My wife, Pat, who wholeheartedly shares my passion for winter, and I were eager to introduce our two daughters to the cold-weather diversions we had come to love. We plan winter breaks that allow us to enjoy the beauty and outdoor thrills of colder climates, as well as the family camaraderie that seems to accompany such destinations.

Keep in mind that, depending on how far you travel and what activities you plan, a cold-weather trip isn't necessarily cheap (ski-lift tickets, and equipment rentals, if you don't have your own, can add up). Always ask about special deals when you book your trip. You'll get the best prices with a little planning.

Options for cold-weather retreats in North America are surprisingly varied. The one described here--Summit County, Colorado--is one of our top choices because it combines fun family activities, spectacular scenery and excellent lodging at moderate prices.

SUMMIT COUNTY IN THE ROCKIES
Families that live to hit the ski slopes will find a lot to like in Colorado's Summit County. Less than two hours from Denver by car, "The Summit" boasts a concentrated quartet of resorts. Not only are the resorts connected by easily navigated roads and a free transit system, but each sports individual strengths.

Breckenridge, for example, is a delightfully restored former mining town with four contiguous peaks that welcome beginners and challenge experts. The modern village of Keystone has a terrific new snowboard park and night skiing for kids and their parents on more than a dozen lighted trails. At Copper Mountain, considered one of the best-designed ski areas in the United States, an award-winning trail system groups runs by ability level. This is unusual and well worth a visit. And the lifts at Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin) whisk you to trails that reach 13,050 feet, making this the highest ski area in the United States.

Visitors also enjoy skating on Keystone Lake (adults, $10; kids 13 to 17, $9; kids five to 12, $5; kids four and under, $1) and snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at the Frisco Nordic Center (try one or both for a single price; equipment rental plus trail pass: adults, $14; kids 14 and under, $10; 970-668-0866). But the enticingly high peaks and 20- to 30-foot annual snowfalls here mean downhill skiing and snowboarding remain the real attractions. The best place to set up home base is the centrally located Victorian town of Breckenridge, where a variety of lodging alternatives—such as condominium rentals starting at $140 a night—are available through Breckenridge Resort Chamber Central Reservations (800-221-1091).

While February daytime temperatures often struggle to break freezing, the thin air (resulting in stronger sun) and abundant on-mountain options definitely heat things up. Breckenridge Ski Resort (970-453-5000) alone has 138 trails and a Ski and Snowboard School offering daily group lessons (see website for updated rates or call 888-LRN-2-SKI). For those too young to ski, child care is available at peaks eight and nine (800-789-7669).

Again, one of the big pluses here is the variety. Whether you are a family of bunny-slope beginners or hotdogging daredevils, there's no need to stay put at just one resort. Within a half hour's drive of Breckenridge, there are 4,660 combined acres of trails and bowls at A-Basin (888-ARAPAHOE), Keystone (970-496-2316)—both of which offer interchangeable lift tickets with Breckenridge--and Copper (800-458-8386). This massive amount of on-slope action for all ages, combined with the picturesque Alpine-village setting and family-friendly facilities, draws visitors back to Summit County again and again.

Howard Rothman is a travel writer living in Colorado with his two daughters.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.