It can be easy to plan a long-distance family vacation to a destination like Vail or Beaver Creek without all the right advice and information, especially for first time ski parents. It makes going to Florida – with its short sleeves, sandals, mickey hats, and sunscreen, look like a breeze. Taking the same vacation to a ski destination in Colorado can be comparatively called the gale-force wind. Its cold, its elevated, its strenuous, and we try to isolate the kids in ski school (“but mom! this is is supposed to be VACATION!!”) Inexperienced adults can generally make it on their own, picking up an extra pair of glove liners, socks, or Hot Chillys to stay comfortable and make the bathroom break a little less arduous. Kids don’t have that flexibility- even the flexibility to stop and use it while in ski camp. This makes it even more important to cover all your kids’ bases even over your own before they set foot on the snow. Even better, save a few bucks by gathering the gear and the plans before you get in the car or on the plane. (more…)

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. (more…)