Planning a Family Ski Vacation
It's time to plan the family vacation - and everyone wants to go skiing. Don't worry, skiing isn't as expensive as you might think, and there are numerous resorts that cater to families, offering a variety of packages designed to save you money. The problem will be choosing the destination.
Most ski resorts have websites. Start the planning process by accessing these websites to determine where you and your family might want to go for your family ski vacation. There are many different things to look for when choosing a resort. The absolute most important thing to look for is a ski school if someone in your family will need instruction. While most resorts do have ski schools, some don't. Don't make the mistake of choosing a destination where one or more of your family members won't have fun, simply because they don't know how to ski.
Next, take a look at the slopes, lifts, and trails. You want to make sure that the resort has something to offer everyone in your family. If the resort only caters to beginners, an expert skier will become quickly bored. If you have a snowboarder in your group, and there is no snowboarding park or terrain, that snowboarder will not be happy. There are resorts that serve all winter sports - so make sure that your families interests are covered.
Lodging is the next thing to look at. You want to be comfortable, so where you will sleep at night matters a great deal. In most cases, there is a hotel right at the base of the slopes - but this isn't necessarily the best or most affordable place to stay. Find out what your lodging options are for the area, and choose the one that is right for your family and your budget.If you will be staying farther away from the slopes, make sure that there is transportation to and from the slopes each day!
Your family will have many more interests that you will need to search for before deciding on a particular destination and resort. Some of those interests may be dog sledding, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or horseback riding. Resorts do offer these activities, but some don't - so be sure to ask about the winter activities, as well as the planned events during the time that you will be at the resort. This will help you plan a ski vacation that your family will enjoy and remember for the rest of their lives.
Ski Vacations ... What To Pack
Start by knowing what is available at your destination. Is there a rental shop? How much are the rental fees for skis, boots, and poles. If it is reasonable, and you don't mind skiing with rented equipment, this is a viable option - and it makes packing and traveling much easier.
If you don't care for rented equipment, there is another option. Find out if there are any ski shops in the area. There usually are. Get prices on skis, poles, and boots, and then ask if they buy used equipment. If they don't, ask if there is anyone near by that does purchase used equipment. Call that place to get an estimate on how much you could get for barely used ski equipment. Figure the difference in the money you will spend on the ski equipment, and the money you will get for the used equipment when you are finished with it. If it isn't much more than what it would cost you to rent the equipment, go for it!
Ski suits, ski jackets, and sweaters can be very bulky, and hard to pack. These items will take up a lot of room in your suitcase, and leave less room for other clothing and essentials. If you are trying to pack for a two week ski vacation, it will be impossible to fit everything you need into one suitcase.
There is a way to solve this. Call the lodge or resort where you will be staying. Tell them that you need to ship a package, for yourself, to them, and that you need that package to be there when you arrive. Ask them if they will hold it for you at the desk. In most cases, they will. Next, get a box, put all of your ski suits, your ski jacket, and any other bulky items in the box, and ship it to yourself, in care of the lodge or resort. Shipping can be overnight, two day, or three day depending on how far it must travel. Depending on how much the box weighs, you will usually pay less than fifty dollars to ship a package in the continental United States%u2026.which is a lot less than you would pay an airline for extra baggage!
Ski Vacations on a Budget
To save money, look for lesser known resorts. This doesn't mean that these resorts won't provide you with a fun vacation - it simply means that they aren't quite as well known as other resorts, and therefore, the prices may be a great cheaper. Also look for ski vacation packages that will include your lodging, lift tickets, lessons, rentals, and possibly even some meals.
Be willing to make some sacrifices if money is a real issue. For instance, instead of eating in an expensive restaurant each night, eat cheaper fast food, or make sandwiches in your room. Borrow equipment from friends instead of renting it. Join a group for lessons instead of taking private lessons. Don't stay at a lodge, stay at a motel farther away from the slopes if necessary. There are numerous ways that you can cut down on the expense of your ski trip. It is all about the powder after all!
Ski Vacations with Ski Clubs
No matter where you live, there is a ski club near you. This is true even if you live in a place that does not ever get snowfall! These clubs regularly get together for trips to various mountains, ski areas, and ski resorts. Some are local clubs, meaning that the slopes that they ski on are within driving distance, while others are more national or global, which means that they not only ski locally, if possible, but they also plan ski trips.
