1. Get the 411 before you go. Call or surf online to find when the ski area
opens and where to park. A little research saves time, energy, even
aggravation on ski days.
Sunday River opens at 8am on holidays;
Stowe opens 7:30 on weekends.
2. Prep everyone’s gear the night before. We each have our own ski bag with
our goggles, gloves, helmet/hat, hand warmers, boots, etc, so there is no
last minute looking for Suzie’s ski socks at 6am. It’s not a bad idea to
have the kids sleep in their long johns so you can hit the road bright and
early. See our ski packing tips.
3. Vacation weeks do bring more people to the slopes, so get to the resort
30 minutes prior to lift opening to get parking, tickets, boots on, so you
are at the lift before the masses.
4. Allow for more time if you need rentals, or your kids are going to ski
camp, which you should register for in advance (holiday weeks do sell out).
5. There is a reason ski lessons are pricey – they’re worth it! In a few
hours your kids can learn skills that will last a life time, and save your
relationship.
6. Lunch early, or late, and head to the less popular lifts when the wave of
procrastinators arrive, you will have more fresh cord and more slope space.
7. You don’t have to go to a big ski resort to have big fun. Smaller ski
areas have smaller price tags, with ski school, rentals and everything you
need in an easier to manage base.
8. If you are staying overnight, get the details on your lodging situation.
If there’s a hot tub, pool and a full kitchen, you will be glad you brought
swimsuits, a dinner, breakfast, and beer, for example.
9. Find out about local events and specials, you don’t want to miss the
fireworks, but you may want to avoid the crush for free wings at happy hour
with little kids in tow.
10. Remember, skiing is supposed to be fun. Take it easy, take photos and
hot cocoa breaks with your young skiers. You want your family to love
skiing, and long to do it again!
See more of our Family Ski Tips
