A beginner’s guide to your next family ski vacation

Brainstorming with the family over which holiday to go for next can be quite a task, but you know what’s the ultimate challenge? Getting them onboard for a ski vacation! Witnessing your kids go berserk on a roller coaster on a sunny day is so much more different than motivating them to learn an intricate hobby in cold temperatures. However, there is nothing more fulfilling than watching your kids embrace the thrill of this winter sport. Moreover, it is an incredible way to hone their qualities such as confidence, awareness, perseverance, and balance.

Well, no one can promise you a family holiday in the mountains without its own set of hiccups, but we’re here to help you make it memorable despite the obstacles that you can come across. Here are some travel tips and tricks that can help you plan smartly for your next snow-blanketed adventure with your loved ones.

Preparing for a family ski vacation
Unlike a solo trip, where you can afford to be spontaneous, there are numerous arrangements to be made planning when a family vacation, especially when skiing is involved. To make this process as good as smooth sailing, here are some factors that you will need to emphasize on while planning a perfect family ski vacation.

  • Location
    The location you pick purely depends on your budget and personal preferences. An international ski vacation in the Alps or Dolomites will obviously require you to make a generous investment. However, if you have a budget to honor as well as limited time then you can opt for a ski trip either in the Eastern or Western side of the country. In the US alone, there are approximately 500 ski locations scattered across 37 states which surprisingly also includes southern territories such as Alabama and Tennessee. So, you have plenty of places and options to choose from.
  • Stay
    One of the best parts of taking ski trip today is that there are numerous resorts available that specifically only cater to families. If your kids are too young to ski, then look for places that offer other kid-friendly snow activities and daycare amenities. Likewise, the location of the resort matters a lot when you are traveling with kids as schlepping heavy gear can easily tire them out. It would be wiser to book accommodation that is in close proximity to the terrain so that kids don’t have to cover long distances with the ski equipment. Additionally, some ski resorts offer equipment rental and lift tickets at no cost for kids belonging to a certain age group.
  • Alternative activities
    You have to consider the possibility that your kids might not want to ski after the first few attempts or the destination you intend to go might not have the right conditions for skiing. Fortunately, there are several ways to make the most of your holidays in the mountains. So, while planning a ski vacation, ensure that you have some nonskiing activities included in your travel packages, such as dog sledding, ice skating, ice-fishing, sightseeing and shopping, snowmobiling, and stargazing.
  • Terrain
    For a gratifying experience, it is essential that you choose the right terrain, particularly, when this is your family’s first time skiing. For instance, Aspen (Colorado) isn’t the best pick for novices because this particular area encompasses multiple tricky terrains, suitable for advanced skiers. Learning to ski in such an environment can be extremely intimidating, especially for kids. To get off on the right foot, you should opt for locations such as Telluride (Colorado), Deer Valley (Utah) or Mammoth Mountain (California) which are abundant with beginner terrains.
  • Ski school
    Enrolling the kids in a ski school is the best way to help them develop the right skiing technique. Ski lessons are typically arranged by the resort that you are staying in. Specialty camps, group, private, and semi-private lessons are some common options rendered by most ski schools. It is also crucial to remember that every resort will enforce different rules with regards to the minimum age eligibility, length of the lessons (half or full day), and how many beginners they include in a single session. It might be surprising but taking a private lesson as a family can be more economical than booking slots for the kids in a camp or a common group lesson.
  • Insurance
    While all the dare-devilry on the slopes seems to be exhilarating it is important to make arrangements for your family’s wellbeing. Apart from the safety gear, it is also important to check the range of your medical coverage in case things goes south. If your current health plan doesn’t reimburse expenses for skiing accidents then consider travel insurance. Besides medical expenses, travel insurance can also protect you from damages involving misplaced or stolen luggage, personal liability, and lost holidays due to weather.
  • Season
    The best time to enjoy a family ski vacation is during December and January as the snow conditions and weather are fairly predictable. Moreover, since the winter season lines up with Christmas and New Year’s, your family will get an opportunity to attend some fun events and festivals including concerts, torchlight parades, and fireworks. However, expect the ski locations to be crowded during this season as most kids are on a school break. If you make reservations any time after October then the prices of accommodation and air tickets will surge accordingly. Unable to make a booking during the peak season? Don’t worry! You can plan for a ski holiday in the month of February or March, however, avoid pushing it till April as most ski areas start closing when spring arrives.

