The Killington Resort Villages has good values and the best location, with nearby athletic club facilities, some nightlife and an excellent shuttlebus system. Of the condo complexes here, Highridge units are by far the most desirable. Sunrise, at the base of Bear Mountain, is another good choice. Other condos include The Woods at Killington, which boasts hot tubs and saunas and a complete spa, and Mountain Inn and the Cascades Lodge, which are very convenient but basic. The Cascades has a nice indoor pool, and the Mountain Inn has some of the best nightlife, when the bar is hopping.

The Killington Grand Resort Hotel ($$–$$$$), near the base of Snowshed, has 200 units from hotel rooms to penthouses, but the accommodations are more on par with what you'd find at a Comfort Inn. Also on site are a full-service restaurant, outdoor heated swimming pool, health club, full-service spa (added in 2006), and "slopeside" location (you have to walk across a snowmaking pond on a long pedestrian bridge to reach the slopes). When you reserve a room, make sure you ask for a "hotel room" or "suite." Most of the "studio" rooms only have sofas or Murphy beds. What you’re paying for here is the location.

Another large hotel on the Killington Access Road is The Inn of the Six Mountains (800-228-4676; 422-4302; $$–$$$; above), with a 65-foot indoor lap pool, exercise room and frequent shuttles to the slopes. Rates include breakfast. Also on the Access Road, The Birch Ridge Inn (422-4293; $$$–$$$$) was created from a former executive retreat. The A-frame design gives it a 1960s flair, and the cuisine gets high marks. Near the base of the Access Road is the North Star Lodge (422-4040; $–$$), which has a pool, shuttle service and is surrounded by good restaurants.

On Route 4 west of Killington is The Inn at Long Trail (800-325-2540; 775-7181; $–$$). One of Vermont's first ski lodges, the inn still maintains its cozy, rustic feel. The 19 rooms are small, but the inn has a devoted following. Rates include breakfast and dinner.

The Cortina Inn (800-451-6108; 773-3333; $$$–$$$$), on Rte. 4, a mile west of Pico, has a health club, pool, spa, two restaurants, children’s activities on holiday weekends, and many large suites.

The Vermont Inn (800-541-7795 ; 775-0708; $$–$$$$), with 18 rooms, fireside dining, and everything homemade, is a charming New England country inn. Breakfast and dinner are included in the rates, and the food is excellent. The inn is about 1 mile west of Pico on Rte. 4.

The Mountain Top Inn & Resort (800-445-2100; 483-2311; $$$-$$$$) is 11 miles from Killington, has awesome views, and is adjacent to a cross-country center.

The Grey Bonnet (775-2537; $–$$) on Rte. 100 North, received numerous recommendations. There is a nice indoor pool, sauna and pub. Rates include breakfast and dinner. You will need a car to get to the ski area.

What a find! If you pine for the camaraderie of an old-fashioned ski lodge, with equally old-fashioned prices, check into the Turn of River Lodge (800-782-9867; 422-3766; $–$$), near the Skyeship base and just 3 miles from the access road. Relax by the huge stone hearth in the great room, play board games, watch TV, bring your wifi-equipped laptop or just lounge and chat with other guests. Private rooms have TV, phone and private or shared baths. There are also dorm beds. Discount lift tickets are available. A light Continental breakfast is included, and guests have the use of a refrigerator and microwave.

A favorite luxury spot of ours is the Woodstock Inn and Resort (800-448-7900; $$$–$$$$), about 17 miles east of Killington. Rooms were renovated in 2006 and have an air of sophistication, with particular attention paid to the bed linens. The resort also boasts an excellent fitness center with large indoor pool, two indoor tennis courts, paddle tennis courts, squash and racquetball courts, and a large weight/cardio room. The inn's dining room wine list has 184 selections, both foreign and domestic. Midweek, the inn has a very attractive package with free downhill skiing (yes, free) at nearby Suicide Six or cross-country skiing at the Woodstock Ski Touring Center, run out of the resort's country club.

Accommodations Legend: (double room) $$$$–$200+; $$$–$141–$200; $$–$81–$140; $–$80 and less.