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Ski Fun
My boys have been hijacked and I have been wrenched from the comfort of the snuggly, fireside vacations of their infancy...by their ski-loving father. It seems the love of skiing was always there, but was latent and lurking, lulling me into a false sense that skiing was a thing of the past for me...a lark of my teen years, which I barely tolerated for the cute boys that come with mountain expeditions.
Alas, here we are many years later, creaking bones, foot cramps, and cold fingers...and I can't get my three "boys" off the mountain. They are lost to a love of this chilly sport and I have been rendered obsolete, writing this piece from the relative comfort of the lodge, a bowl of chili and my blackberry by my side as I nurse my aching toes and back from a morning of skiing fun.
The kids love it though -- the boys thrive on the accomplishments that they feel having mastered this sport, the ability to explore new trails and new adventures, and they live for the fun with their dad! So for you this week, the do's and don'ts of the ski vacation and our family's ratings of skiing hot spots!
DO...
-- Get lessons. Private ones, group ones, ANY ones. Get help. Teaching kids to ski is not easy. If you don't home school your children, don't bother 'home skiing' them either. Someone will end up in tears or a tantrum...and it will probably be you. Not to mention how much your ancient back will hurt from picking them up off the snow with their crossed skis and tangled extremities.
-- Buy rolling bags to carry skis, boots, helmets, and all of the STUFF. Half of the terror of skiing for me is the schlepping of the equipment.
-- Show your kids maps of the trails ahead of time. Ours like to get excited about the skiing trails and think about what they will do, and I like to have everyone familiar with where they are going.
-- Tuck a business card or piece of paper with your cell phone number in every kid's pocket just in case you get separated. Pick a meeting spot in case you get separated and go over how to seek help in an emergency. | |
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DON'T...
-- Take that one more run at the end of the day when everyone's tired. Accidents happen when legs are done for the day. End on a happy note!
-- Underestimate the importance of getting to the mountain early and avoiding parking hassles. Pack your bags the night before and lay out their clothes so you just have to get them out the door and into the car in the morning. Finding mitten pairs at the last minute will definitely start the day on the wrong foot.
-- Get lunch at the same time as everyone else, 11:30 and 1:30 are much more favorable lunch times with fewer crowds. Pack snacks in your pockets for a mid-moutain picnic and avoid the lines until you're ready for lunch. |
Reviews
Mohawk Mountain, Connecticut
A wonderful, more old-fashioned mountain, about 1 1/2 hour drive from Westchester. It's less crowded than other local spots and has many easy/family friendly trails. It's worth the extra drive time. There's enough to do, a great crowd of easy-going skiers, and plenty of fun for all.
Kid quote: Loved the Pine Trail and the Mohawk chair.
Dad quote: Great family fun. Wonderful snow, less ice. Snow-making was first invented at Mohawk!
Thunder Ridge, New York
Although it's small and can be crowded, the easy 30 minute drive is certainly a pleasure. A great spot for that first lesson or two, a trial to "see" if you like skiing, or a nice day trip without committing copious resources.
Kid quote: Try the Fawn Trail.
Dad quote: Short drive is a definite plus! When things get ugly at the end of a day, at least you're home in a flash.
Gore Mountain, New York
by Kristy L., from the mountain...
We love gore! We've had great conditions. The snow guns are on continuously so there is lots of fluff and little ice, and it is such a well run mountain. The staff is very helpful, they're kind and watchful of kids on the slopes/lifts and for a family like ours (no ski school for us, we hit the slopes together) that stands out. Their new lift called "Burnt Ridge" has added even more great selections -- our favorite intermediate/advanced is "Echo".
Less than 5 minutes away from the mountain, check out "The Copperfield Inn" in the cute town of North Creek. The inn was just newly renovated and reopened February 1st. So, although it may not be the Ritz Carlton, the rooms are new, very clean, with decent bathrooms and good bedding. A short walk away, try dinner (very hip, delicious tapas menu) at the new "Bar Vino". Upscale, candlelit and with a fireplace, yet super friendly to the kids (try the decadent mac n cheese)...and a very wide range of wines and beers for the parents. Fun shops in town too!
Mont Tremblant, Canada
A wonderful first-time vacation out of the country. Mont Tremblant is a quick flight from NYC yet you will feel you have travelled "across the pond" as they say. European in feel, the quaint town offers wonderful restaurants and activities as well as lovely accommodations. The mountain is large, provides all manner of runs from beginner to advanced. Bring your ear-warmers though...it can be extremely cold.
Kid quote: Loved the dog-sledding, the village, and the gondola that you can ride through the town.
Dad quote: Loved the varied terrain, and the village is fantastic. Don't miss La Savoie Restaurant for a fondue dinner. Definitely experience running a dog sled -- a once in a lifetime experience.
Lake Placid, New York
A gorgeous mountain set outside the charming town of Lake Placid, home of the 1980 Olympics. Cute stores, nice restaurants, a variety of accommodations, and outdoor fun for all. Speed skating, sledding, Olympic sites/attractions. You can see the view from the top of the incredibly high ski jumps, check out the hockey rink, speed skate, etc. There are fantastic trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking as well as downhill skiing.
We have stayed at two extremes: the ultra ski luxury -- Whiteface Lodge, with spa and crazy amenities, and the basic, but fabulous Adirondak LOJ ( www.adk.org/ad_loj) which has a cozy, campy feel and wilderness access right out the door. Snowshoeing and cross country ski expeditions the minute you walk out the door.
Kid quote: At our hotel (www.thewhitefacelodge.com) there was a bowling alley and movie theater IN the hotel as well as a skating rink where they have a bonfire and s'mores every night! Also, Whiteface Mountain has a great terrain park with cool jumps.
Dad Quote: Check out the many wilderness trails, snowshoeing, and hiking areas. The mountain itself also has a wonderful wilderness feel.
Windham Mountain, New York
So much fun to be had. Approximate drive time, under 2 hours. Lots of varied terrain, open trails, and options. If you remember Windham from your youth, it's worth going back, they've expanded a great deal on available ski options. The town of Windham allows for plenty of restaurants, shops, and things to do as well.
Kid quote: Check out the awesome half-pipe!
Dad quote: The absolute best part of the day-- they have valet parking!!!! Drop the kids, the wife, the gear and the car ALL right there at the base and get started with the day.
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 New to EssentialMom.com: Jewish Family Congregation Early Childhood Center is a warm community school in beautiful surroundings offering Creation Station for 12+ months and classes for ages 2-5, www.jewishfamilycongregation.org.
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