Again, members of ski clubs often receive deep discounts on ski vacation packages. Arrangements are usually made through the club, so that everyone is eligible for the discounts. The money that is required from each member for the trip is usually paid to the club, and the club passes the funds onto pay for lodging, airfare, meals, lift tickets, and other perks that are included in the trip. Because arrangements are being made for a group of people- which is usually fairly large - discounts are given. This benefits all members of the club.
The discounts aren't the only thing to be excited about. These clubs get together regularly - even if they aren't getting together to ski. They join together for other activities as well, such as cookouts and fundraisers. Many ski clubs do annual fundraisers to help less fortunate families and children at Christmas time. Others do annual fundraisers to help preserve the environment - which is usually a topic of great importance to skiers who love being out in the wide open spaces and fresh air.
While skiing is what brings these groups together in the first place, it is not necessarily what keeps them together. Their love of a common sport, and their common interests and feeling of community is what keeps them together - and it keeps them skiing together for years and years. If you are a skier, you should definitely consider joining a club. It doesn't matter - in most cases - what level you are at. Beginners are usually welcomed, and this is a great way for beginners to quickly improve their skills and techniques out on the slopes.
Ski Vacation Headlines
Fetching RSS feed... please stand bySki Vacations ... Learning How To Ski
Most resorts have a ski school on the premises, and lessons are reasonably priced. Group and private lessons are usually available. It is a good idea, however, to schedule an appointment before you arrive at the resort. This will ensure that you can start learning to ski the very first hour of your vacation.
Most ski instructors start by showing you how to maneuver around with your equipment. When you are wearing ski boots, you will be inclined slightly forward - there is a reason for this%u2026when you are skiing down a mountain, you will be inclined forward! Walking in ski boots the first time is a bit difficult - but it works just fine if you learn to walk with your knees slightly bent.
The first maneuver you will learn is called the snow plow. This is a technique that is done by literally using your skis as a snow plow. You make the back of the skis slowing move outwards, away from your body by applying pressure - and this stops you. You guide yourself on skies by bending your knees and leaning in one direction or another, depending on which way you want to go. All of these techniques can be learned in one hour, even if you have never been on a pair of skis in your life.
The beauty of skiing is that after you have learned how to snow plow, and how to guide yourself on the skis, you are ready to ski! Get on the lift, head up the mountain, and give it a try. Control your speed by snow plowing - go slow at first. When you want to pick up some speed, draw your skis back in to pick up a little speed, then push them back out into the plow position to control that speed.
As a beginner, you should stick to the trails that are designed for beginners. At most resorts, these trails are marked with a green emblem. Blue trails are for intermediate skiers, and after one day of skiing the beginner trails, you may be ready for those trails. The black trails are for experts. These trails can be dangerous for people who don't have the skill level to handle them! Avoid black trails until you have had a great deal of ski instruction and experience.
Aspen Ski Vacations
While Aspen has much to offer skiers, as well as those who enjoy the night life in a ski town, you should expect lots of crowds and lift lines on the slopes. Again, this is the playpen of the rich and famous, and many people choose this ski vacation spot simply for that reason - as well as for the great runs and nightlife.
There are numerous places to stay in and around Aspen, with more than 100 restaurants to choose from as well. Ski instructions and equipment rental are abundant in the area, and snowboarders are welcome.
Mount Snow Ski Vacations
Snowboarders are welcome at Mount Snow, and there is a 'kids only' terrain park as well as a special tubing park. The Grand Summit Hotel and Crown Club sits right off the slopes, and guests enjoy a heated outdoor pool and ski in/ski out accommodations. There is something to suit everyone at Mount Snow.
Many different winter ski vacation packages are available. Many of these packages are really great deals designed to save families money. Child care is available at Mount Snow, and the youngsters will be well cared for, and learn to ski as well. The adults aren't left out of the learning process either! Both group and private lessons are available.
Mount Snow is very family oriented. At Mount Snow a unique 'back-to-base' trail system is used that keeps everyone in your family from getting lost. Kids under six ski and ride for free. When an adult buys a 3 - 5 day ticket during mid-week, their kid receives a free ticket for that same time period as well. During January, the Kids Ski & Learn Free weeks seem to be the most popular family deals.
