We've been back from the mountains for a few weeks and I've got a ski-obsessed little guy on my hands. We had planned another lesson for this weekend but it was just too cold for little fingers and toes so we're holding off for now. In the meantime, I figured that I'd start my research on family-friendly mountains so that we can plan our next trip ... with Mommy and Daddy getting in a few runs as well.
Since we're in the Northeast, day-trips are pretty painless. Here's what I've uncovered. If you have tips or suggestions, do share!
Day-Trippin'
The Poconos is easy for us to get to, has multiple ski resorts and is a great way to spend a Saturday with the little man. Shawnee Mountain gets my vote for top ski resort in PA for kids because of their variety in lesson type. The children's programs start earlier than many of the other resorts that I've looked into and they offer a "Mommy & Me" private lesson for 3-year olds as well as the traditional private and group lessons. Pricing is comparable at $90 for a session (3 hours).
Trying Something New for Less:
Bretton Woods - New Hampshire: Not only is this a great ski resort overall, but the Babes in the Woods Nursery offers parents a serious bargain while giving your kids a day that they won't soon forget. Babes starting at 2 months old will enjoy a full day (8:00 - 4:30) of games, storytelling and crafts. At $85, the kids also get lunch and snacks. If your kids are real snow bunnies, check out the Hobbit Ski & Snowplay Program for kids 3 - 5. For just an additional $30, the full-day program includes the nursery supervision but also two one-hour lessons, rentals and lunch. That is a real bargain.
Weekend Trip:
Consistently rated one of the top ski resorts for families by Ski Magazine, Smugglers' Notch is nestled into the Vermont Mountains and offers award-winning children's lessons, programs and activities for kids of all ages. The full-day programs start at 6 weeks and go up to 17 years. Smugglers' also features adaptive skiing and riding programs for kids with special needs. They even offer a money back guarantee on all lessons for both skiing and boarding. They too, offer a "Mom& Me" or "Dad & Me" lesson.
When I was doing my research on Smugglers', I came across their webpage for RCI members. Members have access to various programs and amenities so be sure to check out their calendar of events prior to booking your stay.
A "Real" Vacation:
Snowmass is one of my personal favorites. There's always something to do in Aspen and Snowmass is such a great mountain - and doesn't seem as busy as the others in the bunch (there are four mountains in all: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass). Aspen/Snowmass offers everything from child care to private and group ski lessons for children ages 8 weeks - 4 years. At the Treehouse (daycare building), kids are separated by age (programs range from 8 weeks - 17 years).
Love this helpful tidbit: If your child is refusing to strap on the skis (hey, we all have those days), you have the option to either use your lesson ticket at another day/time or you can turn it in for a full refund. If the wee one takes the lesson, but for whatever reason you aren't completely satisfied, you can take another lesson or get a full refund. Snowmass even offers kids their own version of the mountain guide. They do a great job of stressing the importance of safety on the mountain and help kids to fall in love with snow sports by making lessons fun, having crazy characters on skis/boards and by offering fun, night-time events at the Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center. Snowmass has a program, Challenge Aspen, for anyone with a disability to participate in a variety of lessons, starting at age 4.
If you're looking to get your kids started on the slopes, here are the basics:
What you'll need:
Lots of layers - we go with a long sleeved tee, short sleeved tee and sweater
Waterproof coat
Ski/Snow pants
Waterproof mittens
Helmet
Eye protection (ski goggles or sunglasses) on sunny days
Lip protection
Sunscreen
Tips:
Pick up your rentals the evening before, if possible.
Ensure that the helmet fits properly. It doesn't help if it doesn't fit.
Go for a real lesson. No matter how great of a skier you are, your child will benefit from a lesson with a pro.
Don't believe me? Here's what you'll need to do it on your own:
Ski Harness - to Harness, or not to harness? That is the question. I'm not here to debate - I'm new to this too! I'm just putting it out there ...
If you don't want to rent but also don't want to shell out "real" money, try the plastic skis that can be worn with your kid's own winter boots - great for sliding around the backyard.
The Edgie Wedgie - Keeps the skis in a pie shape while keeping your back from breaking. A plus in any parent's book.
Since I'm new to this too, I'd love to hear your feedback on getting kids on the slopes. Send me your pictures and video and we'll post them here on Women on Their Way.
February 3, 2010 9:20 AM | Reply
3 kids (4 9 and 10)
Don't go with expectations to log in "x" amount of runs....... things happen we just go counting on a good time ..no stress if it's really cold we try and start a little later like 10 and are patient to take hot chocolate breaks to warm up as needed and when it's nice we are out to the very end.....
Same with skiing with other families...... you need to go with the flow...... and be patient! Sometimes it works out to all ski together and sometimes we divide and concur ... otherwise skiing with kids can be very stressful...
One of the best things we did was buy a bag with wheels.... like a piece of luggage.....
I keep extra mittens hats snacks...etc.... in the family bag... this was great with small kids cause all our stuff was together and I'm always prepared with extra stuff....
Taking a nice lunch break helps also.... my kids like to go up into the restaurant instead of cafeteria style.... it only costs a few dollars more but it's nice to be served instead of running up and down to get ketchup... napkins...etc.... much more relaxing for all of us.
Get to bed early the night before skiing.... kids are much happier when they're not tired!
Keep hersey kisses in your pocket.... a little sugar goes a long way!