Skiing Special Report:The Independent parent - Your questions answered

For the past three years we have taken family skiing holidays in Europe. However, as we have always liked the idea of going skiing in America, this year we are thinking about taking our children, aged 7 and 11, to the Rockies. Can you advise?

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Q For the past three years we have taken family skiing holidays in Europe. However, as we have always liked the idea of going skiing in America, this year we are thinking about taking our children, aged 7 and 11, to the Rockies. Can you advise?

V Macmillan, Hampshire

A In the American Rockies alone, there is certainly a large choice of resorts to choose from – and that's even before you consider the Canadian section of the Rocky Mountains. North American ski resorts offer exceptional family facilities, but to simplify things, I would suggest you concentrate on Colorado, which is a great choice for first timers.

Its world famous resorts, such as Vail and Beaver Creek, offer fantastic family skiing, but it might also be worth considering some of its smaller, lesser-known resorts such as Keystone or Crested Butte, which offer slightly better value for money.

The upmarket resort of Beaver Creek is a perennial family favourite, with plenty of activities for children, both on and off the slopes. Ski the American Dream (020-8552 1201, www.skidream.com) offers a seven-night holiday, departing in December and staying at the Beaver Creek Lodge, for £995 per adult and £335 per child under 12. This includes return flights to Denver via Chicago, transfers and accommodation. A six-day lift pass costs $187 (£125) per adult; this will allow you access to the lift networks of neighbouring Keystone, Vail and Breckenridge.

Relatively close to Beaver Creek, Keystone aims to appeal to a family market. Not only does it offer world-class skiing, there is also a wide range of other activities for children, such as tubing and ice-skating. As an added incentive, all children under 12 ski free all season at the resort. A seven-night holiday in a deluxe two-bedroom apartment costs from £588 per adult and £469 per child, departing on 12 December with Ski Independence (0870 555 0555, www.ski-independence.co.uk). This includes return flights from London to Denver, transfers and self-catering accommodation. Lift passes cost an additional £126 per adult and £96 per child. For further information about the Colorado resorts of Beaver Creek, Keystone, Vail, Heavenly and Breckenridge visit www.snow.com.