Mount Snow features a full service health spa that you should take full advantage of. A variety of massages are offered, as well as various skin treatments. Spa packages are also available, and the spa caters to couples as well, and wedding parties are also welcome. There is also a fully equipped health club and fitness classes are offered. There is always something to do at Mount Snow - even if doing nothing but relaxing is on your agenda!
Winter activities at Mount Snow also include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, tubing, cross country skiing, and sleigh rides. There is a ski shop on the premises and rental equipment is available. There are several restaurants and bars on the mountain to choose from as well. Again, Mount Snow is family oriented. You will find that this is a very safe environment for your entire family, where you can relax and have fun - without any worry. Be sure to ask about the family deals when you call for reservations or information.
The Identity Theft Guide
Start protecting yourself today with this comprehensive guide to Identity Theft.
- The Identity Theft Guide
- .....
You will learn exactly what Identity Theft is, how it happens and most importantly how to avoid becoming a victim of this most hideous of crimes.
Identity Theft affected almost 5 million people in the last year alone with a staggering 49% of victims not knowing how their information was obtained.
The emotional impact of identity theft has been found to parallel that of victims of violent crime! Many people victimized by this most personal of crimes do not regain 100% control of their lives for months if not years....some NEVER do.
Tahoe Ski Vacations
Located near Tahoe and Truckee, Tahoe Donner provides a family atmosphere, and is very affordable. It features a 601 foot vertical drop, and the highest elevation is 7353 feet. There are approximately 120 acres for skiers to enjoy, with over 13 trails for beginners, intermediate skiers, and expert skiers. The resort features four lifts, with two of the list being surface lifts, and two being chair lifts.
Snowboarders are also welcome at Tahoe Donner. The resort has reasonable lift ticket rates, and there are rentals available. Here, you will also find a variety of ski programs and a ski school. After a full day of skiing, be sure to visit the Lodge Restaurant for a wonderful and relaxing dining experience.
Alaska Ski Vacations
Although this is some of the best skiing in the world, you won't find the slopes overly crowded, and there are no long lift lines. There are nine lifts, including six chair lifts and two surface lifts, and one cable car line. There are 68 trails for beginners, intermediates, and experts, with the majority of the trails designed for intermediate skiers.
Night time skiing is allowed, which makes your ski experience more adventurous and thrilling. You will see snow capped mountains, hanging glaciers, and of course, the famous Northern Lights. This resort is ranked number nine of the top twenty-five killer ski trips by Skiing Magazine.
The season begins at the Alyeska Resort in mid November, and runs through mid April. This area of Alaska boasts the longest daytime areas in the United States, with approximately sixteen hours of daylight each day during April. During December, however, there are only about seven hours of daylight - which makes night time skiing necessary if you are going to get in the time that you want to spend on the slopes.
The Alyeska Prince Hotel is the place to stay! Here you will enjoy elegant rooms and fine dining. Nightly entertainment is available as well. There are other nightlife spots in the area as well, that are not associated with the Hotel.
If tubing interests you, then visiting the Glacier Tubing Park is an absolute must! Featuring two lanes of terrain and a surface lift, everyone in the family will enjoy spending time at the tubing park. The Alyeska Terrain Park is a must for snowboarding enthusiasts. Other winter activities that can be enjoyed in and around the Alyeska Resort include flight seeing, helisking, ocean cruising tours, dog sledding, ice climbing, back country skiing, mountaineering, and polar bear viewing.
At the Alyeska Resort, the ultimate winter vacation can be experienced. Brave the elements, then return to the Hotel for some pampering. Get a taste of what Alaska is really like, and what skiing is meant to be! There are activities for the entire family to enjoy, and there are many area sights and attractions to be enjoyed as well. This really is an awesome winter family ski vacation!
Italy Ski Vacations
At Limone, you will experience a real taste of old Italy. The nightlife has a lot to offer, and the gourmet food is out of this world! Food and skiing are everything here - with more than fifty restaurants, and 46 ski runs. The top elevation is 6689 with a vertical drop of 3033 feet. Most of the runs are best suited to intermediate skiers, with a few that are suitable for beginners and experts. There are twenty seven lifts, including seven chair lifts and twenty surface lifts.
