Can you really take your kids to a ski resort? It may take a little preparation, but the answer is, YES! Many of our states’ well-known ski resorts welcome families with children of all ages. Most of Colorado’s Ski Resorts even offer kiddie ski schools and beginner level activities to keep the kids happy and busy while the parents or older siblings take on more advanced slopes.
Here is the best way to hit the slopes with kids this winter!
1. Make your ski vacation about more than just the slopes! The truth is, kids get bored easily, and if they are beginner skiers, they are likely to tire quickly. The first few hours of attempting to slip and slide down the bunny hill can be not only physically exhausting for kids, but frustrating as well. Schedule time in your day to do something other than just the slopes.
Animal Life: Before you arrive at your ski resort consider taking a short detour off hwy 24 to Colorado State Forest State Park, the kids can watch hundreds of elk hanging out on their winter range, and the more than 600 moose that call this place home year round. Off the South Patte River Trail – hundreds of bald eagles can be spotted roosting among the cottonwood tree branches.- Kid Friendy Food: Keystone’s Dinner Sleigh ride is an eating experience that will not soon be forgotten. pile the family onto a sleigh pulled by 2,000-pound draft horses that will take you on a ride, and drop you off for your delicious cowboy-style dinner in a rustic cabin in the woods. There you’ll enjoy dancing music, BBQ, apple pie a la mode and a whole lot of photo ops.
2. Choose a resort with lots of help for the young ones. Breckenridge: Offers wide and gently rolling slopes for beginners along with a beginner ski school, while Buttermilk Mountain’s easy beginner trails with ski buddy system for newbies to the snow make sure no one is left out. Do your research and find out what each resort offers. Many of the local slopes offer day passes and kiddie programs that may fit your needs perfectly.
3. Take breaks often…and include snacks! Younger skiers need to have a moment to get their mind off of the tough task of learning to ski. Little legs find coordinating the hand, foot movement more difficult than adults. So let them rest often. Filling their bellies frequently keeps the troops happy.
Taking a ski vacation may seem too challenging for your family, but choosing the right ski resort and taking frequent snack and rest breaks will keep everyone happy even in snow!
