Before you embark on a family ski vacation, choose a resort which will suit the skiing skill level of your family and offers great accommodations. Many resorts are best suited to a particular skill level of skier. Breckenridge in Summit County Colorado is an amazing family ski resort that is large and diverse enough to offer plenty of terrain for all skier skill levels.
You want to take your family on a memorable trip this Christmas? Modern ski resorts offer thrilling sports such as skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and tubing and also have village at the base of the mountain with plenty of family-friendly activities for when you are not the slopes. If you have not tried these winter sports before, a family vacation is a great time for parents and kids to learn. You will be amazed at how quickly you can learn if you have a number of consecutive days to build up your skills and confidence.
Once you have decided to go on a family winter vacation, it is best to plan it ahead. The two key decisions to make when planning your trip are which ski resort to visit and which accommodations to select. When choosing a ski resort, keep in mind that they often cater to different skill levels of skiers, so it is smart to make sure the resort you choose offers enough terrain at your skill level to keep your family interested. Ski resorts that cater to beginners will have a higher percentage of “green” slopes and ski school programs. These types of resorts allow you to gradually move from short ski runs which a small incline to longer runs that offer more varied terrain and levels of difficulty. Ski classes are available for every skill level, so family members can join classes that are appropriate for their level and get back together again at lunch or after skiing to compare experiences.
Ski resort accommodations vary widely in location and expense. Many resorts offer “ski-in / ski-out” accommodations which means that you will be located directly on a ski run or at the base and you can put on your skis or hop on a ski lift right outside your door. Another accommodation option is “walk to slopes” which generally means that it is a short walk to the base of the mountain where you can find a ski lift. Accommodations which are further from the mountain are are often served by public or private ski shuttles which can get you to the base without having to worry about driving and parking. Depending on your family, you may also look for accommodations that are child friendly and offer on-site recreating areas, pools, baby-sitting services and other amenities which will make your trip enjoyable and relaxing for the entire family.
Before you set off on your ski vacation, make sure your clothing and equipment is ready to go. It is a good idea to do a little research regarding the expected high and low temperatures for your ski resort for the time of year you will be going. Mountain weather can be extreme, but if you have the proper clothing and gear, you can enjoy yourself in almost any weather or conditions. If you do not have the proper ski clothing, it can ruin your experience and even open yourself up to frost bite if the weather turns cold or the wind picks up. A “layered” approach to ski clothing can give you the flexibility to dress for a wide variety of temperatures. The layered approach means you start with a light layer over you ski and then add a sweater or fleece layer, and then a water and wind resistant shell on top.
On warm days, you can remove layers to keep you at the right temperature. On cold days, you can add an extra layer in the middle. If you plan to take your own skis, ensure that they are properly serviced. The service includes waxing, sharpening edges and tuning the bindings. It is always a good idea to ask a professional technician to do a safety check of the bindings to make sure they are adjusted properly for your ski boots, weight and sill level. For children, make sure their clothing and equipment, particularly their ski boots, still fit well. You certainly do not want to discover their ski boots or jacket is too small as you are getting ready to head out on the first day of your vacation.
Breckenridge, located in Summit County Colorado is a wonderful place to indulge in skiing, for both beginners and advanced skiers. Breckenridge offers a historic town, 31 lifts and almost 2,400 acres of skiable terrain. A Breckenridge ski vacation will create a lift time of memories for your family.