Remember that the village is very old - and the locales like it that way. If you prefer high technology and modern buildings, Limone probably isn't for you. But if you want to truly experience Italy, Limone must be on your list of places to visit in Italy.
Ski vacation related links
Insane Skiing
Its time to plan the family vacation and ever more...1 point
Snowboarding History
Sherman Poppen is credited with providing the insp more...1 point
Skiing Holidays
Located in Switzerland's Engadine Valley, about th more...1 point
Ski Vacation Reservations - Ski Trip Package Vacations
Ski Vacation Packages to over 75 ski resorts world more...0 points
Ski Vacation Planners - Customized Ski & Snowboard Vacations
Ski Vacation Planners is a full service ski tour c more...0 points
Ski Utah: The Official Source for Information on the Greatest Snow ...
ski utah, ski resorts, skiing, snowboarding, hot d more...0 points
DiscoverColorado.com | Colorado's Guide to Ski Vacation Deals ...
Find out about ski vacations, lodging, resort pack more...0 points
Ski Vacation - Ski Colorado, Ski Resort, Canada Ski Vacation, Ski ...
Ski resorts, snow shoeing, skiing packages, snow m more...0 points
SkiVermont.com: Ski Vacations, Ski Resorts, Snowboarding, Skiing ...
Find the best of skiing in Vermont! A complete inf more...0 points
Ski Vacations Custom Winter Ski Packages and Summer Mountain Lodging
Ski Vacation Rentals and Custom Skiing Packages al more...0 points
SkiCentral - Ski Vacation Packages
Find ski package details and pricing for 43 tour o more...0 points
Ski Vacations, Trips, Packages, Quotes and Brochures - SnowPak Online
Snow ski vacation packages and trip quotes by majo more...0 points
Whistler Blackcomb - Official Ski Resort Website - Whistler, BC ...
whistlerblackcomb.com - Official Site for Whistler more...0 points
IcanteachU
The goal at IcanteachU is to provide our visitors more...0 points
Ski Vacations in Park City, Utah: Deer Valley Lodging Packages
When planning a vacation we know how difficult it more...0 points
Oregon Ski Vacations
The lodge is entirely hand made, and well preserved. The hand woven draperies and the hand hewn beams add to the rustic charm and history of the place. The lodge sits in the middle of 1400 acres consisting of 35 trails. The trails are perfect for beginners, intermediates, and experts. The top elevation at Timberline Lodge is 8504 with a vertical drop of 2501. There are six chair lifts to accommodate skiers.
One of the most unique things about Timberline is that it is the one place in the United States that offers year-round snow skiing. Palmer Snowfield is part of the Timberline Resort, and it is permanently covered with snow. Beginners are not always allowed on Palmer snowfield - the conditions are considered each day when making this determination.
Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, snowshoeing, and lodge tours are the main attractions at Timberline. Here, it is all about the powder! Mt. Hood is an active volcano which is considered to be dormant. Occasionally, tremors are felt, and steam vents are often visible. The Cascade Dining Room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, but the hours do change with the seasons. Other fare can be found at the Ram's Head Bar, the Blue Ox bar, the Wy'East Kitchen Cafeteria, the Market Café, and the Mt. Hood Brewing Company.
Rental equipment is not available at Timberline. You must bring your own equipment. However, smaller items such as gloves and goggles can be purchased at the lodge, along with some clothing items. There is a snowboard and ski school on the premises, and private and group lessons are available.
If the idea of a 'rustic' ski vacation appeals to you, as opposed to trips with accommodations that are a bit fancier, then Timberline Lodge in Oregon is the place to be! Again, it is definitely all about the history and the powder here. However, whether you ski or not, you must not miss the Magic Mile, which offers a panoramic view of the Cascade mountains that cannot be matched!
Tennessee Ski Vacations
With an elevation of 3301 feet, and a vertical drop of 600 feet, Ober Gatlinburg features eight trails: two beginner trails, four intermediate trails, and two advanced trails. There are three lifts, including two quad lifts, one double lift, and one surface lift. The season runs from the middle of December through early March, and night skiing is allowed on all trails except the Grizzly trail.
