Ski resort near Denver?

[Anonymous]

I want to visit my family in Colorado around Christmas. We've done every Christmastime with DH's family, since he has 2 sons from a previous marriage that he always has for Christmas. The last 3 years, the oldest (now a college grad) hasn't come, so it's only been the high schooler as of late. We've got 2 young children of our own.
I want to propose to DH that we go to Colorado just after Christmas (26/27 or so), and while me and 2 younger ones visit my family, he and DSS can go skiing. That said... what ski resort would you recommend for father-son to go to, keeping it somewhat close to Denver?
TIA!

[Anonymous]

I believe Winter Park is the closest to Denver but Breckenridge would be fun too.

[Anonymous]

Breckenridge and Keystone are about 1.5 hours. Copper is just a little farther. Breck is a great town, although I don't actually like the ski area itself that much.

Are they going for the day or overnight? There may be minimum stay requirements at the resorts during the holiday week.

[Anonymous]

I was thinking they would stay 2-3 nights. So it doesn't need to be the absolute closest to Denver, just a nice place to ski and relax with decent food.

[Anonymous]

Breckenridge is good, lots of really good restaurants, etc.--most of the places to stay have free shuttles to take you to restaurants, etc. It is crowded because it is close to Denver, but if they're good skiiers and can get away from the beginners' areas it's better. DH and DS ski there most of the season because DS is in their ski school program for 8 weeks. Keystone isn't that far from Breck if they want to stay in Breck and ski elsewhere.

Vail isn't too much farther, but the accommodations and restaurants are likely more expensive.