5 things to do at Northstar California in summer with kids

July 20, 2012 By

Think ski resorts are only for winter? Families can get great ski resort lodging deals in the summer, and pair them with outdoor seasonal activities perfect for all ages. We spent a sunny three days at Tahoe, CA’s Northstar this July, where we were faced with enough recreational and event options to last any family a month. How did we pick the best summer activities at Tahoe? We turned to Northstar and their innovative summer activities concierge service to help us have three perfect days on the mountain. Here’s what we loved at Northstar California in summer (and what you should do, too):

1. Rip it up on the Northstar Resort Mountain Bike Park:

Who knew you could ‘ski’ in the summer? A day in the bike park makes use of three lifts and over 44 trails, from wide ‘green circle’ paths to challenging ‘blue square’ and ‘black diamond’ single tracks. For about half the cost of a winter lift ticket, adults and kids can bike all day, making use of the Northstar Bike Academy for Bike 101 lessons and the Lodge at Big Springs for meals and breaks. It’s just like skiing Northstar in the winter, only you’ll be looking for shade at lunch instead of a place by the fire. And if you don’t own mountain bikes and protective gear of your own, rent everything at Plaza Bikes (pair it with a lesson for the best deal), just as you would rent skis and boards in winter.

Tahoe Star Tours

2. Star gaze with Tony Berendsen, President of the Nevada Science Coalition (and poet):

The Northstar Tahoe Star Tours program is popular: on the night we attended this 2 1/2 tour of the night sky, over 25 other guests joined us. Offered most nights at 8 pm, this interactive session includes an educational talk and exploration of the night sky by use of impressively high powered telescopes. Kids are included (and encouraged to ask questions) by expert Tony, and everyone in our group, from age 7 to 37, were entertained. We learned about super novas and constellations and viewed Saturn and Mars from the telescopes. The Tahoe night sky was amazing…the stars literally pop here.

The program meets at 8:15 at the top of the Highlands gondola, takes place just below at the Lodge at Big Springs, and ends at 10:30. Northstar shuttles stop running at 10 pm in summer, and the Highlands Gondola stops at 10:30, but a shuttle specially called to pick tour participants up right at the program venue, so there’s no need to worry about time.

Tip: The 10:30 shuttle does take some time to weave its way back down the mountain and drop off all passengers: we didn’t get back to our Northstar vacation rental until almost 11:30 pm. If you have young children who don’t want to be out that late, it’s also possible to leave the program at 10:15 pm, walk back up the hill to the Highlands Gondola, and take it back down before it shuts down at 10:30. (To make use of this option, however, you need your own transportation in the Village.)

3. Hike or geo-cache with a hiking pass:

For only $10 per adult (kids are free), families can ride the Big Springs Gondola and hike all day. If kids want to try their hand at geo-caching, GPS units can be rented at the NorthFace store in the Village. (This is a fun way for kids to turn hiking into a game, and there are tons of caches to be found!) Hiking trails are clearly marked on maps, and all filter back down to the gondola and lodge, where everyone can ride back up and do it again.

Tahoe Apex adventures

4. Enjoy a Northstar-at-Tahoe festival or music concert:

Nearly every summer weekend, something is going on at the Village at Northstar. During our visit, we were lucky enough to time our vacation with the Beer and Bluegrass Festival, which didn’t have much for kids, but the village atmosphere is always kid-friendly. While parents are enjoying an event, kids can spend some time on the ropes course and bungee trampoline run by Tahoe Apex Adventures. Northstar is a great music venue as well: check their Northstar summer concerts page for event information.

5. Swim in the lake or the pools (or both):

Northstar is only 6 miles away from the stunning north shore of Lake Tahoe, where kids will love swimming and renting watercraft at Kings Beach. If you don’t want to venture that far from your Northstar ‘home’, all lodging guests have access to one of two swim and fitness recreation centers. Both have outdoor pools and hot tubs, as well as games and recreational equipment.

tahoe paddleboarding

Tip: Families are given an events and recreation schedule upon check-in to Northstar-at-Tahoe (it has useful information about the current weather conditions and pertinent phone numbers, too, such as the dial-a-ride for the free Northstar shuttle. If you’re still a bit overwhelmed, make use of the Northstar concierge service.

Smuggler’s Notch with kids: programming for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers

February 17, 2012 By

smuggsIf you’re like a lot of families with very young kids (think pre-K), the prospect of a ski vacation is tempting, but overwhelming. Who wants to spend precious vacation dollars taking endless runs on the bunny hill with a toddler while your partner is stuck in the lodge chasing a baby determined eat every French fry she finds on the floor? Family ski resorts like Smuggler’s Notch understand this, and provide age-appropriate programming to help families take (and actually enjoy!) ski vacations with young kids. To put Smuggs’ legendary family-friendliness to the test, my husband and I set out from our home in Massachusetts with Homer (3) and Greta (1) for a three-night stay.

