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Making Slopeside Memories
This winter ski resorts are more eager than ever to capture their share of the family travel dollar. Choose your favorite high altitude getaway and you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that deals abound for everything from lodging to lift tickets.
Here are five resorts where the snow is falling:
1. Telluride, CO. Tucked in a beautiful and majestic box canyon, this extraordinary resort opened Revelation Bowl year, news that will put smiles on the faces of your family’s powder hounds. Beginners and intermediates love the mountain for wide expansive runs and access to terrain and views typically reserved for the experts. 800-778-8581; www.TellurideSkiResort.com.
2. Snowmass, CO. Already popular with families, Snowmass kicked it up a notch with last year’s debut of their $17 million Tree house Kids' Adventure Center and the mid-mountain Elk Camp Meadows Learning Area. The creatively designed center makes it easy for parents to check in for ski or snow board school, and take care of rentals or last minute slope- side needs. Children from eight weeks and older are welcome at the Center. Snowmass is just nine miles from Aspen. www.AspenSnowmass.com
3. Smugglers Notch. Tucked in Vermont’s Green Mountains, and surrounded by 3000 acres of forest, this resort literally “guarantees” your family will have a good time. With a slew of special programs for children from six weeks to late teens, “Smuggs”, as its known among regulars, has focused on the family market with intensity. Their Snow Sport University promises to take your skills to the next level. There are terrain parks, fun zones, game nights, fire works, sleigh rides, cross country ski trails and teen centers. www.Smuggs.com ; 800-419-4615..
4. Beaver Creek, CO. A favorite for our family, Vail’s sister resort, Beaver Creek is modern, yet cozy. With the ambience of an Alpine village, après ski, families enjoy strolling through the square or joining in the ice skating parties on the outdoor rink. New last year : the eight-passenger Buckaroo Express Gondola whisks beginners to their own manicured terrain. After a day on the mountain (there are more than 146 trails) you’ll be mesmerized by the sweet smell of hot cookies offered slope side by smiling mountain hosts. Don’t miss McCoy’s for après ski music appropriate for all ages.
www.beavercreek.com; 800-900-5949.
5. Big Sky, MT. You’ll never fight the crowds at Big Sky Resort. Take advantage of the Lone Peak Pass (free for kids under 10) and you’ll also have access to the trails at neighboring Moonlight Basin. By doubling the resort fun, you’ll enjoy the largest single ticket expanse of ski terrain in the United States. Located near Yellowstone National Park and 45 miles from Bozeman, the combined lift ticket provides access to more than 5500 acres of powder possibilities, magnificent views and very few lift lines. Both resorts have family packages, ski and board schools for all ages and a range of child care and family activities. www.BigSkyResort.com; 800.548.4486.
For the latest deals and specials visit www.Ski.com. 
By Heather Burke
We don’t recommend you try this. Our mission was to ski the best of the Colorado Rockies in one week. 126 ski runs for 235,030 total vertical feet of skiing and 24 pillows (4 heads x 6 resorts) later, we were supremely rewarded (and exhausted) from a phenomenal week. more...
Getting Schooled in Snow Science at BC's Whitewater
Skiing the steep and deep is what snow riding at Whitewater Resort near Nelson, BC is all about. To keep skiers and riders sampling its extensive out of bounds terrain safely, the resort offers avalanche seminars and courses on an ongoing basis throughout the winter. One day avalanche awareness courses ($45) start in the classroom and then move into the backcountry, and include basic transceiver usage and how to dig and understand snowpack layers in a snowpit.
By Heather Burke
We are the skiing critics. During our family’s commute to the slopes every weekend, the four of us pass the hours discussing the highs and lows of all the New England ski resorts we have visited. We range in age and experience (though even our youngest has skied 35 different resorts), which makes our judging as unpredictable and varied as the terrain we encounter in a New England winter. Unlike most contests, you needn’t be eighteen to enter; kids count since their opinions can make our break a ski day. more...
Colorado Pampers Guests with Rocky Mountain Spa Experiences
High Altitude Treatments and Childrens Programs Available at Favorite Spas
In Denver Colorodo, the peace and tranquility found outdoors in the Rocky Mountains is complemented indoors with relaxing body treatments and skin care services offered at various spas found throughout the state. Whether you're soothing sore muscles after a long hike, or looking to melt away stress, Colorado spas offer a variety of ways to rejuvenate your body and soul.
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By Heather Burke
1. Call the ski resort in advance to reserve ski camp, as programs tend to fill up on holidays and weekends.
2. Ask exactly what is included in the price (lessons, equipment, snacks, lunch, etc.).
3. Reserve ski equipment* if needed.
more...
By Heather Burke
The ski resort brochure depicts the smiling family skiing side by side. What they don’t show is your little one pitching a hissy-fit while you carry them down the hill, equipment flailing, nose running and tears streaming. more...
