorts page.

6. Sugarloaf, Maine
Surrounded by Maine's Western Mountains, this resort is a great year-round family destination. Avid skiers and snowboarding families flock to this ideal family-friendly resort for some of the best riding around. Hit the slopes, and enjoy more than 900 developed acres of skiable area and 139 trails and glades. There are a variety of riding trails to choose from ranging from easy to expert, as well as three terrain parks for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders. Great for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, Sugarloaf offers group programs and private lessons for adults and children. Whether its your first day on the slopes, or your looking to perfect your skills there are programs for all. Other winter activities for families include tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Take advantage of the scheduled activities for children, which are offered daily. Participate in fun-filled activities such as snowshoeing safaris, game and movie nights and kids' tubing. Kids can start the weekend off with the special Kids' Night Out program for ages 5 to 10, offering movies, pizza, games and more. Sugarloaf offers an assortment of lodging options and accommodations. From standard hotel rooms to three-bedroom suites and four-bedroom condo units, families of all sizes can be accommodated. Choose from the centrally located Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel, the slopeside mountain-style Sugarloaf Inn, ski-in/ski-out condo homes or mountainside condos with full kitchens.

7. Sun Valley, Idaho
With gorgeous trails, fresh mountain powder, winter activities galore and perfect ski weather, it's no wonder the resort offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding around. The main mountain at Sun Valley stretches over 2,000 acres, offering miles upon miles of endless terrain for riders. Full of trails for all skill levels, the resort features green, blue and black diamond trails as well as a ski and snowboard half-pipe. Catering to the needs of beginners, the resort provides a smaller mountain for those that are just starting out. With more than 10 runs and five lifts, this mountain offers gently groomed slopes for a great beginners' experience. This mountain also offers two progression parks and a world-class terrain park with rails and jumps for more experienced riders. Private and group lessons are available on both mountains for adults and children. Private lessons are available for kids 3 and up%2C while children's group lessons are available for skiers ages 4 to 12 and for snowboarders ages 6 to 12. Adult and children's sessions are tailored to each rider's specific needs and abilities for an ultimate fun learning experience. Sun Valley Resort features four day-lodge facilities at the base of the mountains, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat. Munch on soups, pizza, pastas and deli favorites while you warming up chilly fingers and toes. From standard hotel rooms to spacious three-bedroom condos and cozy cottages, Sun Valley has it all. The Sun Valley Resort luxury hotel features standard, medium and deluxe rooms as well as a spacious two-bedroom family suite, and its Inn features standard, medium and deluxe rooms, along with a junior, parlor and family suite. The Inn also features three-bedroom inn apartments complete with full kitchens, two private bathrooms and Internet access. Standard condominiums are conveniently located next to the resort offering studio units and one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom condos with full kitchens, living and dining rooms and fireplaces. Sun Valley also offers seven spacious cottages for a more private stay. Ranging from two- to five-bedrooms, families of all sizes can be accommodated.

8. Taos, New Mexico
Rich with history and historical prevalence, Taos Ski Valley is one of the few family owned and operated ski resorts in America. Originally a ski-exclusive resort, Taos opened its doors to snowboarding for the first time in 2008. Today, avid skiers and snowboarders flock to this snow-covered mountain for some of the best trails and riding experiences around. With more than 1,200 acres, 110 trails and 13 lifts, this New Mexico ski resort features a variety of terrains for all skill levels. The resort's trails are evenly dispersed, with beginner and intermediate terrains making up 50 percent, with the other 50 percent on advanced and expert terrain. The resort features a children's center offering a variety of fun-filled activities for kids of all ages. The nursery staff offers childcare to children 6 weeks to 1 year. Indoor activities, snow play and tasty snacks are provided for children ages 1 to 3, with half-, full- and multiple-day sessions available. Kids 3 and up can participate in a variety of ski and snowboarding programs, allowing them to learn the basics of riding and work on new skills and abilities. With plenty of lodging throughout the area, families can easily find something that will fit their needs and budget. From hotel rooms, suites and chalets to two- and three-bedroom ski-in/ski-out condo units, the Taos Ski Valley area has it all. The Snow Bear Inn and Rio Hondo Condominiums are located just a few feet away from the children's ski school, offering families a perfect ski-in/ski-out location. For a great family value and slopeside accommodations, the Alpine Village Suites offers spacious suites and studios with mini-kitchens and private balconies. Offering a variety of family amenities in a convenient slopeside location, the Edelweiss Lodge & Spa features one-, two- and three-bedroom condo units. Several other ski-in/ski-out condo units provide families with cozy accommodations and great family amenities.