Homer was just old enough to enroll in their Discovery Camp (included in most packages), and Greta spent some quality time at the TREASURES child care center (ages six weeks to three). And what did TJ and I do? We skied all day, ate lunch at the lodge, and lounged in the hot tub. Heaven!

smuggs

The Discovery Dynamos program is for kids aged three to five, and accommodates all ability levels. Homer had already been skiing a few times this winter, so he was bumped up to a group that uses the beginner chair lift, but a lot of the younger groups use Sir Henry’s Learning Hill. This is a nice, wide bunny hill serviced by a magic carpet (it is also where the Burton Riglet Park for beginner snowboarders is located). Also, much to Homer’s delight, the program uses a tractor and wagon to haul kids to the upper slope-side condos, where they can enter the run and ski down without having to use the lifts (easier on the instructors, too!). The camp starts at 9 am, breaks for lunch around 11:30, then goes back out to ski until about 2:30 pm. In the afternoon, the kids come back inside for some indoor entertainment (on Homer’s days they had a science show and a movie). Needless to say, they sleep well at night!

smuggs

The instructors are friendly, very focused on the kids, and seem to be really excited about reaching a new generation of skiers. If at all possible, I recommend that your child spend a few consecutive days in the program. Homer had the same teacher every day, and became a little more confident and outgoing every day. If your kids are older, keep in mind that there are similar all-day programs for kids up to 15 years of age.

Tip: Though all ski and board ability levels are welcome at the Dynamo level, kids must be potty trained!

Smuggs

While Homer ripped it up with his instructor, Greta spent her days at TREASURES. The facilities are beautiful, and the staff is extremely helpful and accommodating. They even have their own magic carpet lift in the adorable outdoor play area for the older toddlers to try some skiing (refer to the Little Rascals on Snow program)! They specialize in non-recurrent childcare, meaning that they are good at making your child feel comfortable in a new environment, with unfamiliar adults and children. Snacks and meals are provided, but you can bring your own if there’s something special that you know for child will like. They also ask you about mealtimes and naptimes, and really do their best to stick to your normal routine. At the end of the day, you’re given a card detailing everything your child ate, when they slept, and an overall impression of their day.

TREASURES is located right on the trail coming down into the Village Center, so you can easily ski in/ski out to check on your little one. One of the best features of the baby room (0–16 months) is the two-way mirror by the door that allows you peak in without being seen (and thereby causing a meltdown!). But the proof is in the pudding—Greta, who isn’t in any formal, regular childcare at home, had two and a half great days at TREASURES, which equated to TJ and I having two and a half great days of adults-only, guilt-free skiing!

Smuggler’s Notch Resort: planning your winter ski vacation with kids

February 15, 2012 By

If you’re planning a ski vacation at one of the resorts in Vermont with young kids this winter, then Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont is the place for you. We recently got back from a great weekend at Smuggs with Homer (3) and Greta (1), and the convenience and accessibility of the resort made the weekend not just possible, but so much fun!

smuggs

When reserving Smuggler’s Notch lodging, it’s important to note that the resort is comprised of five distinct ‘communities’ of condos, each with their own pros and cons. We opted to stay in a Village East slope-side condo (Hakone) that was just steps away from the Morse Mountain lift and the Village Center (which is complete with restaurants, a rental shop, and even a small grocery store, well-stocked with Ben and Jerry’s, of course!). We highly recommend staying this close to both amenities and the lifts with young kids; parents know just how important it is not to have to lug skis in and out of the car, pack lunches and backpacks to leave in the base lodge, and wrestle kids in and out of car seats every morning and afternoon! If you’re staying in one of the communities a little farther away from the action, however, there are shuttles going to and from the Village Center and Madonna/Sterling Mountains all day.

smuggs

All Smuggler’s Notch condos are well-equipped with linens, dishes, pots and pans–basically everything but the groceries. You have the option of choosing anything from a studio to a five-bedroom condo (descriptions and layouts of which can be found at the Smuggs website), making it easy to find the perfect fit for your family.

When you make your condo reservation, you’re given the option of signing up for a Club Smuggler’s package (Base, Classic, or Summit). Packages include lodging, lift tickets, and the use of many amenities. With the Classic and Summit packages, Treasures childcare (six weeks to three years) and the all-day Discovery Camp (ages 3–5) are included. Be sure to take advantage of this: when you break down the per-day expenses of child care and lift tickets, you’ll see that these packages are a great deal!

smuggs

There are several great dining options at the Smuggs Village Center, but we mostly stuck to the groceries we brought from home (all condos have a full kitchen) and the Morse Mountain Grille in the nearby lodge. Travel Tip: the Morse Mountain Grille has a take-out option. Great for after a long day of skiing, and even better when you have two tired toddlers on your hands!

In the Village Center you’ll also find some bad-weather entertainment options like a heated indoor pool and hot tubs and the Fun Zone, a big indoor arena with a bounce house, all kinds of slides and games, and even a fenced-off area for babies and toddlers. For older kids (13¬18), Teen Alley and Outer Limits are supervised centers with Internet access, Xbox 360, and other activities.