Rentals are available for both ski equipment and snowboarding equipment. Private and group lessons for skiing and snowboarding are also available through the Smokey Mountain Snow Sport School. You can also easily find food at the many snack bars, food carts, the café, the restaurant, or in the lounge.
You must not miss the longest chair lift ride in the south! You will see awesome views of the Great Smoky Mountains. You will also get a bird's eye view of some of the slopes, and you can have your picture taken on top of the mountain. If you don't ski, don't worry! You can ride back down the mountain on the chair lift as well. Don't forget the Tramway. The tramway departs from downtown Gatlinburg and takes you to the ski resort and the amusement park.
Even if you don't ski, you can still explore the thrill of flying down a mountain at a high speed - or a slow speed if you choose. This is possible with the Alpine Slide. The slide is approximately 1800 feet long, and takes you down a winding wooded slope. You have total control over your speed with the use of a braking device on each sled. Other attractions at the amusement park include the Black Bear Habitat, a bungee jump, a water race, go karts, indoor ice skating, kiddie land, an arcade, miniature golf, a Spider Web Velcro Wall Jump, water rides, and a shooting range.
No matter what type of fun or adventure you are seeking, there is something to satisfy everyone in the family at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park. This is definitely a trip worth taking- especially if you have younger kids or senior citizens traveling with you.
Big Sky Ski Vacations
Big Sky Ski Resort features twenty three lifts, 220 trails, and a 4350 foot vertical drop. The top elevation is 11154 feet. Along with the ski lifts, there are also two cable car lines available. While there are beginner slopes, most of the slopes are geared toward intermediate and expert skiers.
There are many places to lodge in Big Sky Resorts Mountain Village, which rests at the foot of the impressive Lone Peak mountain. Enjoy Sleigh Ride dinners, ice skating, parties, snowmobile tours, and a variety of community events. At Big Sky, there are no strangers. Big Sky, Montana is one of the highest rated Ski Resorts in the United States, and there is something here for everyone.
Entrepreneurs Wanted!
If you are an Entrepreneur or ever wanted to be one you need to look at this....
- Entrepreneurs Wanted!
- Entrepreneur's want more out of life than the average individual. They are hard working and optimistic. They seek to go first class in life whatever their interests and to reach the financial high-ground in the shortest time. All they need are the right components - a credible business with products in demand and strong rewards for their effort. Entrepreneurs choose Breeze!
- B2B Networking Portal
- Create your own blogs or events, classified ads & directory links. Upload audio and video files and more...
Colaborate with other business minded people using built-in communication services such as clubs, chat, IM, forums & polls.
Build your own network of contacts who share your business & personal interests...
Create you own state of the art storefront within our portal and sell your products and services.
Lost Valley Ski Vacations
The Lost Valley Resort is best suited to beginners and intermediate skiers, but there are more thrilling trails available for expert skiers as well. There are three lifts to accommodate skiers, including two chair lifts and one surface lift.
Equipment can be rented for all sports that are catered to at Lost Valley Resort, including ski equipment, snowboarding equipment, mountain bikes, and paintball equipment. Ski and snowboarding lessons are also available for private parties and groups.
At the lodge, you will experience a warm family environment with outstanding food and beverages. This is an absolutely wonderful place to bring a family. There are training programs, adaptive ski programs, racing events, a snowboard terrain park, mountain biking, and a huge twenty acre paintball park. Lost Valley Resort is also a great place to hold meetings, family reunions, weddings, and other special events. Catering is available.
Ski vacation stuff
Fun Valley Ski Vacations
The top elevation at Fun Valley is 1201 feet, with a vertical drop of 200 feet. There are six lifts, including three chair lifts and three surface lifts. The new learning center is something to see - and experience if you are a beginner. Tubers and snowboarders are welcome, and there is an excellent terrain park available. Rental equipment, including tubes and boards, is available.
Fun Valley offers outstanding group rates for groups of ten or more. Birthday packages are also outstanding for kids twelve and under. Every Wednesday and Thursday night, the resort offers a student night, with greatly reduced rates. Buddy Pass Friday's are also popular - bring your friends and you will all save on lift tickets. Coca-Cola sponsors Sprite Saturday's at Fun Valley, where you can participate in three activities for one flat affordable fee. Sundays are Family Four Pack Day.
