Family skiing is a great getaway: there's nothing like the exhilaration of a snowy mountaintop. Trips with young kids give them the gift of learning early; with older kids, family skiing is a great chance for together-time.
Below are tips for getting the most from your trip.
Where to Go?
See Family Ski Resorts - A to Z, or By Region. Colorado's ski destinations are legendary; Utah's motto is "The Greatest Snow on Earth"; Smuggler's Notch, in Vermont, takes "family skiing" to whole new levels; and more.
Money-Saving Tips
Skiing (or boarding) is just basically expensive, given the cost of gear plus lift tickets, not to mention travel to, and lodgings near, the slopes. Still, there are ways to reduce costs - see Family Ski Trips - Budget Tips.
Get The Most Out of Your Day
I've often been amazed how much time we can waste getting onto the slopes. Below are a few tips:
- look for the magic of "ski in/ski out": it's a lovely convenience, when kids can put their gear on right outside your lodgings, and zip to the lifts -- and also a major time-saver.
- look for "Fresh Tracks" programs, that provide access to the mountain early in the morning. (These do cost extra, though!)
- if you're renting gear, try to do the actual rental the night before you want to hit the slopes. 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.
- get gear and clothing fully organized the night before: suiting up with kids can take an incredible amount of time
- if you really want convenience, stay at a resort with a "ski concierge" (such as the Four Seasons Resort Whistler)
- be sure to book kids programs in advance, at popular spots
Practical Tips on the Slopes with Kids
- get those helmets on!
- don't push the pace too much
- 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.
- dress in layers: temperatures on the mountain heat up and chill down fast
- if all family members don't have cell phones, consider buying a "family radio set" to communicate and meet up on the slopes
- agree in advance on a place to meet if you get separated
- kids should know how their bindings work
- kids should be able to recognize mountain patrol staff and volunteers
- For older kids skiing or 'boarding on their own: NEVER go out of bounds. Those of us who live near ski areas often hear about 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