Seasonal Tip: Keep in mind that the fun doesn’t stop when the snow melts. Smuggler’s Notch is a year-round resort with lots of kids’ programming all summer long. Activities for kids and grownups include swimming, hiking, climbing, tennis, and lots more.

Date last visited: February 3–6, 2012

Distance from the interstate: Smuggs is about 40 miles off I-89 in Vermont. Check out www.smuggs.com for directions; search engines like googlemaps or mapquest might try to send you to Smuggs via VT-108, a portion of which is closed between Stowe and Jeffersonville in the winter!

Rates and reservations: Rates vary by condo size, location, and time of year. Rates (including Club Smugglers Base, Classic, or Summit packages) range from $109 to $209 per person for adults, and from $79 to $199 for kids.

Directions: Smuggler’s Notch is located at 4323 Vermont Route 108 South in Jeffersonville. The most reliable directions are on the Smuggs website. Check-in is located in the Village Center by the main parking lot as you enter the resort.

As I disclose whenever applicable, Smuggler’s Notch hosted our stay for the purpose of review. While we appreciate such Vermont hospitality, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Northstar-at-Tahoe with kids: dining on and off the mountain

February 10, 2012 By

Let’s face it: feeding a hungry family at a ski resort can be pricey! Northstar-at-Tahoe is no exception, but with a thriving village scene and the addition of a brand new mid-mountain lodge, guests have more choices than ever. And we all know that more choices mean greater food freedom for families. Plus, with most lodging options including kitchens or kitchenettes, it’s easier than ever to bring groceries and eat in-suite for convenience.

Northstar

On-mountain: We loved to see rehydration stations dotting the top of lifts, and quick snacks to be had at the several EuroSnacks kiosks (we never slowed down long enough, but I’ve heard the waffles are to die for). We ate two lunch meals at the brand new Zephyr Lodge, which offers a quick but extensive salad bar, full grill, pizza kitchen, and Asian bowl station (which, with teriaki shrimp and soba noodles, was my ten-year-old’s favorite). More dining can be had at both the Day Lodge and Summit Grill, both of which offer Mexican food choices in addition to grab-and-go sandwiches, burgers, and the like. Best of all for those of us who hate fighting crowds, the addition of the Zephyr Lodge has ensured that even when stopping for a break in the middle of lunch hour, on a weekend, we didn’t have trouble finding a table. Plan to spend approximately $15 per adult for a regular meal, and $10 per child, plus drinks (use those free hydration stations!). In our experience, kids’ meals were generously portioned. Brown bag lunches are permitted in the Day Lodge (at the base of the mountain), but consider there to be a $10 surcharge: the cost of a locker to store your food.

Zephyr Lodge

In the Village: Families must eat at Rubicon Pizza Company (my husband swears the Thai Red Curry Chicken pizza will change your life). Not only does this family-friendly restaurant bring games and toys to the table (without having to be asked) and serve gourmet pizza and salads (well-earned after a day of skiing), but it’s located directly adjacent to the village ice skating rink, Cabana Bar, several sweet shops, and outdoor fire pits. In addition to the aforementioned Thai Curry, we loved the Apple-Pecan salad (big enough to share, not that I did) and wings. For dessert, don’t pass up the chance to have the Out of the Oven Chocolate Chip Cookie, which is just that. Baked after you order, it’s served with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. After eating at Rubicon, plan to spend the rest of the evening soaking up the village fun! (If you’re needing a night in, however, Rubicon does offer take-out!)

Rubicon Northstar

Directly before the shuttle drop-off and pick-up area at the edge of the village, families will find TC’s Pub, which offers a great pub atmosphere for the adults while still catering to kids. Watch the latest ball game (or winter sports) on the multiple flatscreen TVs over the bar, and try the Cadillac margarita. Our server, Michael, was as friendly as he was knowledgable, and steered us right toward the burgers, BLTs, and deep-fried everything.

At either family dining option, plan to spend $7-9 per kid and $13-20 for adults, not including appetizers or drinks (individual pizzas at Rubicon are $13). And we can guarantee: your kids will want to roast marshmallows afterward in one of the many outdoor fire pits! S’mores kits can be purchased from True North (across from the ice skating rink), but a word of warning: the store closes up at 8 pm. Nearby EuroSweets is open later, but sells fancier marshmallow creations that just might be too cute to roast!

If you’re planning to take advantage of Tahoe Mountain Resorts lodgings’ full kitchens, or are staying in a rental home or condo nearby, stock up on groceries in either Reno or Truckee for the best prices. If you’re flying into Tahoe and don’t want to hassle the expense of a taxi for groceries, the Tahoe Mountain Resorts concierge can direct you to several companies who will shop for you and deliver. We ate every breakfast in our kitchen, and loved the convenience and savings!

