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...]

Deer Valley on a budget: How to plan a skiing trip

During my visit to Deer Valley last ski season, I repeatedly heard two things: it's so expensive, and the dining scene is amazing. After spending two nights and three days at Deer Valley, Utah, I can tell you one of these things is true. Deer Valley has an amazing culinary scene that you will want to indulge in. However, this resort is not the most expensive in Utah. In fact, lift ticket rates … [Read more...]

Tahoe with kids: Skiing Alpine Meadows

Planning to go to Tahoe with kids? Alpine Meadows, located between Truckee and Lake Tahoe, California, has some of the best skiing in the Tahoe area. Plus, it's rarely crowded and always easy to navigate with kids in tow. Often overshadowed by Squaw Valley, the two resorts are now on the same 'team'; one lift ticket now allows families to explore both mountains (connected by 15 minute shuttle … [Read more...]

Tahoe with kids: Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort review

When we visit Lake Tahoe, we visit for the skiing, and we tend to stay slopeside at ski resorts. However, there's a lot to do in North Lake Tahoe in the winter and summer that does not involve downhill skiing! If your family prefers lakeside relaxation, snow play, Tahoe dining, or summer Tahoe beach-going, hiking, and mountain biking, stay at the lakeshore instead of in ski … [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...]

Backcountry skiing basics: How to get into the sport

It's never been a better time to get into the backcountry and leave the crowds behind! Here's how to get into the sport during the COVID season! An avid downhill skier and snowshoer, I've been noting the small but growing trend toward backcountry skiing for some time now. This sport, which combines a love of nordic exploration and downhill excitement, attracts men and women (and yes, some kids) … [Read more...]

Where to ski in Utah: Brighton Resort

If you just read my post reviewing Utah skiing at Solitude Mountain Resort, you know that Brighton Resort is its closest neighbor, nestled right next door in Big Cottonwood Canyon outside of Salt Lake City. Both resorts offer incredible ski terrain for experts and backcountry skiers and snowboarders, both offer a friendly, local vibe, and both have enough skiable terrain for a family to be happy … [Read more...]

Northstar California Resort with kids: what you need to know for a great ski vacation

Between the expense, the equipment, and the logistics of getting everyone where they need to be (preferably with both gloves), skiing with kids can be daunting. Northstar California makes it easier by continuing to be one of the friendliest and most family-oriented mountains my family and I have ever skied. With a fun, centralized ski village, luxury accommodation options, and multiple ski school … [Read more...]

The Home Ranch review: Colorado dude ranch

If you book a stay at The Home Ranch, located just outside Steamboat Springs, Colorado, you’d better get used to hearing the word ‘yes’. As in, ‘Yes, we can accommodate that’, or, ‘Yes, we’ll make that happen’, or ‘Yes, you most certainly can’. And yes, this 'can do' attitude is a delight to hear during a dude ranch vacation. We discovered this rhetoric early on during our early summer visit, … [Read more...]

Grown-Up Getaway: How to spend a weekend in Reno, Nevada

I know...you thought I was going to say Las Vegas, right? But I prefer Reno, Nevada to Vegas any day...this medium-sized city is nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and offers plenty to do in the outdoors in addition to gaming and entertainment. Here's what to do and where to go...with some unexpected surprises along the way! Grown Up Getaway: Reno Nevada Where to stay: You … [Read more...]