We live in Houston and took the kids (5 & 7) to Durango for the first time skiing last year. My only comment would be make sure to setup ski school and day care for the little ones unless you're a very advanced skier. We tried a day on the mountain our selves an it was a mistake because niether myself or my wife we're strong enough skiers to get the kids donw the hill. Your 4 year old will have a blast on the magic carpet and the 2.5 year old will be fasinatced by the snow itself. We also took a day in the middle and didn't ski but rather just let the kids play in the snow outside the condo and at the bottom of the resort. The kids needed the day off to rest too. We're going to Crested Butte this year an I've planned the same thing 3 out of 4 days of skiing with a day off for the kids to rest in the middle. I don't know if your kids ave seen snow before, but my hadn't and just being in the snow was enough for them a great trip.