9. Waterville Valley, New Hampshire
With charming White Mountains surrounding this picturesque New Hampshire resort, families will enjoy all Waterville Valley has to offer. In the winter, Waterville Valley turns into a skiing and snowboarding heaven with 259 acres of skiable terrain, 52 trails and 12 lifts. Snowmaking covers 100 percent of Waterville's skiable acres, so families can enjoy each of the beginner, intermediate and advanced trails throughout the resort. Whether its your first day on the slopes, or you're looking to perfect your boarding skills, there are private and group lessons for adults and children. Kids' Venture Kamps offer full-day skiing and snowboarding lessons for children 3 to 12. Lunch, snacks and lift tickets are included in most lesson packages. Rentals are also available at a discounted rate, along with half and multiple day lessons. Whether you are looking for a cozy and comfortable hotel stay, or for some extra room for the family in a condo, this mountain village has it all. Choose from an assortment of family-friendly accommodations including all-suite lodges, full service hotels or one- and two-bedroom units with full kitchens and spacious living areas. Make use of rooms with fully equipped kitchens, or choose from a variety of family dining options nearby. The Diamond's Edge North offers a casual family dining atmosphere with a great children's menu, while the Flying Burritos Bros offers awesome Mexican take-out platters and more. Try the Olde Waterville Pizza Co. for mouth-watering burgers, pizza and pasta, or the family friendly Legends Sports Bar, featuring tasty food, foosball and dart games.

10. Whistler, Canada
There are many reasons why Whistler is consistently rated the number-one ski area in North America by Skiing magazine. First and foremost, Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains are huge. Together, they make up the biggest ski domain this side of the Alps. With more than 5,000 vertical feet of skiing and a gigantic number of skiable chutes, bowls, and tree-lined cruisers, you are just beginning to know your way around these mountains after a week's stay. Add a mind-boggling panorama from the summit and a modern base village with excellent dining choices, and you get the full picture. 2010 marks the year the Winter Games head to British Columbia, with Whistler hosting all alpine skiing, Nordic, and sliding events. But, you don't have to hang with the rest of the world to appreciate that yearly average of 30 feet of powder. Don't expect a Podunk town in the middle of the boonies. Sure, bears hibernate in those backwoods. At the base of Whistler, however, pedestrian plazas are connected by cobblestone walkways with low-lying boutique shops and restaurants that don't obstruct the view of the twin peaks. Top-level hoteliers like the Fairmont and Four Seasons have found their way to the slippery slopes and will do almost anything to make sure your stay is a comfortable one. Whistler is also home to one of the longest ski and snowboarding seasons in North America. The resort opens in mid-November and closes in mid-June. Not merely content to offer some 200-plus trails on more than 7,000 acres of terrain, Whistler has introduced backcountry skiing, beyond the boundaries of the ski area. Professional guides take intermediate and advanced skiers on full-day adventures through pristine powder. With those snowcapped peaks brimming in the background, Whistler reigns supreme year-round. Summer activities include heli-hiking, mountain biking, and paddling, often in the company of bears and bald eagles. The warm weather months are the only times of year you can take the glorious Whistler Mountaineer train ride from Vancouver and ditch the car altogether. For more information on area accommodations and lodging you may also want to check out our Whistler resorts pages.

For more wintery travel ideas, check out:

Family Ski Vacations

10 Best Family Ski Resorts

10 Best Mountain Family Resorts