Got your mittens? You’ll need them when you’re bumping down hills blanketed in fresh snow in giant black inner tubes, ice skating, riding in a horse-drawn sleigh, dog sledding, horseback riding, or snow shoeing.
Afterward, there will be hot chocolate by the fire—maybe something stronger for mom and dad. These days, taking the kids to snowy climes means a lot more than snowboarding and skiing, though that’s great fun, too. For kids who live in Southern California, Texas, Arizona, or Florida, it’s the chance to get up close and personal with snow. For the rest of us, it’s a chance to enjoy that fluffy stuff without having to shovel it or commute through it.
So get out those mittens, fleece hats and warm jackets. Take your pick:
The best news: You don’t have to spend big bucks to head to the hills this winter. Forgo the expensive (and crowded) Christmas and Presidents Day peak holiday periods and you’ll have your pick of deals from kids-ski-free to an extra complimentary night’s lodging to free lessons. Look for packages that throw in après ski family parties or day care (like at Smugglers Notch in Vermont www.smuggs.com) or kids-ski-free (like Utah’s Snowbird www.snowbird.com or Colorado’s Steamboat www.steamboat.com).
Check the National Ski Areas Association website at www.nsaa.org and click on “ski areas information” for a directory of resorts and what they offer families. Be forewarned: Each resort’s program is slightly different so make sure you choose one that fits your needs. When was the last time you made snow angels?
By: Eileen Ogintz
