Looking for mountian vacation ideas
 

We normally go to the coast for our long weekends and small vacations,
but we are wanting to head to the mountians this time.

We are in Texas and probably will drive to where ever we go. I have an
interest in the Smokies or possibly somewhere in New Mexico, but am
open to ideas as long as they are within a reasonable drive from Texas
(around 15 or 16 hours). We are just looking for a log cabin to relax
in with a nice view. We have an 11 yr old son if that makes any
difference.

We are looking for maybe spring break if possible, but may have to wait
until school is out for the summer. We are also talking about going
again for either Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Also, being in Texas all of my life I
am not used to snow. In places like the Smokies or NM, what are the
chances of snow being on the ground during Thanksgiving, Christmas or
even spring break? I would love to wake up to a white Christmas once.

Thanks for any advice...

Chuck