USA: Northeast, Away for the Holidays – Skiing, Sledding, Snow Tubing, Spa Time, and Sleigh Rides. From New Hampshire and Vermont to Maine snowy winter family holiday adventures ideas look promising. From Alpine skiing and snowboarding to sledding and snow tubing the slopes provide oodles of ways for families to share the fun of being in the snow. 

Even though I am a Yankee by birth, I am not much for winter time but New England does offer irresistible family vacation choices. The snow blanketed valleys of New England frame trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling presenting high energy fun for families. Sleigh rides, ice-skating, and stargazing increase the ways to enjoy the winter season. I almost forgot comfy fireplaces, great conversations, gingerbread and hot chocolate – I am so there.

Vermont: Stowe, Topnotch Resort and Spa – Skiing, Snow Tubing, Skating, and Sleigh Rides.  Conveniently located 40 minutes from the Burlington International Airport, Topnotch Resort & Spa is in the heart of the Green Mountains just two miles from Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highest mountain. The resort is near the historic village of Stowe, the Green Mountain National Forest, and the award-winning Stowe Recreational Path. Stay in a resort home within walking distance of the hotel or in one of the hotel’s spacious guest rooms or suites close to all the action. Winter guests may swim in the indoor or pool, play tennis on the indoor courts; enjoy fabulous après-ski nightlight; take a sleigh ride through a hushed snowy landscape; go ice skating; try a dog sledding adventure. Plus, take advantage of spa programs, including aerobic classes, circuit weight training, and revitalizing treatments. The Teen Center is available for guests ages 13-18, with a “no adults allowed” rule. Teen activities include music, video and board games, including Wii, internet and movies and hot non-alcoholic beverages.  Bonus points: If spa time is part of your family vacation agenda, The Topnotch Spa specializes in teen treatments for young adults ages 16 and older. Here’s the deal. Family holiday fun includes complimentary tea and fresh home baked cookies are served each afternoon in the resort’s “Living Room”. Beginning at the end of November guests may enjoy holiday stories, cold weather tales, and winter narratives. Location on the planet: Topnotch Resort and Spa, 400 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672. Toll-free 1-800-451-8686 or www.topnotchresort.com 

Vermont: Smugglers’ Notch Resort – Skiing, Skating, and Snow Tubing. Whether you are learning to ski and snowboard or are an expert looking for challenging terrain, Smugglers' is the perfect playground in which to recreate and rejuvenate in a family-friendly atmosphere. Located in the heart of Vermont's Green Mountains, Smuggs offers mountainside lodging, access to three mountains with 1,000 acres of terrain, and award-winning children's programs. 

New Hampshire: East Madison, Purity Spring Resort – Skiing, Snowboarding, and Sleigh Rides. Take the kids and escape to the snowy White Mountains with plenty of powder and great opportunities for family fun. Purity Spring offers family-friendly lodging from basic to luxury as well as condo options.ons plus home style food and rustic yet comfy atmosphere. Enjoy Alpine skiing and snowboarding on the family-friendly slopes of the King Pine Ski Area or explore the Nordic Terrain surrounding Purity Lake. Go snowshoeing; try snow tubing at Pine Meadows Tubing Park, and ice skating around the zamboni-groomed Tohko Dome. Plus take advantage of wildlife viewing at Audubon's Hoyt Wildlife Sanctuary, use of the indoor pool and fitness center, ping pong, pool and video games, access to The Cellar Door Lounge, recreation room, and for an additional fee massage therapy. Bonus points: Sleigh rides are complimentary each Monday or Wednesday evening with any non-holiday, midweek stay. Need to know. Plus plan ahead and take advantage of the February Ski & Snowboard Camps offering an exciting atmosphere for kids to learn to ski or ride. The 2011 Ski & Snowboard Camp is geared for boys and girls ages 8-16. Camp will be held during February school vacation weeks: Monday- Sunday, February 20-26 and Sunday-Friday, February 26-March 2. Here’s the deal. Checkout the Polar Express packages offered in November & December or Ski & Stay Winter Package which offers everything to make your family vacation perfect. Location on the planet: Purity Spring Resort 1251 Eaton Road East Madison, NH 03849. Toll-free 1-800-373-3754, (603) 367-4042 or www.purityspring.com

Vermont: Stowe, Holidays with the von Trapps – Skiing, Singing, and Baking Classes. This is the spot to regroup, relax, and rejuvenate at a 2,400- acre mountain resort complex with a distinctly Austrian-inspired atmosphere. Stay in the 96-room historic Alpine Lodge, one of the 100 cozy guesthouse chalets or go for extra space in a luxurious two- bedroom villa. The Resort is the home to the first cross-country ski center in the country the vast 100 kilometers of trails have terrain suitable for every level of skier or snowshoer. Activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ski lessons, snowman contests, and bonfires. Bonus points: The "Maria" documentary about Maria von Trapp's final visit to her homeland of Austria is shown twice a day in St. George's Hall. A current feature film is shown each evening in St. George's Hall including a weekly Thursday night viewing of "The Sound of Music”. Here’s the deal. Family vacation packages during November and December include snowshoe tours, tea and cookies in the afternoon, baking classes, cooking demonstrations, or a chance to find the perfect Christmas tree. From January to April 1st, check out the Making Tracks Snowshoe package. Location on the planet: Trapp Family Lodge 700 Trapp Hill Road P.O. Box 1428 Stowe, Vermont 05672. Toll-free 1-800-826-7000 (Nationwide & Canada) (802) 253-8511 (In Vermont) or www.trappfamily.com

Maine: West Forks, Grand View Lodging - Sledding, Snowshoes, and Snowmobile Trails. Nestled on 15 acres, Grand View Lodging offers panoramic mountain views, spectacular sunrises and traditional New England hospitality. Located near the Kennebec & Dead Rivers in West Forks, this family friendly complex is open year round offering fully furnished 1 and 2-bedroom condo units and a spacious 5-bedroom bed-and-breakfast unit. Each condo unit sleeps 5-9 and has a living room, pullout sleeper, fully equipped kitchen with dining area, full bathrooms, private deck, VCR and linens. Enjoy easy access to four cleared acres with a marvelous sledding hill, and marked trails perfect for a quick snowshoe jaunt.  Guests are invited to try tobogganing. For an energizing family outing there is a spectacular snowshoe trail into Moxie Falls, the tallest free flowing waterfall in Maine. Bonus points: The Grand View folks have a small supply of snowshoes available for use at no charge and they supply sleds including a three-person old fashioned LL Bean toboggan. Need to know: During the snowy months this location is perfect for snowmobiling because it offers access to a 1,000 square mile maintained trail system. The Grand View Lodging location is four miles north of the in town trails so the snowmobile trails are less crowded. Here’s the deal: Two bedroom condo rates begin at $150 per night (mid week) for six individuals. Location on the planet: Professional River Runners of Maine P.O. Box 92 - Route 201 National Scenic Byway West Forks, ME 04985. Toll-free 1-800-325-3911 or www.proriverrunners.com