Advice Needed for First-Time Family Ski Trip to Colorado
I'm planning a ski trip to Colorado for my family of four (myself, wife, 8yo daughter, and 14yo son) from Dallas, TX. We're all beginners with no skiing experience or equipment, looking for a fun 2-3 day trip.
Initially considering Loveland, but Beaver Creek caught our attention due to its variety of activities beyond skiing. However, spring break (Mar 18-21) is already fully booked (I checked Park Hyatt because I saw it was highly recommended due to being centralized with lots in walking distance).
Questions:
- When should we book, and how far in advance? What are typical crowds and traffic like?
- Is Beaver Creek suitable for our needs? Any booking tips?
- Are there other beginner-friendly resorts worth considering? How do they compare to Beaver Creek?
- What advice can you offer on equipment rentals and ski classes?
Our rough itinerary:
- Day 1: Drive to Colorado
- Days 2-4: Skiing and other activities
- Day 5: Return home
I've estimated the trip cost (including lodging, travel, and lift passes) at over $3,000, but I'm unsure if this is accurate. Any budgeting advice would be appreciated.