Thank you to Northstar-at-Tahoe, Rubicon Pizza Company, and TC’s Pub for providing our meals during our time exploring the village and resort.

Northstar California with kids: a stay at Big Horn Lodge

February 3, 2012 By

As with any large Tahoe ski resort, families have many lodging options at California’s Northstar-at-Tahoe, from rental homes to studio suites and condos, to hotel rooms. For our three-day weekend family getaway, we choose to stay in a luxury condo at Big Horn Lodge. Operated by Tahoe Mountain Lodging, Big Horn Lodge is located ideally in the heart of the Northstar Village. From our 5th floor balcony, we could watch the Big Springs Gondola whisk skiers and boarders up the mountain and eye the comings and goings on the lively village street below.

northstar

Last winter, our family enjoyed a week in an isolated vacation home on the south side of Lake Tahoe, so at first, the kids weren’t sure how much they’d like being so close to the action. They were won over by ‘village life’ almost instantly; they loved being steps away from the village ice skating rink (open afternoons and evenings and free to use), the hot tubs (directly across the village street from the Big Horn building), and most importantly, enjoying the novelty of grabbing their skis out of our assigned Big Horn locker and walking 35 steps (yes, they counted) to the gondola.

northstar

Our 1300 square foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom Big Horn condo included a full, gourmet kitchen (stocked with everything you’ll need except groceries), a dining area, living area (with fireplace), and sleeping space for six (two bedrooms, plus a quite comfortable pull-out sofa). The kids loved the deep tubs, and I appreciated having a full-sized washer and dryer…no more damp gloves! Our ski locker downstairs fit six pairs of skis, and the proximity to the lifts made getting three kids ready to go each morning very easy. Ditto for the reverse: it was so fun to ski right down to our door!

NorthstarIn the evenings, we stepped outside Big Horn (located at the end of the village next to the slopes) and walked just a few doors down to all village shops and restaurants, as well as the ice skating rink (rentals are $10, and run big), where the kids (and me!) loved roasting marshmallows on the big fire pits (surrounded by welcoming outdoor seating). Tip: S’mores kits are available for purchase at True North, directly across from the ice skating rink, but plan ahead…they close at 8 pm!

All Tahoe Mountain Lodging guests enjoy the use of fitness centers and hot tubs located within their properties (the closest to us was right across the street in the Catamount Lodge) and the heated outdoor pool (with lap lanes) in the Village Swim and Fitness Center (directly across from the village near the Hyatt). All amenities were within easy walking distance for our family.

northstar

Bottom line? Our condo at Big Horn Lodge was beautiful inside and out, but what guests are really paying for (and is it ever worth it!) is the location. At the end of our stay, I asked the kids again if they would rather be deep in the woods like last year, and they couldn’t decide! They truly loved both experiences, but if a relaxing stay for you, Mom and Dad, is paramount, go for village living! Our experience at Big Horn Lodge was the epitome of logistical ease: everything we needed was at-hand, and we never even saw our car again until we checked out!

Date last visited: January 26-28, 2012

Distance from the interstate: Several miles off I-80 near Truckee CA.

Rates and reservations: Rates vary by season and condo size. The rate for our two-bedroom, two-bathroom Big Horn condo was $425/night, at the time of our booking. Rates for a similar condo range from $300-900.

Directions: Northstar-at-Tahoe is located 30 minutes from Reno, NV or three hours from Sacramento, CA off of the Highway 267 exit on Interstate 80 (I-80). Follow signs from Big Spring Drive to the second loop (by the Hyatt), where you’ll see parking for Tahoe Mountain Lodging. Check-in is easy at their offices (open to 11 pm nightly).

As I disclose whenever applicable, Northstar-at-Tahoe and Tahoe Mountain Lodging generously hosted our stay at Big Horn Lodge. This compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Northstar on Dwellable

Best Ski Towns: Keystone Resort, Colorado

November 7, 2011 By

Vail, Colorado has long been synonymous with top-notch skiing, but vacationing families may overlook one of the most family-friendly gems in its crown: Keystone Resort. Less well-known than nearby Vail, Beaver Creek, or Breckenridge, Keystone is located an easy two-hour drive from the airport hub of Denver on I-70, right in the heart of the Rockies. Operated by Vail Resorts, Keystone is a ski town unto itself, with a quaint slopeside village, a full scope of lodging options, fine and family dining, and so many apres-ski activities, kids will certainly sleep well at night!

keystone-gondola-river-run

I had the opportunity to visit Keystone last month, and the moment I arrived, I knew it would make my list of Best Ski Towns. All the essential elements for a great family ski vacation can be found within the resort: convenient, cozy lodging, easy and affordable dining, great skiing, a top-tier, full-service ski school, stunning scenery, and most importantly, a dedication to the family ski experience on the mountain and off.

