SKI SEASON
With bookings at ski resorts down last winter, many mountains are offering great deals to encourage families to hit the slopes this coming season....
Stowe, Vermont
Get into the holiday spirit in this sweet mountain mountain village where covered bridges, church steeples, and twinkling lights abound. The Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa has its own groomed snowshoe and cross country trails, and kids under 12 stay free (get 25 percent off regular room rates by booking early). In addition to skiing Spruce Peak, kids will love horse-drawn sleigh rides through the surrounding woods. Feast on tacos at Miguel's Stowe Away (3148 Mountain Road, 802-253-7574), and save room for a cone at the Ben & Jerry's factory in nearby Waterbury (Route 100, 802-882-1240).
Vail and Beaver Creek, Colorado
Easily accessible by the nearby Eagle County airport or via Denver, Vail and Beaver Creek are both perfect for family holidays. A wide range of terrain for skiers of all levels, plus terrific ski schools and ambience make these two towns popular. The Lodge at Vail is offering Cookie readers a five-night stay over the Christmas holidays that includes accommodations, breakfast for four daily, tubing at Adventure Ridge, and private gingerbread-making classes at Cucina Rustica restaurant ($599 per night is a 23 percent savings. Book at http://lodgeatvail.rockresorts.com/cookie). After a hard day of skiing, dig into a winter pizza at the always-packed Blue Moose. In nearby Beaver Creek, ski in and out from the Park Hyatt, where you're steps away from the lifts, the skating rink, and delicious burgers at the Dusty Boot.
Heavenly Valley, California
Located on the shore of Lake Tahoe, on the California-Nevada border, this mountain is perfect for parents and kids alike. Choose Heavenly Day Care for small children, or a combo of day care and ski school for kids ages 3 and up (nannies are also available by the day). Snowboarding clinics are available for children ages 5 to 13. The Ski School sets Heavenly apart, and children will love exploring the largest ski resort in California with amazing views of the lake below. Visit SkiCentral for a list of vacation rentals and package deals, or book at the Ritz Carlton in South Lake Tahoe and sample the terrain at nearby hidden gem, Kirkwood Mountain Resort.
Honorable Mentions
East Coast
• Sugarbush, Vermont (Sugarbush Vermont Ski Resort)
• Sunday River, Maine (Sunday River)
West Coast
• Breckenridge, Colorado (Breckenridge Ski Resort)
• Alta, Utah (Alta)
• Taos, New Mexico (Taos)
• Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia (Whistler Blackcomb)
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