Taking the Kids: Tips and pleasures for late season on and off the slopes
Keep in mind that resorts from Sunday River in Maine to Jackson Hole in Wyoming have experienced record snowfalls, which means spring skiing should be all the better as will off the slopes fun like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. (Sunday River is touting ski and stay rates starting at $135 a night for adults, less for kids.)
March and April, traditionally the snowiest month in the West, are also packed with festivals and events like the World's Largest Easter Egg Hunt, April 16 at Copper Mountain in Colorado, with 65,000 eggs spread over 2,500 acres. Come to Steamboat where there's a free "Rock the Boat" Free Concert Series, Every Saturday through April 8.
Still, trips to the snow with the kids and grandkids, especially the first time, won't be like trips you've taken in the past. The kids -- and you -- will likely be too pooped to go out to dinner. Opt for condo accommodations, suggested Fran Hansen, at Keystone from Wisconsin with her family, including her 4-year-old grandson. "Stir Fries are great," she said. Another tip for taking young kids to the snow for the first time: Show them videos of the resort so they know what to expect, Hansen suggested.
And figure in time for the kids to get acclimated to the altitude. With little kids, don't expect to ski the first day," said Nicole Harper from Alabama, here with her daughter and nephew, both 4 years old.
"Stay four or five days because you are going to lose a day at the beginning because of the altitude," said Mirela Jumcam from Chicago, adding it took her two kids a day to adjust.
It helps that you won't be so rushed and stressed signing the kids up for ski school and getting rental gear. And you'll have plenty else to do -- tubing, ice skating, maybe even an art class like those offered at Keystone and the chance to meet the avalanche dog.
The day I was at Keystone, families were gathering at the Dercum Square Ice Rink after skiing for free cookies.
"There's no one crying at the end of the day," said Howard Seigelman at the ice rink. "And that's great!"
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