During the high season, Keystone is literally buzzing with activity. While I was visiting in the fall off-season, construction crews were hard at work on a brand new, full-sized family ice skating rink, located in the heart of the village, and despite the fact that the snow hadn’t yet begun to fall, I kept hearing about KidTopia, a family festival running on scheduled weekends throughout the ski season. KidTopia is a full program of winter events, movie nights, themed parties, and entertainment, at the center of which is a real-life ice castle snow fort (remade each winter, of course!) for kids to explore slopeside. Families can also snowshoe, snow tube, and take sleigh rides when not hitting the slopes.

ski-and-ride-keystone

For quality ski and boarding instruction, Keystone offers their Ski and Ride School, where families can choose between group lessons by their children’s age, family lessons in which the whole family is involved, or private lessons. All take place in a centralized section of the mountain, where fun interactive elements vie for kids’ attention and offer a whimsical addition to lessons. Keystone also offers a full-time daycare for the littlest ones, and–most appealing to my family of skiers–an adventruous Cat Skiing and Riding program that delivers families (or just mom and dad) deep into unexplored power to make new tracks! Every level of skiing is catered to, and with such mix-and-match options, families won’t feel ‘boxed in’ to lessons that take them away from each other.

keystone

Tip! As with any ski resort, don’t forget about the off-season! Temperatures may rise, but prices drop in the summer and fall, making the off-season a great time to visit Keystone. During our stay, we enjoyed the many hiking trails in the immediate area (Keystone employees at both the lodge and condo registration offices can point out great hikes on a map). Bike and jogging trails criss-cross the resort, offering miles of beautiful scenery, and only 25 minutes away by car, Lower Cataract Lake awaits with a family-friendly two mile loop amid quaking aspen and high peaks. Summer activities also include river tubing, fishing, and rafting.

Lodging: Keystone offers so many different types of lodging, it’ll make your head spin. Every level is accommodated, from lodge hotel rooms to home rentals. During our stay, we called the family-friendly River Run condominiums home. Comprised of two and three bedroom condos in beautifully themed multi-level buildings, the location is perfect: right in the heart of the River Run village, it’s ski-in, ski-out, so there’s no hassling with shuttles or parking. The lobby of our building housed a roaring fireplace, comfy couches, and ski lockers, and the outdoor patio welcomed us with a steaming hot tub and guest-use BBQ. Laundry facilities are located in-house as well; though I’ll tell you they’re on the top floor to save you from looking for them as long as I did! Our unit in River Run was very spacious and comfortable for a family with a full kitchen, living and dining area, and two bedrooms and bathrooms. We were able to shop for food on our way into Keystone and cook most of our own meals, and from our balcony, we could see a main gondola.

keystone

Dining: Right in River Run village are a vast number of family-friendly pizza parlors, pubs, quick-service sandwich shops, coffee shops, and even a small grocery store. When not dining in, any type of food you might want can be found within a few steps of your condo, and most deliver. For a special night out, I recommend one of two fine dining restaurants, with or without the kids: the dining room of the Keystone Lodge and Spa serves delicious, locally-inspired options from top chefs (I had a house-made ‘pocket pasta’ that was to die for), and the unique Ski Tip, housed south of River Run in the historic Ski Tip Lodge offers an amazing wine list and four-star culinary options paired with the wonderful ambiance of a cozy ski cabin (the original home of Keystone’s founding owner). If the weather is nice, take cocktails on the outdoor patio, and ask for your dessert by the cavernous fireplace in the living room. Kids are welcomed at Ski Tip with their own varied and inspired kid menu, but keep in mind that your fellow patrons and inn guests will most likely be seeking serenity and relaxation after a long ski day.

Keystone-resort

Getting there: If you’re driving, Keystone is very accessible on I-70. From Denver, travel west on Interstate 70 and exit at the Silverthorne/Dillon exit (#205). At the end of the exit ramp turn left (East) at the stop light onto Highway 6. Travel 6.2 miles into Keystone Resort.

While staying in River Run, cars are parked in the nearby indoor, underground garage, but you may not need it again until you depart: the Keystone shuttle service, operated by Colorado Mountain Express, got us everywhere we needed to be in the resort. For those flying into Denver, the same shuttle service gets families efficiently and safety to Keystone straight from the airport.

Tip! Keystone Resort is situated at over 9,000 feet above sea level. Families not used to this altitude will want to take it easy on their first day, and be sure to hydrate while on vacation and before arriving! I was raised at 5000 feet, and still felt the effects quite strongly!

As I disclose whenever applicable, Keystone Resort hosted me during my stay, covering accommodations, transportation, some dining, and a spa treatment. While generous, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Timberline Lodge and ski resort

February 7, 2011 By

If you’re looking for a Pacific Northwest ski resort experience that will really impress while remaining kid and family-friendly, you’ll want to book an overnight ski package at Timberline Lodge, a ski-in and ski-out resort nestled on the slopes of Timberline in Oregon’s Mt. Hood area.

