Taking the Kids: Having some fun in the snow

Snare a deal at Copper Mountain in Colorado, book two nights of lodging and get a third night free. Kids ski free with the purchase of an adult two-day lift ticket and the deal includes a third day of rentals and free group lessons, plus a secret pass to skip the lines. The catch: It needs to be booked now, but for just $30 down.

Many Utah kids have learned to ski at Brighton because two kids, 10 and under, can ski free with a paying adult; Jackson Hole Mountain Resort invites kids, 14 and under, to ski and rent free, one child per paying adult with a four-night resort condo rental. Sweet deal, as junior tickets can be as much as $80.

Wherever you go, plan your dates strategically -- like going before or after the holidays. In Vermont, for example, you can save 30 percent to 45 percent on packages at resorts by bookending the holiday weekend, according to SkiVermont.com.Northern Vermont's Smugglers’ Notch, known for its family programs, says those booking their Family Fest package the week after Christmas will pay approximately 40 percent less than the week of Christmas.

According to Ski.com, the cheapest week to travel this winter (in case you were wondering) will be Jan. 9 through 14. You could save as much as 45 percent at popular western resorts, including Jackson Hole and Beaver Creek, compared to Christmas, February break or Presidents' Day week. For example, a five-night ski vacation for four people at Beaver Creek would cost less than $1,700 per person for a two-bedroom condo and lifts, as compared to $3,049 at Christmas. Flights are certain to be cheaper than, too. The big question -- can you take your kids out of school for a few days? If you're lucky, they're not in school yet!

January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month when U.S. ski and snowboard venues offer special deals for beginners of all ages who want to take lessons from professional instructors. Most packages include the lesson, lift ticket and rental equipment. (Join the fun to set a world record for the Largest Ski and Snowboard Lessons ever taught -- Friday, Jan. 6, 2017. Most resorts are only charging a nominal fee.)

Don't let a family member with special needs miss out on an unforgettable winter vacation. There are many adaptive programs around the country for those with physical and mental challenges, including the National Sports Center for the Disabled in Winter Park and the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center in Colorado; the National Ability Center in Park City, Utah, Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports and New England Disabled Sports, an adaptive ski school, at Loon Mountain, New Hampshire.

Wherever you go, said Dillon, a young Aspen snow lover, you can't help but "look at the mountains and say, 'Wow!'"

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow "taking the kids" on www.twitter.com, where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments.)