Best family ski resorts
Here are some of the most popular options for family ski resorts that you can consider for your next holiday.

10 top family ski resorts in the USA

  • Jackson Hole (Wyoming)
  • Aspen Snowmass (Colorado)
  • Alta Ski Resort (Colorado)
  • Beaver Creek (Colorado)
  • Deer Valley (Utah)
  • Telluride Ski Resort (Colorado)
  • Taos Ski Valley (New Mexico)
  • Sun Valley (Idaho)
  • Vail Ski Resort (Colorado)
  • Snowbird Ski Resort (Utah)

10 popular family ski resorts in the world

  • Alpe d’Huez (France)
  • Breuil-Cervinia (Italy)
  • Åre (Sweden)
  • Whitewater (Canada)
  • Wengen (Switzerland)
  • Gervais Mont-Blanc (France)
  • Gstaad Palace (Switzerland)
  • Ski Welt (Austria)
  • Beaver Creek (USA)
  • Madonna di Campiglio (Italy)

7 ways to save money on family ski vacations
Enjoying a skiing adventure with your family in the midst of snow-capped mountains is a priceless experience, which unfortunately comes at a significant price. Pinning down an average estimate for a family ski vacation can be tricky business as multiple factors come into play including location, accommodation and meals, lift tickets, ski lessons, rental equipment, airfare, and ground transport. Needless to say, it is easy to blow the budget on a family ski vacation. Worried? Don’t be! The next time you plan to hit the slopes with your family, try these hacks to save big on your ski vacation.

  • Get it right with the early bird packages
    There is nothing like relishing a last-minute travel deal, at the same time, waiting for one can be a bit of a gamble. So to be on a safer side, scour for early bird ski packages. Booking sites usually release these travel bundles by the end of May. You can save up to 50% on travel deals if you start making reservations before early October. Apart from the price factor, booking during this window will give you some wiggle room, helping you score the best of deals such as upgrades on accommodation and other amenities.
  • Make the most of all-inclusive offers
    Shelling out money for an all-inclusive family ski vacation initially may come across as a big-ticket expense, but you will have almost no costs to bear during your stay at the resort. Typically, all-inclusive ski vacation comprises flights, ground transportation, lodging, meals and drinks, equipment rentals, and ski lessons. Some packages also might also cover off-piste guiding. Getting a package with lift tickets will also help you save some big bucks. Their prices can surge to almost $100 when directly purchased from the ticket counter. On the other hand, discounted lift tickets included in the ski packages offer almost 40% off on the original price.
  • Get acquainted with all the discounts
    If you are independently organizing a ski trip for your family, then ensure that you are well-acquainted with all the discounts and deals offered by the ski resort. Numerous accommodations have special offers for big families, students, physically challenged individuals, and seniors. These deals can come to your rescue, especially if you have missed the early bird booking window.
  • Try the shoulder season
    December and January are the best months for skiing, however, they are equally expensive. The Christmas holidays and winter break further amplify the demand for ski vacation packages during this period. If you want to steer clear of the steep prices and crowds, then you can plan for a skiing trip in spring or fall. However, ensure that you check your ski resort’s closing time and the area’s weather conditions to avoid disappointment.
  • Save on air tickets
    The classic trick of saving on flight tickets is by directly flying into a local airport instead of busy, domestic ones to avoid extensive road trips to the mountain or completely eliminate the need for a rental. However, this trick won’t work during peak seasons as the flights landing in the local airports are much more expensive. For example, if you have made reservations in Lake Tahoe’s ski resort during the peak season, then it would be cheaper to book a flight to Sacramento International Airport instead of Reno-Tahoe International Airport which is closer to the prime skiing locations. However, if you want to stick to the closest airport, then ensure that you buy air tickets well in advance to dodge the wrath of exorbitant prices.
  • Don’t let the baggage get you down
    If you are bringing your own skiing and snowboarding equipment, ensure that you pick an airline provider that doesn’t charge extra costs for it such as British Airways and Lufthansa. However, the overall ticket prices offered by these airlines might be comparatively expensive. Another way to minimize any baggage expenses is by making airfare payments via an airline travel credit card so that you can get a waiver on a few checked bags. If you aren’t a frequent skier then it would be wiser to rent the equipment at the slopes. In case you don’t want to rent or buy skiing gear, then you can borrow it from family or friends.
  • Pick a smaller mountain
    If this will be your family’s first skiing experience, then it is better to book a resort on a smaller mountain. Ski resorts and schools located near smaller terrains are often cheaper. However, ensure that the budget-friendly resort you choose has all the required amenities. It would be an added bonus if your resort is closely situated to the social establishments in town.