We love Timberline Lodge’s historic beauty, cozy rooms, and majestic views, but the best thing is, guests don’t have to sacrifice any of these features for family-friendly prices. Kids under age 11 eat free in the dining room (off the children’s menu), ski and stay packages are always on offer, and rooms are reasonably priced (kids stay free in the same room as parents, or add an extra room for the kids with two twin beds for only $105 a night!).

During ski season, families love the convenience of the lodge’s ski-in and out location, the cavernous ski locker and storage area on the main lobby level, and the wonderful (and filling) ski morning breakfasts in the main dining room. Visitors in the off-season can fill their days hiking, biking, and wildflower spotting on the high mountain peaks. And all year round, Timberline’s heated outdoor pool and hot tub ease the muscle aches of a busy day. Kids love swimming under the stars at night, and adults will appreciate the free coffee, comfortable couches, and games and reading material on-hand in the beautiful lobby.

Main lobby of Timberline Lodge. The stone fire...

Image via Wikipedia

The ski resort itself is perfect for beginners and families representing multiple ski and riding levels. The ride up the top chair offers plenty of challenging terrain, but much of the lower mountain sports wide, groomed trails and expanses. We love that the Wy’East ski lodge is just across the parking lot from the Timberline Lodge for quick snacks, ski rental equipment, and other ski resort fare.

Distance from the interstate: Timberline is located just over an hour from Portland, OR just off Hwy 26 past Government Camp.

Room rates: $155 for a queen room and $105 for a double twin room at time of this publication. Consider coming midweek, when your room will include ski tickets, complimentary breakfast, and a $20 dining room credit!

Dining: For a single lodge, there are a surprising number of dining options for families. The Cascade Dining Room can’t be beat for breakfast, and if you’re looking for an upscale evening meal in a no-fuss or frills atmosphere where kids are welcome (and eat free!), this is the place for dinner, too. If you’re looking for something more casual after a day of skiing or hiking, the Ram’s Head Bar, located on the second-floor landing, has great pub-type food and drinks.

Directions: From Salem, OR: Follow I-5 North to I-205, then take I-205 North to the Mt. Hood exit; turn right. Follow signs to Mt Hood/Government Camp,then follow Hwy 26 to the Timberline access road, just past Government Camp. Turn left on Timberline access road; follow the road to Timberline (6 miles).

From Portland: Take the 205 South to I-84 East (The Dalles exit), then I-84 East to exit 16 “Wood Village”. Go right at stop sign on to 238th, then follow 238th (which becomes 242nd) to Burnside (approx. 3 mi.) Take a left on Burnside, which turns into Hwy 26 East. Follow Hwy 26 East to the Timberline Road turn-off (about 40 mi.); pass through the towns of Sandy, Welches, and Rhododendron. Turn left on the Timberline access road; follow the road to Timberline (6 mi.)

Home (Away) for the Holidays: Sierra at Tahoe ski resort

December 24, 2010 By

We’re a family who loves to ski. We’ve visited many ski resorts, including a large sampling of what the Lake Tahoe area has to offer. During our Home (Away) for the Holidays vacation week, our rental home is right at the base of Sierra at Tahoe resort, so we checked it out. In a word:

Wow.

family ski resort

We don’t say that lightly, but Sierra at Tahoe has so much going for it, we were floored. It is, without a doubt, the most family-friendly mid-sized ski resort we’ve ever visited. What makes it so great?

It’s in the details. Sierra at Tahoe is like the host or hostess who thinks of everything to make your stay convenient and enjoyable. If you ski with young kids, you know how the experience can either be great…or terrible. And it can turn in an instant. Long treks from the car to the lodge, long lift lines, difficult terrain, expensive tickets…it can all add up to a miserable time. We know; we’ve been there. But Sierra makes the extra effort to ensure families have an easy time of it. How?

Preferred family parking and drop-off lines. For a small fee, you can enjoy parking right up front…not a lot to pay when you’re lugging not only your own ski gear but likely your toddler’s. And if that’s not in the budget, just use their drop-off zone. Let the kids and one adult unload with all the gear, go park, and meet back up!

Groomed trails and powder...the perfect combination!

Affordable ticket prices. Skiing is an expensive sport, and Sierra is cognisant of this fact. Ticket prices here are lower than the Tahoe average, and deals abound. If you plan to ski more than one day, consider buying their 3 Pak, which saves you over $20 a day for adults and $5 a day for kids. And there are no blackout dates. They’ve also bundled lift tickets with ski or board rentals and lessons for those families who need them with their $35 Learn to Ski or Ride packages.