By Heather Burke
The thought of a family ski vacation is completely wonderful. Then the reality of having to pack all your gear sets in! The excitement of a ski getaway should not turn into stress of what to bring, what you might forget, and how will you manage. Follow these helpful hints to get organized and be prepared for all sorts of activities and weather. more...
SKI COLORADO!
The time has never been better to plan a Colorado vacation. Resorts across the state are offering great values on airfare, lodging, lift tickets and more. For a complete list of travel packages, vacation deals and travel itineraries visit www.colorado.com/deals.
Fly the Pocketbook-Friendly Skies:
- Crested Butte is offering a "Friends and Family Fly Free" program this winter. Book a Crested Butte vacation for three or more people and every third airline ticket is free*. Visitors can fly nonstop to Gunnison/Crested Butte Airport (GUC) on American Airlines, United Airline and Delta Airlines from Denver, Dallas, Atlanta, Salt Lake City or Chicago. Air fare, lodging and lift ticket packages start as low as $584* per person with this special offer. A four night minimum night stay is required. Valid for travel from December 18, 2008 - April 5, 2009 with restrictions. Limited to 3 free airline tickets per reservation. www.skicb.com
- Kids Fly, Ski and Stay Free in Aspen/Snowmass this winter.
- Aspen/Snowmass is partnering with Frontier Airlines to offer families the ultimate Colorado adventure with their Kids Fly/Ski/Stay Free package. Purchase a minimum 3-day/4-night package including airfare, lift tickets and lodging through Stay Aspen Snowmass before December 23, 2008 and for each adult booking one child (12 and under) flies, skis and stays completely free of charge. Adults who include a minimum 3-day ski or snowboard rental through Four Mountain Sports as part of their package also receive one child equipment rental absolutely free. For more information, contact Stay Aspen Snowmass at www.stayaspensnowmass.com/frontier or call 800-214-7669. Reservations for this special package must be booked via telephone and cannot be booked online.
- Kids Fly Free to Vail and Beaver Creek this winter on American Airlines. American Airlines is rewarding parents who book a vacation into the Vail/ Eagle Valley Regional Airport with their Kids Fly Free program. For each paid adult fare (age 18 and above), American is offering one free child's airline ticket for ages 2-12, now through Feb. 13, 2009. Families must travel to the resort between Sunday and Wednesday and from the resort between Tuesday and Friday. This offer is valid for travel Jan. 4 - Feb. 13, 2009, with no blackout dates. Additional restrictions may apply. For details visit www.snow.com or call 800-404-3535.
- Fly In Ski Free. Fly non-stop to Vail/ Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) until April 19, 2009 and ski for free day of arrival at Beaver Creek or Vail with a valid boarding pass and Vail Valley lodging confirmation. Passengers on direct flights from Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas/ Ft. Worth and Denver will be able to take advantage of this program. Additional restrictions may apply. www.snow.com
- Winter airfares are falling as fast as the snow in Steamboat. Continental Airlines features a $99* each way, based on roundtrip purchase, from Houston. Delta Air Lines features a $119* each way, based on roundtrip purchase, from Atlanta and New York's LaGuardia. The special fares may be booked either separately or along with all-inclusive resort packages through Steamboat Central Reservations® at 800-922-2722 or www.steamboat.com
Beat the Baggage Barrier:
- Don't pay to check your skis/board, rent and try some of this season's hottest gear! Monarch Mountain has increased its demo fleet for the coming ski season by 300 percent, giving guests even more selection of the newest skis and snowboards. www.skimonarch.com. Winter Park Resort has updated the quality of its rental offering, having purchased more than $250,000 worth of new gear. www.skiwinterpark.com. Copper Mountain has made renting equipment more convenient than ever with two options. First, Copper guests can rent from any of their three villages, making the rental process very convenient at the mountain. Second, with their new Web-based rental program, www.skiandboardrentals.com, guests can book rental equipment prior to their arrival at Copper for pick-up in locations throughout Colorado's Summit and Eagle counties, including Copper Mountain.
- A season pass for ski/board rentals at all Vail Resorts: Rentskis.com, the largest provider of ski and snowboard rental equipment in the U.S., has added a new equipment rental option that will deliver a triple threat for avid skiers and riders-convenience, value, and variety. Starting at $359, frequent skiers and riders can get an unlimited number of days of rental equipment (skis/board, poles and boots if desired) for the 2008-09 season at all Vail Resorts-Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Breckenridge. This allows visitors to try a variety of gear without worrying about lugging it around. www.rentskis.com
Loads Off Lift Tickets and Lodging:
- With an enviable position at the heart of the new Snowmass Base Village, Hayden Lodge and Capitol Peak Lodge are extending discounts up to 75 percent off during the 2008/2009 ski season. The new lodges, the first new accommodations built in Snowmass in more than 20 years, boast nearly 100 residences with ski-in/ski-out access to the Elk Camp Gondola and the Village Express chairlift, and are steps from the Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center, new restaurants and new shops. www.aspensnowmasshospitality.com
- Ski Free at Steamboat: Steamboat will provide FREE lift tickets when powderhounds book a minimum 3 nights lodging before Thursday, December 25th through Steamboat Central Reservations®. www.steamboat.com or 877-237-2628.
