SNOW SPORTS RESORTS THAT PULL OUT ALL THE STOPS FOR FAMILIES
If you thought you couldnt afford to take the kids to the slopes this winter, reconsider.
Not only are resorts pulling out all the stops for families with increased programming, free lift tickets and free flights, but January is National Learn a Snow Sport Month with more than 200 resorts offering free or discounted ski, snowboard, and cross-country ski and snowshoe lessons for beginners. Find packages and deals at www.winterfeelsgood.com.
If everyone in your gang is a beginner, consider smaller mountains near where you live--Hunter Mountain in New York, for example, Crystal Mountain in Michigan (www.crystalmountain.com) Brian Head Resort in Utah (www.brianhead.com) Bolton Valley in Vermont (www.boltonvalley.com) and Mount Rose on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe (www.skirose.com). They will invariably be cheaper and less overwhelming for the kids - and you.
Several states also offer "passports" for kids of certain ages allowing them to ski free-once you have filled out the paperwork and paid a small processing fee - all season. They include fourth graders in New York (www.44free.com); fifth graders in Idaho (www.skiidaho.us), Colorado (www.coloradoski.com) and Vermont (www.skivermont.com); fourth and fifth graders in New Hampshire (www.skinh.com), fifth and sixth graders in Utah (www.skiutah.com), and fifth, sixth and seventh graders in Maine (www.winterkids.org/passport). Check with your state to see what they are offering for your grade schoolers.
There are also many adaptive programs around the country for those with physical and mental challenges including the National Sports Center for the Disabled in Winter Park, CO (www.nscd.org), the National Ability Center in Park City, Utah (www.discovernac.org) and Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports (www.vermontadaptive.org).
There are also many options for families who are going to the Olympics in Canada or who want to ski and board where the Olympians have-most notably Whistler Blackcomb (www.whistlerblackcomb.com and www.hellobc.com)
Here are my picks for resorts around the country in alphabetical order, which are good bets for families this winter:
1. CRESTED BUTTE MOUNTAIN RESORT (www.skicb.com) combines a friendly, picturesque small town (just a few blocks long!), plenty of steeps and deeps and a new base area Adventure Park for year-round play featuring an eco-friendly synthetic "ice" skating rink, bungee trampolines and a climbing wall, as well as a multi-lane, lift-served tubing hill for the winter. The ice skating rink was recycled from the American Museum of Natural History in New York where it was part of a display on climate change. Theres a new Childrens Center and new beginner learning area. Check about deals that include a free flight for every two you purchase and certain kids ski free weeks.
2. KEYSTONE RESORT (www.keystoneresort.com) in Colorado is one of the closest to Denver, with three mountains where families can not only snare a condo for under $150 a night but get access to an array of discounted or free activities including skating and ice hockey, snowshoeing, snow biking, snow tubing, even Science Snow Tours offered by the Keystone Science School. Keystone is a Vail Resort which means that its ski and snowboard school is first rate.
3. NORTHSTAR AT TAHOE (www.northstattahoe.com) Located on the California-Nevada border near Reno with easy access from San Francisco or Sacramento, Northstar promises that childrens single day lift tickets are valid for two out of three consecutive days. Enroll the kids in any two-day Ski and Snowboard School lessons–except during the holidays-and save 50 percent on the second day. Families also love the complimentary "Mommy, Daddy & Me" 45-minute lessons offered Sunday through Fridays, except during the holiday. Parents can split the cost of one lift ticket-switching off to take care of the kids. Haul the gear-and the kids-in complimentary wagons and skate free at the new base area.
4. OKEMO (www.okemo.com) Located in Southern Vermont with easy access from Boston, New York and other East Coast points, Okemo offers free use of its lower lifts all season long and kids ski free on select days throughout the season when parents buy a regular priced lift ticket in advance-up to age 18! Okemo also has plenty of other options for fun in the snow right at the mountain-skating, tubing, skating, swimming and even a giant snow mound where kids like to play king of the mountain.
5. PARK CITY (www.parkcityinfo.com) In Utah, its a short shuttle ride from Salt Lake City airport and home to three major kid-friendly resorts. The Canyons (www.thecanyons.com), Deer Valley (www.deervalley.com) and Park City Mountain resort (www.parkcitymountain.com). Im helping them launch a new website for snow loving parents – please visit www.snowmamas.com. Youll find plenty of bargains (especially at the Canyons), service and gourmet meals (especially at Deer Valley) and all of the terrain features your riders and free skiers could want as well as especially small ski school classes (Park City Mountain Resort). Youll also have fun exploring the historic mountain town chock full of shops and restaurants.
6. SMUGGLERS NOTCH (www.smuggs.com) In Northern Vermont, not far from Burlington or Montreal, Smuggs is known in New England for its top-notch childrens facilities and activities. Its offering a mostly inclusive Club Smugglers Adventure Package this winter that includes lift tickets, lodging, ski and snowboard lessons for kids, for adult beginners and unlimited use of cross country and snowshoe trails as well as the FunZone Family Entertainment Center, tubing and more. Its three mountains encompass 1000 acres of terrain. Come in January and get half off daycare for those under three.
7. SNOWMASS (www.aspensnowmass.com) One of the four fabulous mountains in Aspen, CO, Snowmass is where kids have their choice of peppermint smores, ice cream sundaes or every variety of gummi après ski at the new Base Village. Snowmass, by far the largest mountain in Aspen, is family snow sports central with its Treehouse Adventure Center complete with its own climbing "wall" for pre-schoolers. There are free shuttle buses around the mountains and kids stay and ski free the entire month of March. Purchase adult rentals as part of the deal and kids rent free too. Just make sure you book by January 15. Check its website for other deals and also dont miss the resident Golden Eagle at the free Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (www.aspennature.org).
8. STEAMBOAT (www.steamboat.com) In Northern Colorado, Steamboat is recognized as a top family ski resort in North America thanks to its brand new Kids Vacation Center, with its western themed play area and well-trained childrens staff. The resort has long been an innovator for families with Kids Ski Free, Kids Fly Free and Kids Rent Free programs. Plus, with the ambiance of an authentic Western town known for breeding Olympians and its Old Town Hot Springs pool and slides, theres just as much to do off the mountain as on.
9. SUNDAY RIVER (www.sundayriver.com) in Maine is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a party that will last all season on its eight interconnected peaks. Theres 12 hour skiing and riding every Saturday with eight trails to choose from, a White Cap Fun Center with a tubing park, and a Sugaring House that will open in March so you get an up close and personal look of exactly how maple syrup is made-complete with samples.
10. TAOS SKI VALLEY (www.skitaos.org) Located in northern New Mexico with easy access from Albquerque or Santa Fe, Taos is one of the last, most pristine, and still somewhat undiscovered ski areas in the country. It is still family owned and run. Not only is there great snow and an 18,000 square foot childrens center, but you have the opportunity to explore Native American culture nearby-right at the Taos Pueblo, the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. Theres plenty for the non-snowsports lovers in the group to do. And Taos Valley now welcomes snowboarders too.