Vail Ski Resort

"mommy and kids learning to ski"

We went with the kids - 4 and 2 - and only my husband can ski. I found that the childcare (for the 2 year old) there was good (well located, convenient pick-up, safe and wellstocked and staffed. Gives you a little chit at day's end to tell you kids eating/sleeping so you know how to plan for the rest of the evening) but you need to book in advance to be sure. The kids ski school really handled my 4 year old well (they offer lessons to 3 yrs old onwards) and she went from only wanting to play snowballs to doing 2 days of lessons. Be warned that it is a lot easier for the kids to pick up skiing - so mommy had a 2 days of spectacular falls (think flying over boundary snow wall type). If mommy (or daddy) doesn't want to ski and the kids are taken care of, the other thing to do in winter is shop. They have the usual factory outlets nearby.
In the afternoon, you can bring all kids and non-skiing adults up the gondola (for free!) to play snow/go snow tubing (fun!!!!)/ kids snow mobile (older kids) or just take in the spectacular view. Book your accomodation early - we did a last minute and ended up in apartment that was rather worn out. My 4 year old really had fun, and I think my 2 year old enjoyed his little bit of mountain activity - he hates wearing layers.