Popular, budget-friendly resorts
If you are craving to spend some time with your family skiing without burning a hole in your pocket, then consider these popular, budget-friendly choices.

10 affordable family-friendly resorts in the country

  • Copper Mountain (Colorado)
  • Big Sky (Montana)
  • Taos Ski Valley (New Mexico)
  • Mad River Glen (Vermont)
  • Steamboat Springs (Colorado)
  • Heavenly Ski Resort (California)
  • Schweitzer Mountain (Idaho)
  • Cranmore Mountain Resort (New Hampshire)
  • Red Lodge Mountain (Montana)
  • Crystal Mountain (Washington)

10 budget-friendly family ski resorts in the world

  • Serre-Chevalier-Briançon (France)
  • Bialka Tatrzanska, (Poland)
  • Kranjska Gora( Slovenia)
  • Les Rousses (France)
  • Vialattea (Italy)
  • Arosa Lenzerheide (Switzerland)
  • Obergurgl-Hochgurgl (Austria)
  • Pamporovo (Bulgaria)
  • Harrachov (Czech Republic)
  • Kiroro Ski Resort (Japan)

Family ski vacations can be full of fun, adventure, and adrenaline. They also give you the chance to relax by the fireplace and cozy up with a book and some hot chocolate. Plan your trip well in advance to avoid hearing that the ski resort your family decided on is booked out. You are now armed with the sources you need and deals to steal.

    RECENT ARTICLE

  • Homemade stain and odor remover
  • Essential considerations for choosing the right rocking horse
  • Advantages of using Crock-Pot appliances
  • 4 reasons you should learn how to create an app

