Suggestions for Family Winter/Christmas vacation ( Where there is snow )

[hemi68charger]

Hey gang..
Looking for input from good experiences ( bad too to stay away from ) concerning Christmas-break family vacation. The family and I are looking for a place that WILL have snow. I'm looking for something that has beautiful scenery and things to do as a family. It doesn't need to be ski-orientated. None of us have ever ski. Would like somewhere that shopping, kid-friendly and attractions are a part of the area......... We would more than likely have to fly whereever we went. Thought about destinatinos such as Colorado (heard the real snow occurs though in Feb-on), New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and then maybe something in New England ( Vermont/New Hamshire ).....

Thanks for your input....

[nvrbdn]

i will throw a different idea at you. we went to wisconsin dells for the winter. i know, its a summer type of place. but we dont care for the crowds. we had a log cabin hotel that was amazing. absolutely beautiful decorations. indoor pool play area. had a 2 bedroom suite with kitchen for 98.00 a night. beautiful views. still has alot to offer in the off season with antique shopping and dining around town. now this was 3 years ago that we went there, but in my book was one of the best winter vacations we have taken. since im near st. louis, the drive wasnt too bad either. just a thought for you to check in to.

[RECHRGD]

Banff, Alberta, Canada.  One of the most beautiful places on Earth.  The Banff Springs Hotel is hard to beat, but bring a fat wallet.....

[Dino]

Michigan's upper peninsula has plenty of the white stuff but I'm not sure about tourist attractions during that time.  On a positive note, they use sand as a means to keep the roads open and they are well prepared for it. 

We're thinking of moving up there eventually.  The funny thing is that unlike the lower peninsula where I live and the roads get covered in salt, I'd be able to drive the Charger in the winter!

[4cruzin]

I don't have many suggestions for you as anytime we take a winter vacation . . . . there better not be any snow!    Most of the vacations throughout the winter are usually based around skiing . . . . But now that I'm thinking about it . . . . there are a few hotels around with large indoor water parks and things for the kids!  Here are a couple ideas for ya   . . . .

http://www.greatwolf.com/

http://zehnders.com/  - Frankenmuth is a great place to go in the winter . . . the largest Christmas town in the world! 

http://www.avalanchebay.com/index.html

[stripedelete]

Tough set of requirements. Especially guaranteed snow at Xmas.  Remove any one of them and it gets easy.

Do they have any indoor water parks in Montreal?

[Old Moparz]

I've been wanting to get back to Niagara Falls but haven't had a chance. I'm hoping to see the water fall frozen over. 

http://www.niagarafallstourism.com/experience/holidays/christmas/

[Ranger Max]

Lolz - too much snow up here. 

[68X426]

Check out Lake Tahoe. http://www.visitinglaketahoe.com/

[Fred]

I've been wanting to get back to Niagara Falls but haven't had a chance. I'm hoping to see the water fall frozen over. 

http://www.niagarafallstourism.com/experience/holidays/christmas/

That is a gorgeous pic of Niagara Falls 

[hemi68charger]

Check out Lake Tahoe. http://www.visitinglaketahoe.com/

what is the main difference between North and South Lake Tahoe?

[68X426]

Check out Lake Tahoe. http://www.visitinglaketahoe.com/

what is the main difference between North and South Lake Tahoe?

I could be wrong, please someone correct me on this, but I think the North Shore is mostly residential (with some vacation rentals) where the South Shore is ski resorts, hotels, close access to Nevada (casinos!), boating, camping, and less residential (though I think more rentals per square mile if you want the cabin/house option).

[4cruzin]

Check out Lake Tahoe. http://www.visitinglaketahoe.com/

what is the main difference between North and South Lake Tahoe?

North lake Tahoe is more secluded where south is more the tourist area.  Some of the larger hotels are more south west area . . . .