Just thought I'd kick it off with Bryce. I find it a good place to take My 10 year old. Never really crowded and I don't feel like I'm missing out on the big hills by staying with him. I don't know how the schools are but the snowboard rentals are pretty good. They have the step-ins which work out really well for small hands with gloves.Easy lodge access for lunch and warmth.

Bumps,
you are preaching to the choir with me on Bryce. I've visited it at least once almost every season since the late '60s. It will never provide a big vertical experience for hot shots, but the quality of a ski day there for young kids and newbies is about as good as it gets in our region. Much less hectic than your other choices from Fredericksburg area such as Massanutten and Wintergreen.

BTW, Bryce is open for 2005-2006 with early season rates until 12/23. Also offering a midweek (noon Sun to 930pm Fri) season pass for $150 this year...talk about private skiing.

Here's some prior trip reports on Bryce, common theme - small crowds even during peak Holidays.

http://www.dcski.com/articles/view_article.php?article_id=568&mode=headlines
http://www.dcski.com/articles/view_article.php?article_id=671&mode=headlines
http://www.dcski.com/articles/view_article.php?article_id=768&mode=headlines

I too enjoy Bryce for its retro sixties feel, and family orientation. Results also tell me they have an excellent junior race program.

FWIW, the SARA junior championships were held there last year, and the food served at the banquet was simply fantastic.