Winter vacation is a suitable time for getting in some skiing practice or teaching a young child how to ski. Save money by taking kids to smaller ski hills and resorts such as Vermont's Okemo Mountain Resort where kids get free lift passes and sometimes free lessons. Kids can learn how to walk in skis and how to turn and stop, all on tame hills. Experienced youngsters can perfect their skiing techniques and conquer greater challenges on the mountain. The Okema Mountain Resort offers a free group lesson, lower mountain ski passes and equipment rental. Reservations are necessary.
Okemo Mountain Resort
77 Okemo Ridge Road
Ludlow, VT 05149
866-706-5366
Okemo.com
The Montecito Sequoia Lodge resides besides a secluded lake in the Sequoia National Forest in California, adjacent to the Sierra Mountains and Kings Canyon. Aside from skiing, the lodge provides kids with winter activities that they've most likely never had exposure to. For example, the hotel offers kids opportunities to go snowshoeing, snow-tubing and snow-biking, not to mention classic activities such as sledding, ice skating, snowboarding and skiing. There's even a chance to ride a sleigh pulled by Belgian horses.
Montecito Sequoia Lodge
63410 General's Highway
Kings Canyon National Park, CA 93633
800-227-9900
montecitosequoia.com
Keystone Ranch offers an event called "Kidtopia" during select weeks of March and April. During this time, kids can slide through a tunnel, sit on an ice throne in a castle atop a mountain, climb 12-foot walls, discover a "secret" trail in the forest, make balloon animals, build a snow fort and sip hot cocoa in the River Run Village. This resort is one of Colorado's less expensive places to stay as kids get to rent equipment for free. It's also close to Denver which allows opportunities to explore more kid related destinations there.
Keystone Resort
PO Box 38
Keystone, CO 80435
970-496-2316
keystoneresort.com
