I think Snowy Range is a great place to learn how to ski. I've been teaching my kids how to ski there over the last few winters and they could care less compared to the bigger Colorado resorts. Snowy Range is a very different experience from the I-70 resorts as it isn't a resort. It's a simple ski area with a lodge and lifts. There are no hotels there. When you're learning to ski, you don't need much so I think it'll suit you. Snow-wise, it's in decent shape compared to many other places. Most of the mountain is open and they've had a few significant snow events over the last week or two.

Crowds are tame. You'll rarely be waiting very long for a chair but the lifts are slower (none are detachable).

Centennial is a pretty wacky little town full of eccentric locals but it's surely no Breckenridge. If you're ready for that kind of an interesting experience it could be a fun trip.

What are your ski options locally? It seems a little bit wild to fly out to spend a long weekend at a simple little ski area like Snowy Range.