Skiing Sugar Bowl Ski Resort with kids

Growing up in Northern California, Sugar Bowl Ski Resort was my hands-down favorite. I loved the front face of Mt. Lincoln, with its exciting dips and gullies, and the historic lodge reminded me I was truly in a Tahoe of a different era. I didn't get back to Sugar Bowl for a long time, and when I did, I found that much had changed...in all the right ways. The historic lodge is still there; it's … [Read more...]

Ski school guide: How to choose the right ski lessons

Ski school can really add to the success and enjoyment of your family ski vacation, but lessons are usually more expensive than your ski lift tickets. Before making such an investment, know what type of ski school is right for your kids (or you!) and be smart about choosing the right ski lessons. We've tried just about every type, and break it down for you here: Group ski lessons: A group … [Read more...]

Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort: winter recreation headquarters of Central Oregon

Families used to the crowds (and prices) at California ski resorts will be in heaven in Central Oregon, where Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort reigns. There are many Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort reviews for a reason! Located above Bend, Oregon (named one of our best ski towns!) along Highway 97, Mt. Bachelor now offers over 4000 skiable acres and 101 runs, with top-of-the-line amenities in multiple on-mountain … [Read more...]

Squaw Valley CA with school-aged kids and teens: where to stay, dine, and ski

A ski vacation is the perfect socially-distanced getaway, in the outdoors! Every ski resort experience is different this season, so visit Squaw Alpine's website for the latest COVID updates and regulations..Squaw Valley CA has long enjoyed a reputation for challenging ski terrain for advanced and expert skiers. In the last several years--most recently after their merge with neighbor Alpine Meadows … [Read more...]

What to expect from a ski vacation during COVID

Skiing and snowboarding families should expect some differences at ski resorts this year. Ready to try a ski vacation during COVID? Read on! The good news: ski vacations are inherently safe, since they're outdoors with plenty of fresh air and exercise. Families can pod together easily at ski resorts, and many resorts are expects a La Nina year! Here's what to expect from a ski vacation … [Read more...]

Where to stay at Squaw: Plumpjack Squaw Valley Inn review

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is one of our family's favorite Tahoe ski resorts. We've recommended staying in a condo at the Village at Squaw in our guide to skiing Squaw Valley with kids, but there's an additional village option you should know about. Plumpjack Squaw Valley Inn review: We've known about Plumpjack, located at the edge of the Village at Squaw, for its fantastic Plumpjack Cafe, … [Read more...]

Best ski towns: Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain

Ready to plan Lake Placid skiing with kids? Whiteface Mountain boasts the biggest vertical drop east of the Rockies, it hosted the 1980 Olympic Winter Games, and it has an impressive (or intimidating, depending on your skiing ability) 38% expert runs. But what you might not expect is that Whiteface is also a great place for families with young kids just starting out on the slopes. One of my … [Read more...]

Where to stay in Keystone mountain resort area: options for every budget

Fall is in the air, and it's officially ski trip planning season! Throughout the autumn and winter, I'll be offering a large number of family ski vacation tips, recommendations, and resort reviews in partnership with Mountain Reservations, a great resource for budget-friendly ski trips. If you're considering a Keystone Resort ski trip with your family, you know how large (and somewhat … [Read more...]

Boreal Mountain Resort with the M.A.X. Pass

If you read Pit Stops for Kids' ski coverage regularly, you know we're big fans of Lake Tahoe, CA skiing. I grew up in the area, skiing at resorts throughout Tahoe, and we try to visit our favorite resorts at least once a season. However, until our visit last month, it had been YEARS since I'd been at Boreal Mountain Resort. One of the oldest and most established ski resorts in the Tahoe … [Read more...]

Summer activities at Utah ski resorts: What’s open right now

We love visiting ski resorts in the summer. We've visited Northstar California for mountain biking, played on ropes courses at Jiminy Peak and Big Sky, and have returned to Park City Mountain Resort several times to bike, zip line, hike, and enjoy Park City without the snowy backdrop. Ski resorts are the perfect road trip pit stop in summer, as their lodging is often 'on sale'. Utah's ski resorts … [Read more...]