^^^Good choice, if you decide on not going to Colorado.
Breck, Keystone, Winterpark, Vail, Crested Butte, Steamboat all have good beginner areas. The best one imo is Copper Mountain. The mountain is naturally divided expert terrain is at the top and east side of the mountain. The middle of the mountain is intermediate and the far West side (Union creek, junction something like that) is nothing but beginner level terrain. Basically an entire ski area for beginners. The way the terrain is divided it keeps the experts and the intermediates from bombing those runs. It's a serious hassle to get there and no reason for people of that ability to go there. There is also food services and such at this area. Makes for a very nice and comfortable area for beginners to learn to ride. The rest of the areas you have to intermix with riders/skiers of various abilities which can be nerve racking for the beginner. Once they have gotten comfortable with their abilities you can move on to more challenging terrain that the mountain offers.
I would also recommend going in January over December. Last year December was great, but it was bone dry until literally December 1st. I have seen seasons where December does not get much snow and others where it just gets pounded. The one thing I haven't seen is a dry January. That seems to be the month where the snowpack really gets established. Frequent storms are the norm. Generally speaking the second or third week of January is a good time to visit. Just bring the super warm clothes. With the altitude, few places can equal the cold that hits in Colorado at that time. Be ready to bundle up as temps well below zero 40 below wind chills hit from time to time. It is also the time that the snow is at it's lightest and driest of the season and plenty of blue skies can be experienced.
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