Family ski vacations are often memorable experiences. Some of these memories are pleasant. Others are more frightening than your worst nightmares. Fortunately, ski resorts such as Breckenridge, Colorado have elevated the concept of the family ski vacation to an art form. If you are an avid skier who dreads the thought of another vacation sporting mouse ears and singing "It's a Small World," this is a very good thing.
The Town of Breckenridge even has activities suitable for Grandma and Grandpa. Coerce them into babysitting by treating them to massages at the Breckenridge Lodge and Spa. There are also shopping opportunities galore, as well as an extensive arts district, which features crafts workshops that are open to everyone.
Breckenridge Mountain offers a smörgåsbord of terrain for all skill levels. Families can have a "bonding experience" on the Quicksilver Lift; a user-friendly "six-pack" that serves the Silverthorne and other confidence-building green trails. The Quicksilver area is also a good place to wean your children from their Disney habit. Here, Ripperoo, the resort mascot entertains the kids on the lift line. This season, Ripperoo will be assisting ski instructors at the fantastic Breckenridge Ski & Ride School. Get your kids excited about ski school by having them join the Snow Monsters Club.
Apropos to ski school, ski writers don't let their readers teach their kids to ski! Prevent family feuds and Summit County unemployment by going with one of Breckenridge's highly-qualified pros. The benefit: You can explore challenging terrain without worrying about whether your kids can handle it. Worse case scenario: Breckenridge has a "Sick and Sad" room for kids who are not enjoying the snow sport experience. As an alternative, consider this itinerary:
Monday: Mom skis while dad takes the kids to the Mountain Top Children's Museum.
Tuesday: Dad gets his bragging rights in Imperial Bowl while Mom and the kids visit the home of Edwin Carter, naturalist and taxidermist. The stuffed animals create a "Night at the Museum" experience that kids always enjoy.
Wednesday: The whole family takes a day off from skiing at the Stephen West Ice Arena. If you're here in January, don't miss the ice sculpture exhibit on Main Street. Do you miss your gym workouts? The Breckenridge Recreation Center has a full service gym. They offer childcare as well as kid's activities such as indoor rock climbing.
When night falls, Mom and Dad can enjoy the Breckenridge nightlife while the kids can participate in Kid's Night Out at the Mountain Top Children's Museum. This innovative program features nature and craft activities. Teenagers can hang out at the Pin Ball Arcade at Downstairs at Eric's, while the 'rents listen to local bands.
While these activities can make for a jolly good time, the following tips can ensure a successful Breckenridge family ski vacation:
1.Prior to ski school, be sure that your kids are hydrated, well-rested and well-fed.
2.Don't worry about tears and tantrums. Separation anxiety is normal, but most instructors know how to deal with it. By the end of the day, your kids will be having so much fun that you might have a hard time getting them back!
3.Dress them in appropriate ski clothing. Layers are best for warmth, and helmets are necessary for safety. Please: No cotton or jeans. These fabrics absorb moisture and make your child wet and cold. That's just wrong!
4.Pick up lift tickets, rentals and lesson tickets the day before the lesson.
5.Approach any mishap with a sense of humor. Have fun!
This tidbit of real travel advice was brought to you my Lisa Marie Mercer
Oh, I remember my dad teaching me how to ski, and whacking me with the ski pole when I fell down. Those were the days...*sigh*. It would have been much more fun to recuperate in a comfy ski condo from Zonder.com than in grandma's basement. Where I had to shovel show. Uphill. Without shoes. Don't you want your children to have fonder memories?