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  • 5 benefits of using video conferencing systems
    Video conferencing systems can help a business by making its work operations more productive. It can help you run your company smoother, save money, time and other crucial resources. You're interacting with your colleagues normally, except you happen to be on a virtual platform. You can do this from a hotel room, while traveling, or literally from anywhere with as many people as you want. Cut down on expensive travel, and meet virtually and save on staff time too. This is what a video conferencing system can do for you. There are additional advantages and good reasons why you should consider adopting this practice for your enterprise. Here are five brilliant benefits of using video conferencing systems. Face-to-face meetings Now you no longer have to worry about meeting up in person as you have an alternative of using a video conferencing system. No more worries of traveling long distances. You simply set up the software and instantly use it to meet with someone online. The call quality in most instances is exceptional, and the video quality is generally great. You can conduct meetings in high resolution too. Collaborating online If you are wanting your staff to collaborate, then video conferencing can help you to do this across geographic locations. Video conferencing systems come with whiteboard software which you can write, edit, and sketch notes or ideas based on your discussions. Some whiteboard software allows other users to take control of the whiteboard, allowing enhanced collaboration. This can lead to a fluid and seamless exchange of notes and ideas. This can make meetings a lot more easier, immersive, and interactive, for both sides. Easy to install There's no hardware or fancy tech involved when you set up a video conferencing system. All you need is a laptop or a device with a webcam, ensuring that the device specs are compatible with the software specs and you're good to go. Installing the software takes a couple of minutes and can be done over Wifi. You don't have to worry about spending money on buying additional hardware or software since enterprise video conferencing systems don't need it. Sharing files File sharing is a comprehensive feature included in most enterprise video conferencing systems. You can share documents, files, media, and notes, online through the software in real-time. Some software lets you sync these files or back them up on a cloud based storage service. This can help other users access these files whenever they want later on. Also, since the software is geared exclusively for enterprise members, confidentiality is guaranteed. Enhanced security Most meetings require a passcode or password to be entered before you get access to them. You don't have to worry about security leaks as all these meetings are conducted over private networks.
  • Flavors and colors: Healthy Mediterranean Recipes
    Mediterranean cuisine is one of the most colorful cuisines from round the world. All it's flavors add to its amazing look, and of course its mouth-watering taste. Here are two recipes, which aren't just healthy quick bites, but tasty all the same. 1. Mediterranean Turkey meatballs with herbed yogurt sauce Ingredients For the meatballs: 1 cup cooked lentils (black or green) 1/2 pound ground turkey 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 2/3 cup bread crumbs 1/2 cup low-fat ricotta 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese 2 tablespoons red onion, minced 2 tablespoons chopped black olives 1 tablespoon capers 1 clove garlic, minced 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped, plus more for garnish 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 teaspoon dried dill 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper For the herbed yogurt sauce: 1 cup Greek yogurt 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon fresh or dried chives 1 teaspoon fresh or dried dill, chopped 1 teaspoon lemon zest Salt and pepper, to taste Method Grind the lentils until mushy and pour them in a bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and fold them together. Stir is well for a good 15 minutes. In the meantime, pre-heat the oven to 375°F. On a baking tray, spread butter paper and grease it so it's non-sticky. Form 2-inch balls and place on the baking sheet. Meatballs do not spread while they cook, and hence you do not need to leave too many gaps in between. Bake them for 20 to 22 minutes, ensure to see that they are golden-brown in color. Once done, set them aside to cool. While the meatballs cook, you can get the yogurt dipping ready. All you need to do is gently blend all the ingredients for the sauce together. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cool this until they bake. And you can store both of these in the refrigerator. All you have to do next is dip the meatballs in the delicious sauce and eat when you are feeling ravenous. 2. Mediterranean Veggie Pita Sandwich Ingredients Makes 2 pita pockets, can be multiplied for more servings 1 whole wheat pita, sliced in half 1/4 cup hummus 1/4 cup shredded carrots Handful of baby spinach 1/4 cup chickpeas 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese 2 teaspoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes 2 teaspoons chopped Kalamata olives Salt and pepper to taste Method Fill each pita pocket with some dip. Then add each ingredient in the pocket, and divide them equally among all the pockets. These are to be consumed immediately. These pockets are easy to make, and serve as a snack for your guests, or a quick bite for yourself.
  • The best remedies for yeast infections
    Yeast infections occur when there is an overgrowth of yeast, creating an imbalance by increasing the amount of fungus in the vagina. Candidiasis is a quite prevalent issue for women, but this condition can be easily handled with proper treatment and care. Here are some of the best yeast infection remedies, that can help you overcome candidal vaginitis quickly. Probiotics “ Increase the intake of probiotics, which includes the good gut bacteria that minimizes the fungus to an acceptable level. You can find probiotics in foods like yogurt, kimchi, miso, pickles, sauerkraut, kefir, raw cheese, sourdough bread, and kombucha tea. But before incorporating these probiotics in your diet regime, have a word with your doctor. Over-the-counter creams “ One of the most common remedies for yeast infection is using an effective anti-fungal cream. You don't require any prescriptions to buy these. You can peruse through online consumer reviews to pick the most suitable cream for yourself. Just ensure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients used in it. Essential oils “ You can use virgin coconut, lavender, oregano, clove, or tea tree oils to treat yeast infections. These contain powerful anti-fungal properties that can be effective against the candida albicans fungus. Before you purchase any essentials oils, ensure that they are completely organic. Vitamins “ If you tend to suffer from chronic infections, then one of the reasons behind it could be nutritional deficiency. This can lead to a weakened immune system. Visit a professional nutritionist, so that they can recommend you with some vitamin supplements and a revised diet regime. Prescription drugs “ If you are having recurring episodes of yeast infection, then you should definitely visit your gynecologist. They will accurately assess your condition with prescription medication which will assist in alleviating pain and irritation. Your medication can include oral pills, suppositories, or ointments. Make sure that you have a follow up appointment with your doctor to rule out any risks. Your treatment can last anywhere from three days to two weeks. Diminish the use of antibiotics “ If you are on any antibiotics, consult your doctor to alter your medication. Antibiotics can often disturb the vaginal health by causing yeast overgrowth. Avoid using antibiotics for simple problems like cold and cough, instead try to utilize natural remedies. Boric acid suppository “ Boric acid is often used as a natural anti-fungal solution that curbs the yeast growth in the vagina. It is used as a suppository capsule which is directly placed inside the vagina. Although it shouldn't be consumed orally as it could be toxic. Pregnant women should also refrain from using boric acid suppository.
