Live Talk: Ski vacations

Brad Tuttle: Go with a package that includes air, transfers, lodging, and lift tickets. For a family sharing the same room, you can often pay $600-$800 a person for a full week, and it's almost always cheaper than trying to do it yourself. Try www.ski-europe.com, www.adventuresonskis.com, www.skimoguls.com, or even generic Europe vacation specialists such as www.go-today.com.

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Chicago, IL: What do you think the best 3 ski destinations are in North America?

Brad Tuttle: For the overall ski resort experience—great ski runs, nightlife, charm, the whole deal -- I'd have to say Vail and Whistler for sure, and the third spot I'd divide between Squaw Valley, Aspen, Jackson Hole, and Big Sky, MT.

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Cleveland, OH: What western ski areas offer the best value for your money?

Brad Tuttle: The ones you've never heard of: a few examples are Powder Mountain, UT, Wolf Creek, CO, and a trio of resorts in Montana: Lost Trail Powder Mountain (lift tix are $25!), Bridger Bowl, Montana Snowbowl. So many resorts have been gobbled up by big corporations, and when they are, the village gets nicer, newer lifts come in, and prices go through the roof. It's the smaller holdouts, where the resorts may seem a little old school (I'd say quaint) where you find good value.

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Gardendale, AL: We are planning a ski trip to Breckenridge. We are looking for romance, atmosphere and we are on a budget. Any suggestions? We have not made reservations yet, but planning to go in January.

Brad Tuttle: Check out www.summitchamber.org — it's the county's tourism site, and it lets you search for lodging based on town, price, and style of accommodations. You'll save a bunch if you stay just outside of Breckenridge, in towns such as Dillon or Silverthorne (these places are also centrally located to other resorts in Summit County, such as Keystone and Copper Mountain). Also, check out the Breck area's sites, www.gobreck.com and www.breckenridge.com. When you're dealing with a condo operation or hotel, ask them if they have any deals that include lift tickets. Almost all of them do.

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San Diego, CA: We are just beginning to take our children skiing. Last year we skied Northstar at Tahoe and were impressed with the ski school. What other western resorts are known for quality instruction for 6-10 year olds?