This resort's slogan is "Fun For Kids, Freedom For Parents." Located in Jeffersonville at the base of three interconnecting mountains, Smuggler's Notch pretty much wrote the book on family ski vacations. Gentle beginner's slopes are perfect for toddler snow play and first-time skiers, while tougher slopes provide daredevil snowboarders and advanced skiers with the thrills they crave. The ski school offers excellent instruction for each age group, starting with the 3-to-5-year-old Discovery Dynamos and going up to the Mountain Explorers (a skiing and snowboard program) for teens 15 to 17. There's also a 3,500-square-foot terrain park. Treasures, an on-site facility, provides day care for infants 6 weeks and older. In addition to regular half-day and full-day programs, the center has the "Family Fest Program" for ages 3 to 14, which offers 5- and 7-day programs that include all-day ski and snowboard camps with lunch and a weekly FunFeast, which includes a pizza party and a make-your-own-sundae dessert. Activities for the whole family include game nights, theater, sledding parties, and torchlight parades. Smuggler's even gives refunds for any activity portion of your holiday that is not enjoyed.

Special for kids: Small children discover nature on the Magic Learning Trail, a supervised hike that also shows them how snowmaking works. New is Wednesday Study Hall, a place where 7- to 17-year-olds can keep up with homework while on winter breaks. Smugglers also certifies requirements for Boy Scout merit badges in alpine or cross-country skiing. The Outer Limits Teen Center, open from 5 p.m. to midnight, offers music, karaoke parties, dancing, and other activities for teens.

Accommodations and info: Mountainside condominiums come with fully equipped kitchens. (800) 451-8752 or (802) 644-8851, www.smuggs.com.