Tips For Your Family Ski Vacation

In my previous blog “A Family Ski Vacation—Already?” I discussed why hitting the slopes is a great way to spend time together in the great outdoors—even when the mercury is hovering around freezing. Once you commit to strapping on the skis and you find a family-friendly resort (most are)… it should be downhill from there. To ensure that you have your bases covered consider following these tips: · Dress Appropriately. Staying warm (and making sure your children are warm) should be your top priority. When planning a family ski trip it is critical to be sure everybody is dressed for … Continue reading

Countdown to Spring Break

This winter has been especially brutal for residents living in the Midwest and along the East Coast of the United States. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures have been the norm this season as storm after storm has raced across the country making travel a nightmare from coast-to-coast. You bet we are ready for a break… a hot, sunny, snow-free spring break. When I was in college typically the rule for vacations was: “Go home for winter break. Go wild for spring break.” Basically, it meant you would spend winter recess with family in your respective home state and party with … Continue reading

Save on a Winter Ski Vacation

I much prefer sunbathing on a tropical island than skiing down an icy slope. However, the deals being offered by ski resorts across the nation right now are so incredible, they actually made me reconsider my upcoming Hawaiian vacation… for like 30 seconds. If you are aching to feel the rush of flying down the face of a mountain at highway speeds, without having to drain your wallet, then you might consider the following fabulous winter ski deals: COLORADO If you are a serious skier, then you can save big by purchasing Vail Resorts’ $599 Epic Pass. The deal offers … Continue reading

Teaching Your Preschooler How to Ski

Are you going to teach your child how to ski? If there is no ski hill nearby, you can help your child learn how to ski. It may be easier to begin with an adult wearing Yaktrax or snow boots, so that you can easily move around your child and pick her up when she falls down. The most important skills for skiing, in my book? Learn how to stop. Please, don’t do what my brother did, yelling at other skiers to scatter as he barreled down the ski hill. Teach your child how to make a “pizza” with her … Continue reading

Taking Your Preschooler Skiing – What Equipment Do You Need?

I love cross country skiing. Considering that I live in the host city of the 2010 Winter Olympics where downhill skiing prevails, I am a bit of an oddball. I remember my first skiing experience – in Norway, a much more logical place for cross-country skiing. On rented skis, I stood at the top of a small hill, and with a gentle push I was off, hurtling downwards on a relatively steep slope, right towards the traffic on the road below. Needless to say, I exited that skiing experience rather quickly by bailing to the side of the ski hill. … Continue reading

More Free Family Fun from Coast-to-Coast

Why spend thousands of dollars on a summer getaway to some far-off locale when you can have a blast in the good ol’ U.S.A. for free? Check out these sizzling hot summer attractions for families that don’t cost a penny to visit: ALABAMA During the month of June local Alabama dignitaries will be leading walking tours of the state’s historic districts for free. The 60-minute tours weave through 30-plus communities and highlight local landmarks. In addition, the local luminaries share their own memories of growing up in sweet home Alabama. ALASKA The 49th state is sparkling this summer thanks to … Continue reading

Spring Break Fun

Personally, I would never consider taking a spring vacation to a ski resort, but that’s mainly because I am surrounded by snow and cold for roughly eight months of the year. For other families (like my brother’s) an ideal spring break consists of hitting the slopes and snowshoeing along finely groomed trails. If you are looking to take a ski vacation this spring, consider the following options in beautiful Utah. SNOWBIRD RESORT This resort offers full-service slope-side luxury lodgings suitable for serious skiers and snowboarders, as well as beginners. The resort is known for its extreme slopes, but also features … Continue reading

Ski Resorts with Bonus Amenities

If you have a large family then you know how hard it is to find a vacation spot that caters to everyone’s likes. It’s the reason some families forgo ski trips because not everyone in the clan enjoys shooshing down the slopes for five consecutive days. Enter the ski resorts with extras (that’s what I refer to them anyway). They are the places that don’t just offer top-rate skiing, but also have on-site spas, galleries, shops, and restaurants that are just as enticing as the slopes. The following areas are home to some of the world’s best ski slopes, but … Continue reading

The Search for the Perfect Family-Friendly Ski Resort

This is a continuation of a blog I wrote regarding what to look for in an ideal ski resort for families with young children. In the past I’ve run into problems finding kid-friendly ski resorts that actually deliver the family-oriented enticements promised in their ads. As such I’ve learned it’s better to contact individual properties prior to making a reservation. In my last blog I detailed topics that should be addressed with resort specialists including safety, childcare facilities and pricing. The following are a few other points to consider before you decide on the perfect winter destination for your family. … Continue reading

Finding the Perfect Family-Friendly Ski Resort

If you have ever gone skiing with kids under the age of 12 then you know not all ski resorts are created equally. Ski vacations that cater to families with children are a multi-million dollar business, but the problem is some resorts that offer kid-friendly enticements don’t always deliver on the razzle-dazzle. So, what exactly should you expect from a resort that claims it specializes in family skiing? Take a look: Safety First. If it comes down to whether a resort has a multi-million dollar indoor rec area or the resort boasts a superior safety program you can bet I … Continue reading