Thank you! Yes, I learned last year that the lift tickets went up quite a bit after Oct. So we postponed our trip to this year. My husband does not like lines or crowds. Our budget is kind of in the middle, looking for about $400-600/night lodging. I do prefer ski-in/out to shuttle ride. Open to places other than those I mentioned. My kids first time skiiing and want it to be an enjoyable time for them.

For fewer crowds beaver creek probably need to stay in avon on that budget, snowmass, Purgatory, telluride maybe copper mountain or crested butte. Whether budget works. I don't know. Ski in ski out might be a challenge on that budget in higher end resorts.

If you're okay with returning to Keystone, look at lodging at Mountain House Base. Shorter lines. Less chaotic than River Run. Less $$ too. No way would I expose children to Breckenridge. It's in my opinion a dangerous mountain. Too many runs that intersect without people looking as they cross. Plus extremely long lift lines.

Adding, for a first time experience, on a budget, without crowds, I'd look at some of the ski areas vs ski resorts. Why pay for a marquee resort when you're only using a fraction of the mountain?

consider

https://granbyranch.com/ https://www.airbnb.com/granby-co/stays/ski-in-ski-out bonus close to Winter Park after you get lessons at Ski Granby Ranch.

Another option https://sunlightmtn.com/ though not sure about lodging. Plus is proximity to Hot Sorings. Bonus lower elevation for sleeping.

Yes those are good calls. Sunlight has a few base side condos. But it's 15 20 minutes down to town. Way less crowded. Glenwood springs has hot springs and restaurants. Much calmer experience skiing there. And way more affordable.

If you are looking to avoid lines and still have a nice selection of terrain, I would consider Crested Butte.

The further you get from major population bases, the better it usually is.

It will really come down to travel time and budget. As you can imagine, the big resorts are very fun, very busy and very expensive at Spring Break. As has been noted, the smaller scale resorts offer better value for those learning to ski. The lodging good is a good reality on what will work for you.

If you are flying into Denver, then I would consider Granby/Winter Park or staying in Frisco and skiing Copper or A Basin.

If you do not have tickets yet, then you can look at flying into Eagle (Vail) and driving or taking a shuttle to Glenwood Springs for Ski Sunlight. There should be a non-stop from Miami. It would be better to stay in town and take their shuttle or drive a rental car to the ski area. Glenwood offers non-skiing activities for families as well and lots of food and lodging choices in a moderate price range.

Where did you end up going?