Extra ticket options perfect for families: Sierra at Tahoe is the only resort we’ve visited to offer Parent Predicament tickets and Fast Pass tickets. How do they work? Parent Predicament: if two parents are visiting with a non-skiing child or baby, this ticket allows you to buy just one ticket to share instead of two (to waste). Just ask for it at the ticket booth, and you’ll be able to ‘tag team’ ski all day long! Fast Pass: Part of Sierra’s Vertical Plus program, families can add Fast Pass privileges to any ticket for $20. We used this feature, and let me tell you, on a busy holiday day or weekend, it’s worth its weight in gold. Instead of waiting in the regular lift lines, we accessed the Vertical Plus line (marked with a yellow banner), and didn’t wait more than one minute all day long. We more than made up for the price of the upgrade in increased ski time! Insider Tip: If you pair this upgrade with a 3 Pak, which saves you $20/day, you essentially come out even!

Professional children’s programs and features. When it came time to hire a children’s ski school staff, Sierra went looking for childcare professionals, not babysitters. Their children’s programs are run by experienced early childhood learning instructors, with an emphasis on both skiing and riding fun and education. We loved that there are several ski school areas across the mountain so that children (and adults) can learn with peers in their own age group. And if your kids aren’t taking lessons, there’s still great features on the mountain for them. Look for Sierra’s Adventure Zones, designated on the trail map by a paw print. Our kids had fun trying to spot the mine shaft, bear cave, and more…all located in various spots on the mountain.

A unique terrain. Sierra’s layout is unique in several respects. Firstly, the mountain is designed in a way that allows families to split up and meet back up easily. Lodges and restaurants are located for easy access, and runs feed into a central ‘bowl’, making it easy to ‘meet at the lodge’. The mountain’s groomers even go so far as to consider beginning skiers and riders when shaping the runs, ensuring less hiking, stopping, and frustration. More importantly to us, easy, intermediate, and advanced terrain are seamlessly intermixed, allowing family members with different ability levels to ski together. Toby (age 6) loved that he could ride the chair to the peak of the mountain with his brothers, and still find a fun, easy way down while they tackled moguls and powder.

sierra-at-tahoe

A great location. Because Sierra at Tahoe is located in Eldorado National Forest, skiers and riders are surrounded by wilderness…not condos and excess parking lots. The only area in Tahoe with an old-growth forest, the powder and tree skiing is awesome. Advanced skiers and riders will love Huckleberry Gates, a section on the far side of the mountain with back-country style access to trees, powder, cornices, and drop-offs. Experts can be highly challenged but still meet up with beginners in the lift line!

Plenty of on-mountain dining. We ate at The Pub and Aspen Cafe during our visit, both of which were delicious. We loved that nearly every on-site restaurant offers affordable kid meals, and that outside food is permitted. No one wants to spend all their vacation money on lunch!

More than just skiing: If you’re not sure whether downhill skiing is for you and your family (or if you just need a break from skiing on an off-day), Sierra also has a full tubing and snow play park and over three miles of snowshoe trails. Tubes are available on-site, and snowshoes can be rented in the ski and board rental center.

snowshoeing-with-kids

Date last visited: March 2016

Website: www.sierraattahoe.com

Distance from the Interstate: Two minutes from US Hwy 50. 15 miles from South Lake Tahoe, and 80 miles from I-5 near Sacramento, CA.

Directions: From South Lake Tahoe, just take Hwy 50 over Echo Summit to the Sierra at Tahoe entrance!

Check out the Pit Stops for Kids’ Kid Cam for a sneak peak of Sierra at Tahoe!

As I disclose with all compensated reviews, Sierra at Tahoe generously hosted us for this portion of our Tahoe Holiday review series. While we greatly appreciate their hospitality, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review. Read all our articles in our Home (Away) for the Holidays series!


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Home (Away) for the Holidays: A Tahoe winter wonderland

December 22, 2010 By

This friendly welcome greeted us at the door of our HomeAway rental.

Only two days into our Tahoe Holiday vacation, and we’re convinced: if you’re looking for a winter family getaway in the South Lake Tahoe area, you can’t do better than to rent a HomeAway property such as this one we’re currently enjoying near Twin Bridges. (It’s easy to rent the perfect vacation home at HomeAway.com!) Nestled in the snow right at the base of Sierra at Tahoe ski resort, this cozy vacation cabin has all the comforts of home in a high Sierra setting.

We arrived for our holiday week vacation amid a December snowstorm. The snow was piled to the upper deck in true Tahoe fashion, but inside, every amenity we could ask for awaited us, including wireless wifi, a full washer and dryer, a complete kitchen including dishwasher, all cutlery, dishware, and pots and pans, two full bathrooms (one with a tub/shower, one with a shower), and sleeping arrangements for up to 10 people.

How the home normally looks in winter…

…and the winter wonderland that awaited us this week!

And best of all for those of us wanting to get away from it all without any additional worry: the home has a generator for when the power goes out (and it has!) and snow removal plans for when the roads fill with that wonderful white stuff (which they have), all thanks to our home’s competent and detail-oriented owner, who works hand -in-hand with HomeAway to ensure every guest’s needs are cared for; everything, from extra linens to tupperware to emergency supplies, were stocked and ready for our arrival.

Who wouldn’t want to spend the holidays curled up with a good book here?

