Planning the Perfect Family Ski Vacation
Skiing is often thought of by non-skiers as a sport exclusively
for the extremely fit or athletic person. While it's true that
many who ski are fit (after all, it is great exercise), what you
may not know is that a family ski vacation has much to offer
every member of the family, from young to old and in many cases,
for skiers and non-skiers alike!
There are many resorts that offer numerous packages designed to
be cost-effective, and to cater to families. Now, how to go
about finding these resorts?
Most ski resorts have their own websites. Begin the planning
process by searching for ski resort websites on your favorite
search engine. Entering "Family Ski Destinations" is a good
place to start.
There are many considerations when choosing a family oriented
resort:
Does the facility have ski lessons?
What types of slopes are available for beginners?
Are snowboarders allowed?
Are babysitting services available?
Can you rent equipment?
What additional attractions are there for those who don't want
to ski?
If someone in your family is going to need ski lessons, then the
most important thing is to look for a resort that offers a ski
school. Some resorts actually don't have ski schools, although
most of them do.
Second, observe whether the resort has something to offer
everyone in your family. Inquire about the trails, lifts and
slopes. An advanced skier would soon become bored if the resort
caters to only beginners. Then again, a snowboarder in your
group would be sad if the resort lacked a snowboarding park or
terrain. If you have small children, be sure to call ahead and
ask whether or not the resort has child care facilities.
Now take a look at the lodging. Sleeping comfortably at
night matters. Though many times you will find hotels right at
the base of the slopes, those may not be the most affordable
options. If you're on a budget, research the lodging options of
the region you are looking at and choose a hotel that more aptly
fits your budget. Many times there will be a hotel just a few
miles away, with shuttle service available, that is far less
expensive.
Additionally, activities like sleigh rides, snowmobiling, dog
sledding, horseback riding and snowshoeing are also things you
would want to consider when thinking of a location that will
appeal to the entire family. Some resorts don't offer such
activities, so be sure to ask about the winter activity schedule
as well as planned events during your stay at the resort.
If you do a little advance research, you can be assured of
making your trip a memorable and fun experience for every member
of your family.