Looking forward to getting out here this winter? You’re not alone. And Vail and Beaver Creek have you in mind as well, particularly if you’re bringing the whole family along, or coming out with the buddies in December to catch some early powder. The resorts have made some major improvements and changes to ensure an enhanced experience for as many visitors as possible, especially the little ones.

In addition to the family programming it is already known for, Beaver Creek has added nightly storytelling and s’mores at brand new fire pits and even disco ice skating party, designed to put some glide in your boogie. Keep an eye on our calendar for specifics. Last year they also debuted a teen video arcade, called the Game Garage, due in part to the success of the existing one at Keystone. For the ’06-’07 season only children between the ages of 10 and 17 were allowed in, though the rules this year may bend to allow parents, babysitters, and younger children into the mix. Should parents not be allowed this year, the Dusty Boot is right next door- an ideal place to kick back while your teens and tweens do their thing. The cookies are also on schedule this year, as usual, with a cookie contest on opening day to determine which hot fresh cookies will be handed out throughout the season and a Kids’ Cookiefest, co-sponsored by Cookie Magazine, happening between 3/13 and 3/15.

If you’re flying in with your kids, here are some airline deals you should know about:

• American Airlines: Arrive Sunday – Wednesday, depart Tuesday – Friday, between the dates of January 16 and February 15 into Eagle Airport (EGE.) Kids fly free with a two night minimum stay at Beaver Creek.
• United Airlines: Arrive Sunday – Thursday, depart Tuesday – Friday between the dates of January 4 and February 14 through Eagle Airport (EGE.) Kids fly free with a two night minimum stay at Beaver Creek.
• Call (800) 587-4560 for details. Only flights into Eagle are eligible.
• Scroll down for the “Ski Free” deal..

Beaver Creek has also replaced the old Haymeadow triple chair with the Buckaroo Express gondola, to help enrich the experience of young beginners and their parents. Kids are sure to stay warmer and get more out of their lessons on the Flat-tops.

Beaver Creek’s new initiative to groom half the mountain every night will ensure corduroy groomers on most terrain you might expect as well as black and double-black rated trails, that you might not expect. As a transitional skier / rider into more advanced terrain, you will likely benefit in your overall experience of learning and confidence

Vail has also moved to improve its skier experience in all levels by improving three key lifts: The Little Eagle lift is now an expedited triple chair.

“The Little Eagle Lift (Chair 15), in the dedicated beginner area at Eagle’s Nest at the top of the gondola in LionsHead, will be replaced with a faster triple chairlift. In the village, the bustling Golden Peak Children’s Center and Small World Nursery has being completely remodeled to increase space for the ever-popular 3-6 year-old program. With its comprehensive children’s learning area and the popularity in children’s private lessons, the upgraded space will also allow for easier and faster registration for parents.”

The Highline lift (Chair 10) has been improved to a high speed quad, as has Chair 14, the Sourdough lift, serving China Bowl and Blue Sky Basin. These improvements expect to improve Vail’s ride capacity by more than 50,000 and cut ride times in half.

Vail is undergoing a huge renovation, many steps of which will not be completed until January of ’08. Vail’s Ski and Snowboard school has been renamed Vail Snowsports School, the children and teens division to be located in the upcoming Vail Square in Lionshead, which is sure to enchant with a new skating rink (with a movie screen!) and the surrounding Arrabelle, built by the standards of 19h century German Beidermeier architecture and its Glockenspeil that will celebrate new fallen snow.

One side effect of Vail’s renovation bringing mixed feelings to the community was the tear-down of the crossroads and the institutionalized Club 8150, that brought famous live acts to an intimate setting known for its locals-friendly environment and shaking floor. What to do for live music? Come to Vail’s Snowdaze and watch Social Distortion, Ziggy Marley, The Roots, and Ludacris from December 7-9. Vail also holds a Streetbeat concert series , with acts to be announced at this time. Otherwise check out our calendar by clicking the Calendar tab near the top of this blog to find lately-posted events. When all else fails, theres always the bars, or you may even need to venture into *gasp!* Aspen.

Trying to get here for Snowdaze? Check out lodging deals at Beaver Creek West: 25% off four or more nights and ski one day for free. Also from Vail: Take advantage of lodging packages during Snow Daze and buy three nights of lodging and three days of skiing and get the fourth lodging night and day of skiing for free. Offer features quad occupancy in a two-bedroom condo for as low as $374 per person (a 25 percent savings) and is valid Nov. 24- Dec. 12, 2007. Additional restrictions may apply. Visit vail.com to book.

Before you book your flight to Vail or Beaver Creek, you should know about the following airline deal: take any direct flight into Eagle early, and hold onto your boarding pass. Should you arrive in time to ski, you can, for free! Just show your boarding pass and proof of 2 nights lodging at the ticket booth and receive a complimentary ski pass good only on that same day. Maybe that 4am budget flight out of your local airport could actually be the best choice! Just make sure you save your connecting boarding pass into Eagle. Only flights into Eagle Airport will be eligible for this deal.

We’re looking forward to seeing you out here! So book now for the best deals and with the most flexibility and get the vacation you deserve.