More Ski Resorts with Bonus Amenitiesby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 13 Jan 2008 08:01 PM In my previous blog I touched on an issue many large families deal with when deciding where to take the entire clan on vacation---finding a spot where everyone's needs are met. It's not always an easy task, especially in the winter when half your family might be dreaming of jetting off to a tropical locale while the other half is looking forward to shooshing down the slopes on fresh powder. If you have been reading my blogs on a regular basis then you know that a number of ski resorts are offering outstanding deals this month and next. If you are contemplating taking advantage of one of these deals you might be pleased to know that many of the resorts also offer a host of bonus amenities for guests who don't want to hit the slopes everyday of their vacation. It might not be the tropics, but the following popular ski areas also have on-site spas, first-rate shops, and world-class restaurants that can keep even the most persnickety family members entertained. IDAHO Sun Valley, Idaho is legendary among winter sports enthusiasts. It opened in 1936 as the Rockies' first ski resort, and its old-fashioned Western charm remains today. Besides the award winning skiing, the area is home to the city of Ketchum, which boasts a host of outstanding art galleries showcasing Western and Modern art. In addition, you have the choice of participating in other popular winter pastimes like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at the Sun Valley Nordic Center & Snowshoe Lodge or Galena Lodge. When Hollywood stars escape L.A. they often head to the Duchin Lounge and the ruggedly classic Pioneer Saloon. If you have a literary buff in your family he or she can take time to visit the grave of Ernest Hemingway (he wrote parts of For Whom the Bell Tolls while living in town), who was buried in the town cemetery. NEW MEXICO Taos, New Mexico is home to the state's highest mountain, Wheeler Peak (with an elevation of 13,161 feet). The snow lovers in your family will love exploring the Taos Ski Valley, Carson National Forest, and Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area while the foodies in your pack will enjoy sampling the city's finest Southwest-inspired dishes at its A-list restaurants. Then, the entire group can tour the area's ancient Taos Pueblo, a Native American site that's been inhabited for more than 1,000 years. Related Articles: Ski Resorts with Bonus Amenities The Search for the Perfect Family-Friendly Ski Resort Finding the Perfect Family-Friendly Ski Resort Ski Season Off to A Snowy Start Winter Adventure Travel Packages---Colorado Winter Adventure Travel Packages---Vermont A Family Ski Vacation--Already? Tips For Your Family Ski Vacation Canada---Not Just A Winter Destination Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevanttravel tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags Idaho, New Mexico, ski, ski resorts, winter travel Discuss this article
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