  • Popular types of sale mattresses for old age
    As our bodies grow older, we become more susceptible to various body ailments especially body aches, joint pains and fatigue. Although this is a part and parcel of old age, the same can be avoided by choosing the perfect mattress for your body type. For senior citizens that live on a pension or their retirement fund, it gets difficult to purchase an expensive mattress to meet all their needs. However, with the onset of technology, a lot of brands are now producing excellent quality of sale mattresses at reasonable prices. Not just that, seasonal sales can help you pick a sale mattress at half the actual price! Here are the best sale mattresses that you can opt for. Memory Foam This is a very popular type of mattress that is used all over the world. Since the memory foam evenly distributes the body weight, it works great for senior citizens. This is because memory foam helps in reducing the pressure on important points and joints of our bodies. It is also warmer compared to inner coil mattresses. For older women who suffer from night sweats, the memory foam mattress might not be a very good idea considering the foam tends to get warm with the body heat. Inner spring Yet another popular type of sale mattress, the inner spring mattresses have been used for decades. They also have a wide variety of options to choose from depending on your preferences and sleeping postures. It is important to note that a lot of coils in an inner spring mattress doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s going to give you a lot of support. It could just end up being very firm and further worsen your back troubles. That said, if you’ve bought an old sale mattress, the coils might be loose or there might not be enough coils in the mattress to support your body weight evenly. Air mattress If your partner has different needs with regards to a mattress as compared to you, you might want to buy an air mattress. Air mattresses consist of inflatable chambers which provide different sleeping conditions for you and your partner. It is important to ensure that the air mattress you purchase is firm enough or else it might just make your joint and back ache worse. What's best this affordable bedding option is the best sale mattress that you must buy. Latex Latex is one of the best options for mattresses at any age. For people suffering from joint aches and generally older people, latex mattresses are the best option. These mattresses are firmer than mattresses made of memory foam. They also don’t overheat at night as compared to memory foam. Adjustable beds These beds are generally not advisable for any person of any age. This is mainly because adjustable or sofa-cum beds have either a very firm mattress and a memory foam one which tends to lose its firmness with type. This happens when you’re constantly opening and adjusting the mattress. Let’s not forget the trouble you’ll need to go through with a constant opening, lifting and re-adjusting of the mattress! If you suffer from acid reflux, night tremors or sleep apnea, it is best to avoid these adjustable beds. While this list helps you decide which mattress works best for your old age, it is important to maintain a good diet and exercise for a sound sleep at night. It is advisable to cross-check with your doctor on the type of mattress you should purchase as well. A lot of brands these days offer mattresses on trial basis which could work great for you in the comfort of your house. You can always return these back to the seller if you are not satisfied with it.
  • What do best CRM software Programs Offer
    The relationship a business is having with their customers decides the success or failure of that business. There is nothing more important than customer relationship management (CRM) in the business world. In fact, it can be described as most critical functions of modern day business. If your company does not have a properly structured sales process, you may have to deal with serious losses. It is mainly because of the fact that your business becomes incompetent to make use of the leads generated by the sales team. That is why several businesses have started implementing CRM software to make the relationship with the customers smooth and healthy. Choose a software solution that meets your business needs You should bear in mind the fact that all customer relationship management software programs are not made equal. Some of the CRM software products go well with the needs of small and medium sized businesses while some others are exclusively designed for the requirements of large corporations. If you are running a small company, there is no point is using a software solution designed for large corporations. It leads to wasting a lot of your hard earned money when it comes to price of the software and implementation expenses. Highly advanced CRM software solutions need a lot of tasks to be performed and all these things do not go well with requirements of a small business. It is absolutely necessary to select a suitable software program that goes well with the unique needs of a business. The scope of web based CRM solutions For small to medium sized businesses, web based software is the best option available. These types of products offer excellent flexibility and you can also expect to purchase them at affordable prices. Moreover, you can customize them according to your own exclusive needs. When you make such a purchase, you will easily get maximum benefits out of your investment. It does not matter how exclusive your requirements are, the web based CRM is the best option available and you can expect better affordability compared to on-site CRM. Benefits of Web based CRM solutions When you buy an on-site CRM, you need to invest in a dedicated server. When it comes to web based CRM, you do not necessarily invest in a dedicated server. It offers the flexibility to log on to the software program with the help of your internet connection. Accessing all information becomes a reality and you also have the freedom for setting different access levels. This approach makes sure that your employees get access to only highly relevant information. If you buy a high quality CRM software program for your business, you can stay connected with your business at all time. You can maintain a connection even when you are holidaying or travelling. These types of products offer 24/7 connectivity for the users and everything can be managed with the click of a mouse. The popularity of web based solutions has been increasing at a rapid pace and several companies, who earlier specialized in on-site solutions, are focusing on creating customized web based CRM solutions as well. You need to be prepared for conducting some research before choosing a CRM software. There are vendors who offer free demo and they also provide money back guarantee and testing these products before making a purchase is a good method of approach. You have to check the prices of different products available in the market and it is necessary to read software reviews online to arrive at the best decision. If you can manage to identify a reliable product, you can maintain healthy relationship with the customers to take your business profits into a different level.
  • Depression – Symptoms, causes, and risk factors