Red River Ski Vacations
Top elevation at Red River is 10354 feet, and the vertical drop down the face of the mountain is 1601 feet. Unfortunately, it doesn't snow much, and about 85% of the powder is man made. There are 58 trails scattered over 247 acres. Red River is called the 'ski town of the Southwest.'
The resort has three restaurants, all of which offer fabulous fare. Lodging can be obtained in cabins, chalets, inns, or private condominiums in the area, and many lodging packages, as well as ski packages are available through Red River Central Reservations. Red River also offers snow pass rates which allow children to ski for free, and teens to ski at reduced rates. This is a great way to save money on your family ski vacation.
Red River also has a ski school, and group lessons and private lessons are available. Even if you've never skied before, you will quickly be on the slopes after your lessons. There are even lessons for snowboarders, who are welcome on the Red River slopes. You can also rent all of your ski and snowboarding equipment for very reasonable rates.
The nightlife in Red River is also great. After a day on the slopes, you can kick back and relax at the lodge, or visit one of the taverns in the area. For the younger crowd, there is a great game room located right in the center of the town. One of the great things about Red River is that everything is within walking distance of the lodging areas, and shuttles are provided for transportation to and from the slopes.
You can also enjoy taking scenic chairlift rides, hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, snow-mobiling, and hunting. You can even take one of the jeep tours to go see the abandoned gold mines in the area. So, even if you don't ski, there is still plenty of fun to be had at Red River Ski Resort.
Childcare is available while you spend your day on the slopes. Your child will be well tended at the Li'l Buckaroos Child Care Facility, and the center provides lunch for your child as well. At Red River, everything has been thought of and taken care of to ensure that your ski vacation is as enjoyable as possible.
Skiing related headlines
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byThe Great Aspen Resort Ski Vacations
Aspen provides all the restaurants and bars you could ever want or need You can take a stroll through this luxurious city and find many boutiques and much more. There is a lot of history in many of the buildings that are in the downtown area. One of these buildings is the Ute bank; this building can bedated back to the silver area around the 1800's.
With everything that there is to do in Aspen you shouldn't find yourself getting bored. Aspen is located in Colorado, and with the various mountain ranges, you are sure to find slopes that are suitable for your level. Snowmass is one of the most popular resorts in the world, so be sure to make reservations well in advance.
Your thoughts regarding this lens are most appreciated
DeerValleyLodging wrote...
Great Lens! No mention of Utah though... We've got tons of ski resorts and we are known to have "The Greatest Snow On Earth!"
Vonpeter wrote...
Congratulations on a great lens. Visit my lens, Does Timeshare Work? If you want to visit ski resorts all year round and pay less than the annual timeshare maintenance fee, you just have to read this.
Skiing Stuff on CafePress
Travel related articles updated regularly
Fetching RSS feed... please stand bySkiing Pictures
Have a chuckle
No items were found
Okanagan Mountain Range Ski Vacations
These scattered resorts are very quiet and peaceful. Lifts are available, but they are limited to specific times and dates. These resorts have great skiing around them, even though they are small. This area of mountains offers the most consistent weather conditions, and the resort offers lodging for everyone that cares to stay - at a reasonable price.
The mountain ranges offer different trails and skill levels, but most of all they provide you with the skiing vacation of your dreams. During the winter, temperatures in the Okanogan range often drop to zero degrees. The items you bring will need to keep you warm at all times and safe no matter which trail you may choose to ski.
Durango Mountain Resort Ski Vacations
Located in Colorado, the top elevation is 10822 feet with a 2030 vertical drop. There are eleven lifts, including nine chair lifts and two surface lifts. You can find lodging at the resort, or in the town of Durango, which is nearby. If you stay at the resort, make sure that you actually visit the town while you are there. While the town is small, there is much to see and do.
Rentals are available for both ski and snowboarding equipment, and private and group lessons are also available at the Durango Mountain Resort. There are plenty of activities and events both at the resort and in Durango to keep everyone in your family happy. When it comes to family ski vacations, this is one you don't want to miss!

















