I finally come to ski the USA after having been to Switzerland and Austria the last years. I will be coming for X-Mas, although exact travel dates are still unknown.

Also unknown at this stage is the resort I'm going to. What would you FT'ers recommend to me? My preferences are the following:

• It should be rather upscale with beautiful hotels and shops. Resort hotels are preferred, chain hotels welcome but not a must.
• The drive to the slopes should not be too long as I don't like sitting in buses all day.
• There sould be many skiable miles, with much snow, preferred are intermediate till open end difficulty level trails.
• I prefer large towns to 200 inhabitants towns but the trails should not been too crowded.
• Good restaurants (or at least good steakhouses) are a must.
• Sightseeing for the family members who do no skiing.
• Gadgets such as helicopter tours...

I thought about

• Vail
• Beaver Creek
• Aspen
• Breckenridge
• Park City
• Rest of Olympics Area

What is the best of these considering my preferences? Any other ideas where I might go? Any hotel recommendations?

Thanks in advance for your appreciated help!!!

Muerz