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