We are interested in traveling to Italy, (and possibly neighboring countries), with our middle school aged kids during their vacation over the holidays. Mostly for the sights but maybe a little snowboarding if conditions are good. Previous trips to Europe, France, Swtiz. etc. have been in the summer months. Looking for any tips or suggestions regarding travel at that time of the year, thanks!

Google slow travel forums. They have lots of information there and are much more active than this one. We found them very helpful in planning our recent trip.

That is pretty funny, what you just posted--a 'slow' travel forum is much more active than this one. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />

Lol! The travel is slow, not the forum. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

I figured that's what you meant, but it struck me as funny.. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />

Slow Travel Forum (Italy) .

We skied in Chamonix, France last winter and really enjoyed it. It's location allows you to easily ski in France, Italy and Switzerland. Chamonix itself has more than enough skiing to offer but Courmeyeur, Italy is a short bus ride away on the other side of Mont Blanc and there are options for bus trips to Verbier Switzerland about 1-1/2 hours away. We stayed in Chamonix but if we get back we may spend a couple of days in Courmeyeur and a couple in Chamonix as we really liked the town and ambience of Courmeyeur. Both areas would be great to spend Christmas in as they are incredibly scenic especially in winter. Prices were pretty reasonable too.