Telluride is offering visitors the chance to enjoy four nights of lodging and three days of skiing starting as low as $79 per person per night with their Ski and Stay Package. Telluride Central Reservations can help visitor's choose from a variety of accommodations from vacation home rentals to slopeside condos. www.visittelluride.com or 888.605.2578.
Delight in the new Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa's Winter Wonderland Package. At a savings of 22 percent, guests will enjoy three nights' accommodations in a Deluxe Room, a two-day Performance Ski Rental Package from Beaver Creek Sports, two-day lift tickets to Beaver Creek Resort, an 80-minute treatment at Spa Anjali, breakfast each morning, complimentary valet parking and a welcome amenity upon arrival. The package is priced at $1,633 for two people for three nights, and is available through April 1, 2009. www.westin.com/riverfrontavon
Early Season Breckenridge Ski Free, Stay Free Winter Vacation Package. Winter in Breckenridge means endless outdoor adventure. Book four nights of lodging at participating properties and three days of adult lift tickets and receive an additional night of lodging and an additional day of adult skiing free. www.gobreck.com or 888-251-2417.
Buy three, get the fourth free! Durango Mountain Resort properties will throw in a fourth night of lodging for free to guests booking a three-night stay at one of a variety of properties in the Durango area. It's the perfect way to extend your vacation without stretching your wallet. Not valid Dec. 20, 2008-Jan. 3, 2009 and March 8-21, 2009. www.durango.org or 800-982-6103.
- Designed for guests looking to ski at Copper Mountain, but wanting the freedom to explore Summit County, the Freedom to Explore Lodging Package includes discounted Beeline Advantage lift tickets for skiing at Copper Mountain and one night of lodging at participating properties in Summit County. Beeline Advantage lift tickets allow early risers to start their day 15 minutes before regular ticket holders and speed through lift lines throughout the day. Starting at $77 per person, per night. www.coppercolorado.com or 866.534.7444.
- Discounted lift tickets, equipment rentals and lessons available at Aspen/Snowmass. Purchase lift tickets for use on Aspen/Snowmass' four mountains at least seven days in advance and save on multi-day tickets of four or more days. The more days purchased, the greater the savings. Save an additional five percent on lift tickets and rental equipment purchased together at least seven days in advance and new this year, save five percent off an adult ski school lesson when purchased with a discounted lift ticket/rental package. www.aspensnowmass.com
Savings and Fun Off the Slopes:
- Climb to new heights in Ouray: Ouray is ranked as one of the most popular locations for ice climbing in the world. Not only do the surrounding mountains provide numerous spectacular ice-climbing routes, Ouray has the only ice park where a mile of farmed ice is available to climbers right in the city limits, easily accessible and free to all who enjoy this exciting sport. Ouray Ice Park members receive discounts at area properties such as the Ouray Victorian Inn, Box Canyon Lodge and Ouray Chalet offer Ouray Ice Park, as well as restaurants and participating merchants. www.orayicepark.com
- Mush your way through Colorado: Explore the beauty of Colorado in a unique way with one of the many dog sledding outfitters across the state. Let a pack of hard-working Malamute, Siberian or Eskimo dogs pull you through the backwoods at speeds of up to 20 miles an hour. Many dog sledding outfitters, including those in Aspen, Winter Park and Vail, pair the ride with a delicious lunch or dinner in a rustic cabin. www.dogsledrides.com/colorado
- Tread on Ice in Georgetown: For 33 years, Our Gang Ice Racing has conducted ice races on Georgetown Lake. Anyone with a sense of adventure, a 4-Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive vehicle and a valid driver's license can participate. Classes are available for all levels of drivers. Racing is fun, safe and a great way to enjoy 4-wheeling during the winter months. www.ourgangiceracing.com
- X-Colorado: Colorado offers an abundance of cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails throughout the state. Contact one of the many Nordic Centers located in towns such as Breckenridge, Grand Lake, Steamboat and in Rocky Mountain National Park, and learn about lessons, rentals and a variety of guided tours. www.coloradocrosscountry.com
For more information or a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, call 1-800-COLORADO or visit http://www.COLORADO.com. Media are invited to visit the Colorado Media Room at http://www.COLORADO.com/mediaroom for story ideas, press releases/press kits, as well as high-resolution, downloadable photos and video for editorial use.
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