| It is time for the annual family vacation, | | | | would not be in business. |
| and planning a ski trip may be something that | | | | |
| will appeal to all the family members. | | | | It is also a good idea to not only begin |
| Something different and yet exciting, the | | | | looking for skiing and snowboarding |
| time to plan a ski vacation is six to eight | | | | activities, but also other activities to do. |
| months in advance – yet it is possible | | | | Some of these activities could be: special |
| to find slots open within two weeks at some | | | | dining-out local sites; Apres-Ski activities |
| resorts. Making a list of what the family | | | | such as concerts, clubs, or daily events at |
| needs and wants, within the boundaries of | | | | the ski resort; other winter activities such |
| their skiing expertise, form the types of ski | | | | as tubing or snowboarding; sight-seeing; |
| resorts open to their vacation. | | | | shopping for things you know you will have |
| | | | room to take home; plus visiting historical |
| First of all, not all ski resorts are just | | | | sites for some resorts are extremely exciting |
| open for winter activities in the winter | | | | and educational. It's time to plan the |
| – the Timberline in Oregon is open all | | | | family vacation – and everyone wants to |
| year, and many other resorts have extended | | | | go skiing, but unless skiing is done 24 hours |
| seasons. Some ski resorts have other sports | | | | in a row, a break now and then before going |
| activities during the spring and summer. The | | | | back to the slopes is not only fun, but |
| thing to remember is that everything within | | | | exciting. |
| the ski vacation label has open options; the | | | | |
| date of the vacation what type of ski resort | | | | Where the family will sleep and eat is just |
| is needed, the different type of winter | | | | as important as skiing itself, unless the ski |
| sports, or the services that will be | | | | resort is within driving distance of home. |
| required. | | | | Check to see of there are slope condominiums |
| | | | available. For a whole family, sometimes this |
| If you have a family, choosing a ski resort | | | | is an option, as you will not have to worry |
| that welcomes family and children would be | | | | about finding transportation to and from the |
| important to know, as not all ski resorts are | | | | slopes every day. They usually have one or |
| suitable for beginner skiers. The terrain and | | | | two bedrooms, a dining room or eating area, |
| services in some of them are geared only | | | | and a kitchen. The money a family will save |
| toward advanced skiers, which rules out any | | | | on restaurants for three meals a day, plus |
| first-timers for safety reasons regardless of | | | | the convenience, will more than make up for |
| the ages. If this is the family's first time | | | | the added price of the condominium. If the |
| skiing, check online for ski resorts with | | | | condominium is out, see if there is a suite |
| dedicated beginner areas, in addition to | | | | with a kitchenette. |
| instructors and lessons. | | | | |
| | | | If you have a vehicle, make sure there is |
| Some resorts offer package deals with slow | | | | outside access to the parking spot for skies |
| and easy lessons for small family groups, | | | | and boots, or has a closet inside for their |
| with transportation to the top of the | | | | storage. Comfort at a reasonable rate should |
| beginner slope area. A full day of learning, | | | | be a high priority, especially at the end of |
| appropriate skis, boots, poles, and a two | | | | the day on the slopes. Aching muscles, cold, |
| hour lesson. Plus, emergencies do arise, so | | | | and tired may take on a new meaning the first |
| what happens if you have to cancel? If the | | | | time or two out. See if they have an exercise |
| resort does not have this or if some features | | | | room, pool, Jacuzzi, or a sauna, not only for |
| are not available that is really wanted or | | | | your body but for the children's "left-over" |
| needed, look somewhere else – all ski | | | | energy level! |
| resorts want your business! A new family | | | | |
| learning to ski is a learner's market, | | | | Remember – it is YOUR market, so make |
| because without satisfied customers, they | | | | the most of it! |