[mtelliott]

If you want to go to one place and stay, then either Steamboat or Vail. If you want to go to a bunch of different resorts, then Summit County is the answer. You have Breck, Keystone, Copper, Vail (45+ minute drive), A-Basin. Nothing against Winter Park / Mary Jane however I would take Vail or Steamboat over them in a heart beat. WinterPark is great for getting to if you live in Denver but if you want to go to an area that has a lot to do, Winterpark isn't it (town is small, not a lot of other activities besides skiing).

You can go to Vail and not need a car. If you go to Summit County, you might want to have a car so that you can go to the different resorts.

Cost wise, Vail is expensive. Steamboat is probably next on the expense chart. Summit County is where you can find decent deals for lodging.

Aspen is on a different realm then the others. Excellent skiing (not sure how their snow is this year though). They have a lot of mountains to ski but it's ultra expensive and good deals are hard to come by. Plus, getting there can be another travel day by itself.

As for kids programs, they all have excellent programs now days. That is their standard to keep families coming back so I really don't think one excels over another.

Michael