Help with choosing where to go please.

Hi we are hoping to go away in Nov/Dec 07 and we have some stipulations for the trip. If anyone has been or can recommend anywhere for our needs please, it would be great as i just don't know now.
We want lots of snow and still don't even know which country or region to aim for.

We are 2 adults and one 2 and a half year old and an 8 month old(well will be at time of travel)

Will be travelling by car from the UK.

Would like either youth hostel, or apartment or similar, but cheap as possible, nowt fancy, but a view onto mountains covered in snow would be the thing to have.

One week to 10 days.

Neither adult wants to ski, board, toboggan, etc. May possibly try the wee un skiing but don't know till time goes on a bit.

We want a winter holiday that gives us a different experience to the normal lying on the beach for a week getting crispy.

Would like fun things to keep the wee un entertained, plan to go husky riding and sledging(sedately), and other cold things of such nature.

Would like somewhere that is picturesque and of local interest for us adults.

Somewhere near enough to bars, restaurants, and general stuff to walk daily. Without having to dig the car out for every trip out.

Many thanks to you all for any help, x x x

In Nov/Dec, somewhere more north would be better like Lapland. Only problem with that, is that a flight is required really. It is a hell of a long drive!!! Lapland would have good snow, even in Nov/Dec, something the Alps may not have. The problem with the alps for the non skier is that there isnt much else to do, and the resorts that do have more non skiing to do are lower and therefore dont have as much snow about (if any at that time of the year). Lapland would be very cold and snow would be fine, it has cross country everywhere and sleigh/husky rides are common to. Also, as everyone knows, Lapland is the home of Father Christmas. Lapland in christmas would be perfect for the kids.

Its a bit of a dilemma you are in really, choosing to drive at a time where there may not be a huge amount of snow in the nearby resorts where skiing isnt the only thing to do. I would say if you are prepared to fly up to Lapland or the like, it would be best. Lots of snow and non skier activities. Accomodation varies from self catering chalets to decent hotels to.

Hope that helps :-)

Ben