Huskies at Northerly Island

It’s December and it is snowing in Chicago.  For many, this news might signal that it is time for hibernation and/or plentiful hot toddies, but for the adventurous, it means the start of Polar Adventure Days at Northerly Island.  Northerly Island is a 91-acre peninsula that used to house Miegs Field, Chicago’s third airport, but now it’s a nature preserve that hosts lots of bucolic activities. Read More »

‘Tis the season!

No, I’m not talking about turkey – or even tinsel or mistletoe. It’s the season for embracing the cold and strapping on your skis (or snowboard, if you prefer) to hit the slopes. Grab the kids and head to one of these winter wonderlands.

Keystone, Colorado

Known as a slightly less glamorous (but just as powdery) version of Aspen, Keystone might provide a better bargain for family travelers.

Where to Ski: Keystone Ski Resort

Located within the White River National Forest, this ski haven has 3 peaks, 135 trails, and 20 lifts to transport snow bunnies of every age and ability.

Where to Stay: Inn at Keystone

This hotel provides a great value for families and easy access to the slopes for skiiers.

Stowe, Vermont

Get the views and the weather synonymous with New England winters in this idyllic Vermont town.

Where to Ski: Stowe Mountain Resort

There’s nearly 40 miles of snow-covered trails to be conquered between Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield, including the 3.7 mile long Toll Road.

Where to Stay: Stowe Mountain Lodge

When you’re not becoming master of the elements, relax at the spa or warm up in a Jacuzzi tub. This is the perfect place for those who like a little luxury with their adrenaline.

Park City, Utah

Where to Ski: Deer Valley Resort

This resort limits the number of lift tickets sold daily and provides ski classes for kids and adults, making it ideal for families still building their confidence on the slopes.

Where to Stay: Arrowleaf at Empire Pass

Reserve two or three bedroom suites with ski-in/ski-out access to the mountains. You won’t find a full-service spa on site, but you can have a raging fire in your own condo.

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Hunter Ski Area

Winter isn’t over yet, and families who love to ski can still get some great skiing in over the next few weeks.  The ski areas and resorts of the Northern Catskill Mountains, just two hours away from New York City, are offering some great activities and packages.  There are two very distinctive ski areas – so choose the one that’s most appropriate for your family.

The Windham Mountain Ski Center, recently named New York’s most accessible resort by Ski Magazine, is offering a variety of family packages.  North of Windham Mountain is Hunter Mountain, which claims to be both family- and black diamond- friendly.

If you are planning to travel to the area, consider signing up for the free Greene Card.  The Greene Card offers lift ticket discounts and special deals throughout 2011.  There are even “buy one, get one” deals on lift tickets (midweek).

There are a variety of family-friendly resorts in the Catskill Mountains.  While many are open only during the summer months, there are many that are open in the winter months as well.  Two options are the Venetian Motel, with six rooms, and the all-inclusive family resort the Glen Falls House, with fifty rooms.

Photo credit: GreeneTourism.com

The Kids' Klub Beginner Area at Gore Mountain

On our second full day in Lake George, New York, my family moved to our second hotel – the Fort William Henry Hotel and Conference Center.  The hotel was just a short distance down the road, and moving was easy.

Once we got settled, we changed into our snow gear.  Our whole family had ski lessons scheduled for the afternoon, at nearby Gore Mountain in North Creek.  The ride to Gore Mountain from Lake George was an easy 35 minutes, and we arrived in plenty of time for our lessons.

My kids had never skied before, so they started out in the beginner area at the Kids’ Klub.  I was so impressed with how the busy Kids’ Klub is run – both of my kids were assigned an instructor, and she was young and energetic.  When my little guy was scared to try to ski on his own, she gave him a “magic glove” which helped him ski.  He truly believed that glove was magic!

I had only skied for about an hour in my life, so I had private lessons scheduled.  My instructor was fabulous – she worked with me on getting comfortable with wearing the skis, before proceeding to teaching me about turns and stopping.  Once I was comfortable, I went up the Poma lift, and then actually skied down the easy slope a few times.  I couldn’t believe how comfortable she got me.  I was also impressed with the number of instructors and other ski staff working at the mountain.  When someone fell, there were multiple staff members standing over, just ready to help.

After my lessons were over, I watched my kids, and was so thrilled to see the two of them skiing down the mountain too.  When I picked them up in the Kids’ Klub, neither wanted to leave and my daughter wanted to take the skis home with her.

We were completed exhausted at that point, and we headed back to the Fort Williams Hotel sad that the next day was our last.  If we had an extra day, I definitely would have done another day of skiing!

Photo credit: Jodi Grundig

Disclosure: We received complimentary skiing/rentals/lessons from Gore Mountain and complimentary lodging at the Fort William Henry.