Bryce Resort -- close, inexpensive but not for the expert skiiers. Very relaxing.......

We used the kidcare at Liberty last year for our 2 year old while we skied and our 4 year old did a pizza lunch and ski camp. The 2 year old had a great time (and liked the pizza), just remember to pack EVERYTHING they need including backup clothes, nap items, snacks and PullUps. The ski camp was nice insofar as they rent helmets and do EVERYTHING regarding getting your kid's rental equipment etc. so all you have to do is drop them off with proper snow layers, waterproof gloves, hat and and goggles.
The ski slopes around here suck compared to even the "local" slopes out West (say Bogus Basin in Boise or any slope near Tahoe), there is no getting around the thin icy snow and tiny hills. So after doing it by spending the night at a farm bed and breakfast in Gettysburg, I can say that you can do Liberty as a day trip and ski the whole place in one afternoon. My coworker has season passes for her energetic boys and they enjoy popping out there on weekends.
I have heard good things about Snowshoe as far as local places go but haven't been. Massanutten is a U shaped valley with nice dogwoods in spring, mountainside cabins, hiking trails and the waterpark. You might try and get a unit with a hot tub overlooking the forest.

Problem with local areas is - often, even when you have the best information possible, after you've planned, packed, traveled - there is no snow. Conditions are often poor - not worth the trip. Kids are disappointed having looked forward to it.

We LOVED Bryce Resort in VA with our 3 year old last year although we didn't take lessons. Everything is very accessible so there is little walking for the little ones. You can rent inexpensive condos right on the mountain. I am not sure what you would do if you aren't skiing though.

Whitetail is another great choice for kids. Great beginner area and the instructors seemed very good. Again, not much around there though for you to do. The chairlifts here are really quick, which I liked with little kids.

I think both have childcare.

7 Springs has other options (family friendly) other than skiing.

Whitetail is an easy 90 minute drive (day trip) that your DH and DD could do together.
They have childcare for as young as 6 months if needed. You could take your 18 mo. snowtubing which is there on site.

Can you and the toddler play in the snow while the other two ski? If you won't be skiing (understandably), what would you do while the toddler is in daycare ?

What about a mountain cabin in the snow with skiing nearby but also snowshoeing, hiking, etc as possibilities?

We tried Wisp and Massanutten last year with our four year old. We enjoyed Wisp and thought it had more to offer adult skiers. We thought the ski school at Massanutten was better for that age (they actually take the kids up on a real lift with a 2:1 kid:teacher ratio), but adult skiers were bored after a half day there. The indoor water park was fun for the kid. Both places made a fun kid-friendly weekend, but nothing like out west!

Wintergreen, VA

Anonymous wrote:DH takes your 4yo on a day trip or two to Liberty?

OP here. Sorry, should have mentioned that DH has been traveling 5-6 nights a week since May and I SAH. Him taking the older kid is definitely a good option, but I don't really want to do even more single parenting while they do a boys weekend. We're trying to plan a trip where we can all have a nice time, including me.

You look at being with your kid as babysitting?

DH takes your 4yo on a day trip or two to Liberty?

DH really wants to do a family ski trip this winter. He grew up out west and is a great skier, but he is more interested in finding a place where our 4 year old and take lessons and learn to ski. We also have an 18 month old who obviously won't be skiing but will need to be in a daycare for at least half-day. I'll be in my second trimester, so no skiing for me. I said I won't go if I have to babysit the youngest in a hotel room while DH and the older kid ski.

Any ideas for somewhere within driving distance where we can all have fun? I've read old threads and checked out resort web pages, but only Liberty listed a "playcare" program that would take kids under age 2. Is that our best option? Would there be much to do in the afternoons besides skiing?

This is clearly not an ideal time in our life to do this trip, but DH is so excited to teach the oldest to ski and next year will be tough with a very young baby.

Thanks!