Our property’s efficient and modern kitchen, complete with many cozy touches!

The kids quickly claimed the upstairs loft with three beds, a bathroom, and a folding-bed/couch, and we settled into one of the two downstairs bedrooms with King beds. While I started dinner our first night (one of the many benefits of renting a vacation home is the ability to eat in your own home), the kids got busy on a snow fort and my husband checked out the game on TV (of which there are two).

Toby gets cozy by the fire after a long day of car travel.

The property’s location couldn’t be better: just yards from the entrance to Sierra-at-Tahoe, it’s also right down US-50 from a great snow park with sledding and snowshoeing, Echo Lake with hiking trails in the summer, and only 15 minutes from South Tahoe. We love that we’re only minutes from restaurants, ski resorts, and attractions, but feel completely and totally away from it all.

Outside our back door, fresh powder and woods are at the kids’ command, and down the quiet street, a lovely meadow beckons. We could easily spend our full week exploring and playing right at the property!

Nate pauses for a photo op while sculpting his fort!

Note: Obviously, this is snow country. If you rent a vacation home in this area, be prepared for winter driving, have emergency supplies on-hand, and if your stay coincides with a winter storm, plan to be flexible. Itineraries sometimes have to be adjusted, but that just means more time for hot cocoa! During our visit, snow removal has been slow-going at times, and the extra effort has to be made to shovel and de-ice, but with drifts as high as several feet, it’s to be expected!

Distance from the nearest interstate: Right off Hwy 50.

Weekly rates: $1000-$2500, depending on the season. Consider a spring or fall visit to explore Tahoe without the high price tag!

Dining options: Our home’s owner helpfully provided information on area grocery stores before our arrival, allowing us to shop en route to the house from the Sacramento area. We opted to buy most our groceries ahead of time and prepare meals, but South Tahoe has dozens of excellent restaurants to choose from.

Website: View this rental here.

Directions: From Sacramento, follow US Highway 50 past Echo Summit to Twin Bridges. (85 miles from I-5.)

As I disclose with all compensated reviews, HomeAway hosted us  for the majority of this review. While we greatly appreciate their hospitality, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review. Read all our articles in our Home (Away) for the Holidays series!

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Sunriver Resort, Oregon

November 8, 2010 By

Toby kicks back and relaxes in the snow at Sunriver.Located thirty minutes from Bend, Oregon along Hwy 97, Sunriver, Oregon is an outdoors-lover’s paradise four seasons out of the year. The Pit Stops for Kids family has visited in winter, spring, and summer, and had so much to do and see each time that we definitely need to go back!

Sunriver is a vibrant resort community of vacation homes and a village center of shops and restaurants centered around a main lodge, all nestled among the pines of central Oregon and in the shadow of Mt. Bachelor. The lodge often runs special packages ideal for families and weekend getaways, but if you’re looking for a magical place to spend your winter holiday vacation, Pit Stops for Kids recommends one of Sunriver’s vacation home rentals, such as these listings currently offered by HomeAway.

We were fortunate enough to spend a Christmas week here, and the kids (and I!) have never forgot it. Right in the Sunriver community, you have it all: snow outside your door (most of the time, anyway!), a sledding hill within walking distance, a year-round pool and hot tub (at the lodge, free access with most home rentals), cross-country and snow-shoe trails (doubling as walking and biking trails in the summer months), a village center with outdoor ice skating rink, award-winning restaurants, and kids’ activity clubs.

Holiday lights at the Sunriver Resort.

During the holiday season, there are tree-lighting ceremonies, cookies with Santa, The Night Before Christmas readings, bonfires, and more. We ate a delicious and festive Christmas Eve dinner at one of the lodge’s several dining rooms before returning to our cozy rental to hang the stockings and leave out cookies and milk for Santa. Christmas Day, we spent most our afternoon sledding, sipping cocoa, and playing board games. It really couldn’t be beat!

If you’re a skier, Mt. Bachelor ski resort is only twenty miles away, (arguably) offering the very best downhill experience of the area. Check for bundled ski/stay rates with Sunriver!

Distance from the nearest interstate: Right on Hwy 97 (30 minutes from OR Hwy 20).

Date Last Visited: December 2009

Rentals and Room Rates: Vary. Check the above links for room rates from the source!

Dining options: There are many, but our favorites are The Grille at Crosswater (for fine dining) in the lodge and Goody’s in the Sunriver Village. There is also a grocery store in the village, but for better prices, you might want to head into Bend, where you’ll find a Trader Joe’s, Albertson’s, and the like.

Website: Sunriver Resort

Directions: To get to the resort from Bend, take highway 97 to the exit at Cottonwood Road. Take a left at S. Imnaha Rd, then another left at E Cascade Rd. At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on E Cascade Rd, then turn left to stay on E Cascade Rd. At the next traffic circle (yes, it’s confusing!), take the 3rd exit onto Abbot Dr, then turn left at Summit View Dr to the resort entrance.