Maybe your computer can't yell "BEND YOUR KNEES!" on the slopes, but it can help with planning ski vacations (including 'boarding, or other snow fun.)
For starters: zero in on some great ski resort choices for families. Then try some:
Money-Saving Tips
Skiing (or boarding) is generally an expensive sport, given the cost of gear plus the cost of lift tickets, not to mention travel to, and lodgings near, the slopes. Still, there are ways to reduce costs.
Buy Second-hand Gear
Kids outgrow equipment so fast, that excellent gear is available second-hand.
- buy equipment at ski-swaps, consignment stores, or special lease/buyback programs for kids, offered at sports equipment retailers. Also: check online at Kidznsnow.
- try to buy before the ski/ snowboarding season opens, when you'll be desperate for gear!
- think creatively: do you have friends whose kids have outgrown their skis or 'boards?
- try lower-profile, smaller locations: they can be much cheaper, and are often less crowded and have great beginner and intermediate slopes
- ski in off-peak times: many resorts have deals early or late in the season
- seek resorts where kids are free
- check out seasons passes (sold months before the season starts), multi-visit passes, online tickets -- any and all alternatives to the regular ticket price! Check for promotions in local newspapers or stores.
- take lessons, and you'll often get a price break on lift tickets
- save on accommodations by sharing a big condo with another family.
Practical Tips on the Slopes with Kids
- get those helmets on!
- forget the ski poles for little kids
- with small children, ask for assistance on lifts. Often, a sign in the lift line-up will specify where kids should sit, so the liftees can lend a hand.
- don't push the pace
- don't ski when it's too cold
- dress in layers: temperatures on the mountain heat up and chill down fast
- agree in advance on a place to meet if you get separated
- consider buying a "family radio set": these walkie-talkies can communicate up to two miles
- kids should know how their bindings work
- kids should be able to recognize mountain patrol staff and volunteers
- if you're renting gear, try to do the actual rental the night before you want to hit the slopes. This can win you an extra hour of skiing time! Rental shops are busy in the morning, and the process of getting a family fitted with boots, skis, boards, helmet, can eat up prime time.
- For older kids skiing or 'boarding on their own: NEVER go out of bounds. Those of us who live near ski areas hear about the tragedies that happen when teens take off.
- When entering a trail or starting downhill, yield to other skiers.
- Never stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
- All skiers shall use devices to prevent runaway skis.
- When skiing downhill or overtaking another skier, the skier below you has the right of way.
- keep off closed trails and observe all posted signs
