Dear Family Travelers:

 

Ready to have some fun in the snow?

 

January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month  which means all through January, there are special deals across the country at famous resorts and smaller ones in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and New York State. (And if you're beginners, it's not necessary to pay for the big league resorts since you'll probably be on the beginner slopes your first time out).

 Snowsports, of course, are about more than fun in the snow.  They're about

navigating unfamiliar turf, conquering your fears-however old you are-and the sweet sense of accomplishment when you master something new.  Check out our Fun in the Snow Section to see what snow resorts are offering families this season-on and off the slopes- everything from Nordic skiing and snow shoeing, zip lining and giant mountain top ice forts and climbing walls.

 

Introduce a friend to snow sports with the Bring a Friend Challenge open to all current skiers and snowboarders including members of the industry. The Challenge offers incentives for current skiers and snowboarders who introduce newcomers to lessons from professional instructors this winter.

 

Several States also offer "passports" for kids of certain ages allowing them to ski free or at steep discounts - once you have filled out the paperwork and paid a small processing fee. There are discounts for rentals and lessons too:

• Third and Fourth graders in New York
• Fifth graders in Vermont
• Fourth and fifth graders in New Hampshire
• Fifth, sixth and seventh graders in Maine
• Fifth and sixth graders in Utah 
• Fifth and Six graders in Colorado

Check with your state to see what they are offering for your grade schoolers.
    
 If you live in Canada , The Canadian Ski Council's SnowPass allows 4^th and 5^th graders living in Canada to ski and ride three times at each participating ski area all across Canada for less than CDN$30 - the pass processing fee valid for two years.

 

I've interviewed a lot of snow loving kids for my latest  Kid's City Guide to Denver, Boulder and Ski Country. Here are some of their tips for having fun in the snow:

• Always have Chapstick because your lips will get super dry," Grace, 12, Aspen.
•  Carry a water bottle "at all times," said Sterling, 11, Gunnison.
• "Power Candy," like Skittles "to eat on the lifts," Taylor,  11, Aspen.
• "Ipod to listen to music," Gemma, 13, Gunnison.
•  Most important, said Ruby, 11, from Gunnison.  "Look at your surroundings.  It's better than any screen!" 

 

IN NORTHERN ITALY, A LITTLE-KNOWN GEM OF HISTORY AND CULTURE: MANTUA