Ascutney Mountain Resort, Brownsville, VT
(800) 243-0011 or (802) 484-7711 Internet: www.ascutney.com
6 lifts; 57 trails; 200 acres; 1,800 vertical feet; 2 terrain parks; summit elevation 2,520 feet
Here's a trail map.

Ascutney is a mid-sized resort that appeals to young families. Easy to reach, it sits six miles off I-91 in Southern Vermont. Besides skiing and riding, there's tubing, movies, swimming, a spa (to keep mom happy), and a good children's ski school.

Recent years have seen big improvements here, including a high-speed quad to a new summit, improved snowmaking and an enhanced children's learning area. Ascutney's terrain is a good mix for advanced and intermediate skiers and riders, with plenty of narrow, twisting old-style New England trails. Nine short trails are ranked with double black diamonds for true experts. There's a separate beginner area that's perfect for learning or for skiing with little ones. In addition to the Rip Zone terrain park, there's a learning park.

The base area is anchored by a 240-room ski-in/ski-out hotel with standard rooms, suites, and condominium units. Amenities and activities at the resort include an arcade room, teen center, cinema showing family films, and a room for a kids "happy hour." The fitness center, in a separate building from the hotel, has a large indoor pool, weight and cardio rooms, racquetball courts, and the Strong House Spa. Outdoors, tubing is free (look for tubes left around the Village Pond), and the resort has 30 kilometers of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails (rentals and lessons available). Apres-ski, Brown's Tavern or the Mountainside Lounge often have live entertainment. During winter 2006-07 , the National Solo Concert Series brings nationally recognized musicians to Brown's Tavern, including John Pousette-Dart, James Montgomery and Barry Goudreau. Brown's Tavern also serves dinner and has a kids' menu.

Ducklings Childcare Center takes kids at 6 months. Reservations recommended: 802-484-7000, ext. 3132. For kids ages 4-12 staying at Ascutney Mountain Resort, on Saturday nights from 5-8 p.m. Cheddar's Happy Hour entertains with three hours of pizza, dancing, and a movie. For teens, there's Bumps Teen Center on-site.

Lift tickets (2006/07 prices): Adults, $58; juniors (7–16) and seniors (65-69), $44; ages 6 and younger, as well as ages 70 and older, ski free. Lower rates midweek.

Nearby cities : 124 miles from Boston, 231 miles from New York City; Ascutney is six miles off I-91.

Lodging information: (800) 243-0011 for on-mountain lodging.