Snowboard / Ski trip vehicle?

Thanks for the input so far.

Anyone have any knowledge to share about Subarus?  That seems to be the highest contender at the moment.

I went all over the New England mountains in my 1989 VW Fox back in college, almost identical to the GRM version of that car. I never did find anything that car wouldn't go through. Old school Thule rack, and a neon green / purple ski suit. Ah, the good old days. Now, I'm in Raleigh watching a few flurries out the window, 24x7 emergency storm coverage on the local stations and schools already called for tomorrow.

In that price range, an AWD Subaru seems to be a logical choice.

Minivan with new snow tires and a few sleeping bags...
 

Wanna bring 4 friends and their gear?no problem.                                                       
 

How about bringing snowboard and gear too? no problem.

How about my powder boards? Sure.

"They are getting dumped on, we should ski tomorrow too!", OK...