2. NORTHSTAR, CALIF
Considered the best ski resort in the Tahoe area for families with young children, Northstar is also one of the area’s best values. Lodging runs as low as $196, plus comes with gift baskets geared toward children (with items such as coloring books). There are children’s movies to rent, complimentary cribs, kids’ trail maps, and a kids’ corner in the reception area.
Ever have to pay for two adult lift tickets and then take turns staying with the kids? Northstar has solved that predicament with, appropriately enough, the Parent Predicament ticket. For the same price as a regular adult ticket, parents may purchase one Predicament ticket and take turns skiing and taking care of the kids. Both of you want to ski at the same time? No problem. Northstar offers a state-licensed daycare center for kids ages 2 – 6.
Here is the item that would make me want to go to Northstar – there is a Mommy, Daddy, & Me lesson that is FREE. The program allows a family to ski together for 45 minutes while an instructor comes along to offer help on teaching kids how to ski.
Another family activity is the terrain parks geared toward children and first-timers. Rails are just inches from the snow, and beginner jumps let you feel a little air for perhaps the first time.
Not enough excitement for you? Then try one of Northstar’s snowtoys, which include snowbikes, snowscoots, and snowfoxes. I don’t know about you, but I would go just to check these toys out! Of course, there are the more mainstream toys, such as tubing, snowshoeing, and skate skis. The Tubing Center even has its own rope tow!
1. SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH, near Burlington, Vermont
This family ski resort wins the number one spot, and it wasn’t a hard choice to make. In a readers’ poll (Ski magazine), Smugglers’ Notch was rated #1 in the 2006-2007 winter season. Ski Magazine also rated it #1 in Family Programs, Lodging, and Service.
They literally guarantee you and your kids will have fun taking lessons – or your money back. Children as young as 2 ½ can take ski lessons, and children as young as 4 can learn to snowboard. There is even a Mom ‘n’ Me or Dad ‘n’ Me private ski lesson option. Of course, there are lessons for teens and adults as well.
They have slope-side daycare for children as young as 6 weeks and even programs and activities for your teenager. Teen Alley and Outer Limits Teen Center will make your teenager smile from ear to ear. Events are planned for the teenagers throughout the week. Screened babysitters are available if mom and dad want a quiet dinner at one of the area’s fine restaurants.
Kids will go wild over Smugglers’ Notch. There is an indoor Fun Zone full of inflatables, miniature golf, basketball, an obstacle course, a 20’ slide, a bouncy house, and more. Arcade games are nearby.
For adults, Smugglers’ Notch offers yoga, massages, an art workshop, evening entertainment, and a number of interesting local day trips. An inviting indoor heated pool and hot tub beckons you after a hard day on the slopes.
In the outdoors, the options are extensive. Besides the normal skiing and snowboarding, there is cross country skiing, snowshoe tours, snowmobile tours, dog sledding, tube sliding, ice skating, and something called airboarding (check this one out!).
Condos or vacation homes are the lodging available. Check out the Club Smugglers’ Advantage packages, which include a condo, daily lift tickets, ski lessons for ages 3-17, daily adult lessons, and unlimited use of the Fun Zone, two Teen Centers, pool, and hot tub.
They have many events, so check in advance for the perfect time to go. Also, they have package deals and discounts, so the trip won’t break the bank. Call 1-800-419-4615 for help in customizing a package deal for your family. There is far too much to list here, so I suggest you check out their website at http://www.smuggs.com/.