    Depression is a mood disorder that can cause a prolonged feeling of gloominess or sadness, and the most commonly diagnosed type of depression is clinical or major depression. It can directly impact how one feels, behaves, and even thinks about situations and people. Additionally, it can lead to several physical as well as emotional issues.

    People with depression may find it extremely difficult to go about their daily activities and carry out simple tasks like getting out of bed or brushing their teeth. Depression warrants medical and psychological intervention to fight the symptoms and improve the quality of life for the patient. In this article, we will cover different aspects of this disorder.

    Symptoms of depression
    People tend to experience multiple episodes of this disorder. Some of the common symptoms they exhibit during these episodes are constant feelings of tearfulness, emptiness, or sadness. Frequent outbursts of anger and frustration and constant irritability are also common signs of a depressive disorder. Also, one may lose interest in their hobbies or other activities they liked to indulge in earlier, and depression may even manifest in the form of low libido.

    People with depression may also experience constant tiredness or lack of energy, so the smallest of tasks can take a lot of effort to complete. Additionally, lack of appetite or constant munching on snacks can lead to weight loss or gain, respectively. Anxiety, restlessness, and agitation are also among the common symptoms of this disorder. Although the symptoms may differ among adults and children, the feeling of emptiness and lack of interest remains common in both.

    Causes of depression
    While the causes of depression are not exactly known, multiple factors can be attributed to its development. People who have depression may appear to experience physical changes in the brain. While the significance of these changes is not yet known, it can definitely help pinpoint the causes. Additionally, hormonal imbalance and inherited traits can also be significant reasons for the development of depression.

    Risk factors of depression
    Women are more often diagnosed with depressive disorders as compared to men. Some of the other factors that put a person at a higher risk of facing depression are self-esteem issues and being self-critical. Additionally, stressful events, trauma-inducing circumstances or events, and sexual or physical abuse can also lead to an individual experiencing depression. Among the other factors associated with this condition is a history of other mental health issues like anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and even eating disorders. Certain medications for treating other health conditions may also cause side-effects and trigger depressive symptoms, but one can consult their doctor if this is the case.

    A misconception about depression is that it is a simple bout of blues that one can easily come out of. While a person may experience sadness or feel low at some point in life, depression is a severe mental health condition that causes prolonged sadness and loss of interest. Consulting a medical expert is advisable if one is experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms.