state - Pitstops for Kids

Fun and simple ways to celebrate Mardi Gras at home

February 11, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed so much of how we live our lives and continues to affect the world in countless ways, forcing many people indoors and triggering the cancellation of some of our favorite events, as well.

For instance, it was recently announced that Mardi Gras would not be running as normal in New Orleans, bringing great sadness to so many people who adore the fun and excitement of this colorful, eclectic celebration.

Families who were planning to attend the week-long carnival and enjoy the parades, parties, and entertainment together will be sorely disappointed, but there is a logic behind the cancellation, and it should help to reduce the spread of the virus, saving lives and protecting the vulnerable.

We can hope to enjoy the real Mardi Gras in full swing in future years, but in the meantime, it’s been inspiring to see how people have responded, with New Orleans locals turning their homes into decorative floats and people around the world choosing to celebrate at home instead.

Go Virtual

Since COVID-19 started to spread and people began to spend more time indoors, virtual events and activities have started to become increasingly popular. We’ve seen virtual zoo tours, virtual museum visits, virtual concerts, and now you and your family can get ready for a virtual Marid Gras fun time too.

There are quite a few of these virtual Mardi Gras celebrations planned. Kota Hotb is running an online behind-the-scenes look at Carnival, for example, and there are also interactive, explorable maps of the city so you can virtually roam around and see all the decorations.

Make Your Own Masks and Outfits

If you have any kids of any age at home or just want to let your own inner child have some fun, why not make your own crazy carnival outfits and dress up in honor of this special celebration? After all, the colorful outfits and masks are a big part of what makes Mardi Gras so special, and no party can quite feel right without them.

You can stock up on crafts and supplies to make your own masks and outfits. Of course, you could also purchase pre-made ones, but it can be a lot of fun to create your own, especially when you get the kids involved and let your imaginations run wild together.

You can also buy ready-made plain costumes such as long, flowing cloaks and capes and jazz them up with colorful, sparkly, and flowery decorations. It saves time while giving you and the kids the chance to unleash your creativity and imagination!

Decorate Your Home

Many New Orleans locals have proven that you can’t truly ever cancel Mardi Gras by decorating their homes to look like parade floats, with all kinds of fun colors, styles, themes, and designs, from magical Marvel Universe lands to Venetian balls.

Whether you’re a Louisiana local or someone living far away, you and your family can join in on the fun as well and decorate your own home. The best part is that there aren’t really any rules, which is one of the most exciting aspects of Mardi Gras, and you can choose any kind of style that makes you smile.

The Tastiest Treats

One of the best things about Mardi Gras is the food. It’s called ‘Fat Tuesday’, after all, so it’s only fitting that you should indulge in all of your favorite treats, snacks, and drinks during this exciting time of year, and there are many traditional dishes to try, with the King Cake being the most famous example.

You can bake your own King Cake in the famous shape of a crown and decorate it in the Carnival colors, or you can order one pre-made. You can also whip up some classic Louisiana dishes or New Orleans treats like fried seafood and po’boys.

Moving and Grooving

Of course, as well as food, outfits, parades, and decorations, one of the key aspects of any Mardi Gras celebration is the music. New Orleans is famed around the world for its musical associations and jazz clubs, and when Mardi Gras comes along, the city parties all night long, with instruments of all kinds sounding out throughout the streets.

You might not be able to make quite as much noise in the comfort of your own home, but it can really liven up the place to put on some authentic Louisiana tunes and have your very own dance party, moving and grooving with the kids in your masks and outfits.

A virtual or at-home Mardi Gras might not be quite the same as the real thing, but it can still be a wonderful celebration. Follow these tips and have the best and safest time for your own Fat Tuesday fun.

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

February 9, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

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 lodges. While we haven’t experienced the Mt. Bachelor ski and ride school for kids, we can speak to the excellent terrain for all ages and abilities.

Tip: Mt. Bachelor is now a M.A.X. Pass ski resort, which means families can get five days of skiing here with a M.A.X. pass. These passes get you on the slopes 38 other North American ski resorts as well, all for one add-on price. We took our most recent trip to Mt. Bachelor using a M.A.X. Pass.

On busier days, and if you have pre-purchased lift tickets, opt to park at the first parking lot, Sunrise Lodge, and access the lifts directly from there. You’ll avoid the majority of the crowds, and will be in a great location to try out the new (in 2017) Cloudchaser chair, which opens up new terrain. We found the Cloudchaser terrain to be perfect for intermediate skiers and riders, with lots of fun, rolling groomers winding amid the forests. The runs are narrow, but there are lots of places where kids can explore off-piste without worrying about steep drops.

Otherwise, drive to the second parking lot at West Village Lodge for full services and amenities. Here you’ll find ski and board rentals, demos (with a friendly and knowledgeable staff), lift ticket sales, and a full snow sports gear shop. The only locker rentals are in the Mountain Gateway Building, and families will want to grab breakfast (or possibly lunch later) at the adjacent West Village lodge.

From Cloudchaser to Pine Marten, the frontside of Mt. Bachelor offers most of its beginner and intermediate terrain, with a wide variety of runs including terrain parks, moguls, and groomers. The terrain is wide-open here, making visibility easier than on the Outback side, with more tree runs. The Sunrise Lodge is a less-crowded place to break, but the best views are found at the top of the Pine Marten lift at the Pine Marten Lodge. This is also where families access the backside terrain off Outback and Northwest lifts. This region is our family’s favorite part of the mountain, with long, often-powdery black diamond runs. On powder days, advanced skiers and riders will want to traverse around the back of the mountain from the Northwest lift to drop down into seemingly endless trees (you’ll hit the access road back around to Northwest before you’re out-of-bounds.) The top of Mt. Bachelor, accessed by the Summit lift, is open only as wind conditions permit.

Mt. Bachelor is a large and imposing mountain set in the midst of the Central Oregon high desert, and as such, seems to command its own weather system. This may not be a scientific fact, but we find it to be true; always check the weather conditions, because they’re not likely to be the same as what you’re experiencing lower down the mountain at area lodging. Mt. Bachelor doesn’t offer ski-in, ski-out lodging; the closest resort is Seventh Mountain Inn approximately 15 minutes down Century Drive, with multiple other lodging options in Sunriver Resort and Bend.

Mt. Bachelor is well-known as a downhill ski resort, but families pursuing other types of winter snowsports—from snowmobiling to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing—will also find great winter recreation options at Mt. Bachelor. With a large Nordic Ski Center and three Oregon sno parks in close proximity to the resort, all snow-loving families are well taken care of.

Sno parks and free tours:

Within a few miles of Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort on Century Drive, the Wanoga, Swampy Lake, and Vista Butte sno parks all offer warming huts, trails for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and nordic skiing, and snow play areas. Because Mt. Bachelor is located within Deschutes National Forest, free ranger programs are offered at and near the ski resort. Ranger-led snowshoe tours depart from the ranger station at the parking lot of Mt. Bachelor every weekend in winter at 10 am, and are completely free (including rentals). The tours go on a one mile loop, during which rangers point out local flora and fauna. Ranger programs on skis are also available at 2 pm on weekends from the top of the Pine Martin ski lift (free, but does not include lift ticket).

Tip: Don’t forget to pick up an Oregon sno-park permit before heading up to the mountain; permits are $4 per day (also available by week or season) and are sold at Mt. Bachelor, all area snow sports shops, and the ranger station at the West Village parking lot.

Tubing and sledding:

Mt. Bachelor’s tubing park is one of the best in the state, with multiple lanes and a rope tow to take tubing families up the mountain. It’s located at the base of the West Village lodge area (use the same parking lot). Tubing tickets range from $10-27 (depending on how long you stay) and the day is divided into three tubing sessions. At the base of Century Drive near Sunriver, a community sledding hill also offers fun sledding and tubing, and it’s free (though you’ll need to get to the top of the hill on your own power).

Directions:

All Mt. Bachelor-region snow sports are located along Century Drive, accessed from Highway 97 from Bend.

Photo credit: Amy Whitley and Zach Winters

Tahoe with kids: Skiing Alpine Meadows

January 26, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

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 ride). While we love Squaw for its big mountain, expert terrain and village ambiance, Alpine Meadows wins for ease of use, gorgeous views, and family-friendliness. If you’re expert skiers, don’t worry: there’s still plenty of steep bowls to play in.

Tahoe with kids:

You won’t find a village at Alpine Meadows. No speciality shops or high-end apres ski dining. What you’ll find instead: a direct line from the parking area to 2,400 skiable acres, with over 100 trails and seven bowls. Families park in one central parking lot, and walk only a short distance to the base area lodge. There are lockers to rent, but you’ll see that skiers and riders feel comfortable hanging backpacks from lodge hooks, and stashing coolers in designated areas (it’s also easy to head back to the car for things).

From the lodge, beginners will find the learning area to the left, and experts will want to load Summit chair to the top for freshies on the Sherwood and Alpine bowls (you’ll get a bird’s eye view of both on the way up). Roundhouse chair takes families to mid-mountain, where they can head to Scott or Yellow chairs for fun intermediate and advanced terrain. In the morning, the front bowls will soften up first (avoid the Scott area until the shadows lift).

Families will find a small chalet to warm up in by the base of Scott chair (with food service), or–and this is the beauty of Alpine Meadows–it’s always easy to navigate to the base area to eat. While at Alpine, you won’t sacrifice terrain for the convenience of accessibility and lack of crowds: the bowls and bumps are among the best we’ve experienced anywhere. And the views…you’ll get lake views and mountain views in every direction on bluebird days.

There are really only two areas gravity will take you on Alpine’s front side (Scott chair and base area), which makes it a great area for adventurous teens. Once we were skied out, we sat on the sunny base area deck and watched as our boys took additional laps.

Date last visited:

December 2014

Distance from the interstate:

I-80 is a 10 minute drive (at Truckee).

Lift ticket cost:

Here in lies the rub: lift tickets to Alpine Meadows are now combined with Squaw Valley, bringing them up to $95/adults, $82/youth, and $55/children during non-peak days. You can use these tickets at Squaw, so definitely plan on multi-day tickets to take advantage of both mountains.

Directions:

From Truckee (I-80), take CA-89 to Alpine Meadows (you’ll pass Squaw Valley first).

Disclosure: As we disclose whenever applicable, we experienced Alpine Meadows as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions are own own.

Tahoe with kids: Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort review

January 19, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

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 villages.

Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort review:

This deceivingly simple travel lodge blew me away! Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort has been family-owned by the Mourelatos family since the 1970s and is located directly on the sand in Tahoe Vista, in North Lake Tahoe. It has 16 units of standard hotel rooms and 16 units with full kitchens, all of which have lake views and are steps from the sand. The Mourelatos family has taken care to provide many touches that add value to a stay here: you’ll find an impressive outdoor BBQ station for families to use at their leisure, beachfront lounging, two outdoor hot tubs, free parking and WiFi, and a free continental breakfast each morning (though this is basic). In addition, activities are always on the books, whether that be game night in the lobby or s’mores by the beach.

Where Mourelatos really shines: local information is at each visitor’s fingertips. I spoke with owner Alex Mourelatos, who explained that guests wanting plenty to do need only ask: the hotel has 18 acres of property on the other side of the highway filled with trails and trees. In winter, families sled and snowshoe here, and can connect to the adjacent Tahoe Vista Regional Park for more outdoor adventure. In summer, hiking and mountain biking abounds. The front desk staff can also point families to the best dining options, water activities and Tahoe events. In summer, canoes, paddleboards and kayaks are available, and in winter, snow play toys are laid out for kids.

I enjoyed a room at the far end of the resort with perfect lake views, a full kitchen and large deck over the sand. Rates during the winter when I visited were as low as $162, a great value for lakefront property. Mourelatos is within 20 minutes of Diamond Peak ski resort and within 30 minutes of Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows and Northstar. If you have beginning skiers and snowboarders or simply want a low-cost ski experience, Granlibakken is within 15 minutes’ drive.

If you go:

Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort is located at 6834 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe Vista. It does sell out in the summer months, so book far ahead to ensure you get a room!

Best Ski Towns: Lake Tahoe region

January 7, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Planning a family vacation to the snow in Lake Tahoe? There are multiple hamlets dotting the north and west shores of Lake Tahoe that deserve recognition! And to the south, the towns of Kings Beach, Tahoe City, and Homewood are also great ski communities, with their own activities and dining options. Here’s the scoop on the Lake Tahoe region in winter!

Hotels.com asked me to share my favorite activities and tips for exploring Tahoe in winter, so start here as you plan your wintery vacation.

West Shore:

West Lake Tahoe includes Tahoe City and Homewood, and is known as a quieter, more authentic–if you will–Tahoe. Families staying in this area will love the solitude, but will also need to drive about 30 minutes to most major ski areas.

Where to ski: The closest ski area on the west side of the lake is Homewood, which is also one of the oldest. Tahoe locals love Homewood for it’s amazing lake views, affordable lift tickets, and hometown vibe. We love it for beginners and for sleeping-in mornings while staying in a west lake vacation home! Also nearby: Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are less than 30 minutes away (located between Tahoe City and Truckee).

Where to find snow play: For fun sledding and very basic, beginner skiing, head to Granlibakken, located in Tahoe City. For nordic skiing and general snow play, follow North Shore Drive just a mile or two from Tahoma and Homewood to Sugar Pine Point State Park. Also along North Shore Drive are multiple state sno parks (just get a CA sno park permit to put on your car). Want to go ice skating? Head to Squaw Valley, and take the tram to the Olympic ice skating rink at mid-mountain.

North Tahoe:

North Tahoe is known for great eateries, lakeside lodging, and proximity to Northstar California. The town of Kings Beach is both sporty and artsy, with plenty to do in both summer and winter. We love the ‘ski town’ vibe, which is very casual and kid-friendly.

Where to ski: As you can tell, we love Northstar! This resort has everything for all level of skiers and riders, and some of the best lessons in Tahoe as well. We recommend getting a private lesson for your whole family (more fun, and also more economical). Also on the north shore are Diamond Peak and Sugar Bowl (near Truckee-Donner area).

Where to find snow play: Families looking for snow play in North Tahoe can head to Truckee to ice skate on their community rink, or ice skate at the Village at Northstar. Sledding is fun at Kingvale sledding and tubing center, or at Soda Springs ski area, located near Sugar Bowl. As with the west side, it’s always a good idea to head to sno parks, too.

For South Lake Tahoe, see our South Lake Tahoe Best Ski Town page.

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

January 5, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

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 ski resort–Squaw has also been working hard to earn the reputation of family ski destination. While the resort has made great strides toward this goal during their 5 Year $70 Million Plan (partway through in 2013), for us, it remains the go-to Tahoe ski resort location for steep, varied, and challenging mountain terrain. Does this mean it’s not a family resort? Not at all: it’s an ideal ski resort for families of advanced to expert skiers.

Skiing Squaw with advanced skiers and snowboarding kids:

While Squaw has a great beginner’s area at mid-mountain (which makes for more interesting skiing for newbies than being delegated to slopes adjacent to the parking lot), the ski boundary boasts so much great bowl, tree, and cornice skiing that it would be a shame to waste. Put another way: beginners will find what they need here, but they won’t get to experience the best of the mountain.

So what is the best of Squaw Valley with school-aged kids and teens? The varied, multiple ways to get your black diamond skiing and snowboarding on. From the village base, skiers and riders can head straight up KT-22 chair, made famous in the 1960 Olympics, and spend the day exploring all the nooks and crannies around its bowls and ridges. Just as satisfying is the Granite Chief region at the other end of the resort, where powder and trees reign. Headwall chair takes skiers to the top and great moguls, whereas Siberia offers steep groomers and access to the terrain park and half pipe. If the phase ‘something for everyone’ has crossed your mind, you’d be right.

There’s plenty of blue square intermediate runs in-between, and the aforementioned beginner areas, but after spending four ski days at Squaw in the 2013 season, its steeps and deeps impressed us more than anything else…unless you count the views, which are some of the best in the Sierras.

Squaw Valley lodging:

Squaw Valley Village Lodging is ideal for families wanting to hit the slopes early and hard. In Village 1, we were steps from the Funitel Gondola and even closer to dining, tickets, and the Olympic House base lodge. After working hard on the slopes, it’s very welcome to skip a car or shuttle ride and deposit skis and boards directly into in-house ski lockers before hitting the hot tub. Village housing includes 1-3 bedroom units, all of which include a fireplace, full kitchen, and tubs as well as showers. Hot tubs are in Buildings 2-5, so if you opt for Building 1, you’ll be closer to the lifts and enjoy arguably better views, but will have to walk outside and back in to access the hot tub and fitness center.

Squaw Village dining:

We only stay in ski lodging with kitchens, so we can make some meals in-room to save money. Plus, we’re often just too tired in the evenings to go out! If you do venture out, you won’t need a car: the Village offers everything from burgers to bistro fare to sushi. We had a great meal at MamaSake sushi and a al fresco lunch at KT Base Bar. A small grocery will have whatever you forgot at home to make meals in, though you’ll want to do the bulk of your grocery shopping in Truckee or Reno before arriving.

Lunch is available at mid-mountain at the Arc and at High Camp (more on this destination below), or at the base cafeteria-style, deli-style, or sit-down service style at Olympic House. Another perk of village lodging: we ate several lunches in the comfort of our condo, where we made sandwiches, put our feet up, and hung out on the balcony overlooking the village. Plan on a 15 minute ski down to the base from mid-mountain, and longer to get back up via lifts or gondola after eating.

Village and High Camp activities:

If you have energy left after skiing Squaw’s expert terrain (or more likely, if the kids still have energy), the village offers a fun SkyJump (bungee trampoline) for $12 for 5 minutes that’s worth doing once, as well as an indoor climbing wall. If you have lift tickets, they’ll also get you up the Tram to High Camp, where you can ice skate while watching skiers on the slopes, or in spring and summer, swim in the High Camp pool and hot tub. (In summer, the ice skating rink converts to roller skating.) You’ll find a small Olympic museum at High Camp which is worth a short visit (it could use work, but is free and paints a general picture of the 1960 games), and the trip is worth it for the views alone.

If you have beginners or very young kids:

Squaw Kids features group and private ski lessons, though we have not experienced them firsthand. By High Camp are no fewer than three lifts dedicated to beginners, and even our advanced and expert kids really enjoyed the small/medium terrain park located off Belmont Chair in the beginner area. By the end of our visit, they had graduated to the large terrain park off Gold Coast Chair (which also offers lots of nice intermediate groomers).

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced Squaw Valley as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

The Alamo, San Antonio Texas

December 10, 2020 By Sharlene Earnshaw

During a time when many vacations are not possible, road trip-accessible locations offer the ability to safely social distance. Hotels.com asked me to share my favorite activities and tips for exploring San Antonio, so start here as you plan a safe and responsible vacation.

Ever heard the phrase “Remember the Alamo,” and thought to yourself that it was simply a crazy thing Texans say? Couldn’t possibly have any meaning? Allow me to take a moment to clear that one up and give you a great reason to visit!

During the Texas Revolution in 1836, the Mexican dictator, Santa Anna and his army held the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas under siege for more than a week. On March 6 1836, Santa Anna ordered about 1800 of his troops to attack the Alamo, which was defended by less than 200 men. Because of this loss at the Alamo, Texans came together and won their independence against Mexico a month later under the leadership of Sam Houston.

Today, the Alamo is Texas’ most famous shrine. It is a shock of history standing tall amongst the modern buildings in downtown San Antonio. But it is a beloved site and one that takes you right back into history. Learn all about the Alamo’s heroes, including Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, and Sam Houston. Hear from the survivors of the battle. And see actual artifacts from the week-long siege.

The complex, owned by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) since 1906, offers free admission to the 4.2 acre complex which includes the Shrine, the Long Barrack Museum filled with artifacts from the battle, and a gift shop where you can grab your very own Davy Crockett coonskin hat.

Tip: To prepare kids before their visit, the Alamo website offers some great fun, like a History Hunt and games, for kids to enhance their experience.

Many times, you can find re-enactments occurring on the plaza outside the Alamo. It’s fun to show the kids how much work goes into shooting a rifle during that time period. If the history is too much for you, there is always a Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum right across the street!

And as a great addition to your visit to the Alamo, take in the IMAX’s Alamo The Price of Freedom: it’s a great movie telling the story of the Alamo on the big screen. My kids loved it! Want to read more Alamo tips? Read an additional Alamo post at RWeThereYetMom!

Closest interstate: Interstate 37/TX, Hwy 281

Cost of admission: Free

Dining: None. The Alamo is located in downtown San Antonio, where many dining options exist!

Where to stay:

San Antonio offers a wide variety of hotel accommodations, all of which must adhere to safety and cleanliness COVID response standards. Hotels in San Antonio which we recommend include La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk and The Westin Riverwalk, but as a general guideline, look for a downtown hotel that offers courtyard space and outdoor pools, so you can best enjoy the Texas weather and social distance safely.

Driving directions:

The Alamo is located at 300 Alamo Plaza in downtown San Antonio, Texas. From U.S. 281/Interstate 37 southbound, exit at Houston Street, turn right, and proceed three blocks to Avenue E, turn left and continue to the intersection of Houston and Alamo Plaza. From Interstate 37 northbound, exit at Commerce Street, turn left on Commerce and proceed ten blocks to Alamo Plaza, turn right and continue on one and one half blocks. Parking is available at several pay lots in the vicinity of the Alamo.

Photos courtesy of RWeThereYetMom.com.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we are partnering with Hotels.com to bring you this post on San Antonio and The Alamo.

Backcountry skiing basics: How to get into the sport

December 2, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

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) who want to carve their own line down mountain terrain and explore the wilderness at the same time.

I got my first pair of backcountry skis in 2012, which were basically fat nordic skis with a three-pin binding. I found I could navigate single-track nordic trails with steep inclines much better than my nordic skier counterparts, and I was hooked. Today, all-terrain (or AT) ski gear is much more involved, but AT skiing is still a fairly diverse term. Just like the sport itself, it can mean something different to every enthusiast, from short hikes up to freshies from lift-accessed runs to full-day expeditions with beacons and probes.

In January, I was lucky enough to experience the sport in more depth, this time trying out top-of-the-line AT skis, boots, and bindings on a half-day, strenuous backcountry ski day in Utah’s Cottonwood Canyon near Solitude Mountain Resort.

I headed out with Utah Mountain Adventures after getting outfitted with Voile skis with Dynafit bindings and Scarpa AT boots. I carried a backpack with plenty of water, plus a shovel and avalanche probe. I strapped an avalanche beacon, provided by Utah Mountain Adventures, to my body.

The only way to get fresh powder runs was to climb uphill, so my first lesson was in putting on skins. Turns out, this is easy. The hard part is to climb upslope. We climbed for over two hours, stopping for a few breaks, skinning up a mountainside in the Wasatch Mountains. I’d like to say I enjoyed the whole experience, but in truth, by hour two, I was sweating enough to shed a layer and starting to feel hot spots (which turned into blisters) where my socks rubbed in my boots. I was told to loosen my AT boots for the uphill climb (there’s a walk mode and ski mode), and while I’m sure this is sound advice, it didn’t help on the blister front.

The whole uphill experience reminded me of hiking: there were periods of enjoyment while I took in breathtaking views and reveled in being in the wilderness in winter, but also periods during which I had to set tiny goals–get to the next tree, get to the next open slope–in order to carry on. In other words, it’s crucial to love the outdoors and the uphill ‘hiking’ process, or the joys of backcountry skiing may be lost on you.

Climbing in AT skis is not very difficult–it’s much like cross-country skiing–but there are moments when kick turns may be necessary to zig-zag along steep grades. Yes, there’s a learning curve to this, but here’s what I was told (and it helped): use as much of the flat plane of your ski base as possible. Staying on your edges, where you don’t have skins, won’t help you keep traction.

Once we’d summited a peak in Cottonwood Canyon, the fun began. We took off our skins, stowed them in our packs, and switched our boots and bindings to downhill mode. (Dynafit bindings are unique in that they transition from climbing mode, with the heel untethered, to downhill mode, with the heel locked down just like alpine skiing, with one twist of the back binding. They also feature ‘risers’ that can be raised while in climbing mode, which assist on steep ascents, much like going a gear lower on a bike. Yes, they’re nifty.)

We picked our line for the descent, and carved down the beautiful, light powder. Thanks to the efforts of our uphill hike, the terrain wasn’t skied out like it quickly becomes on lift-accessed terrain. I happily followed the lead of our guide, who knew the area and how to traverse through the glades and open slopes and still find our starting point back at base. Without him, I would have needed a GPS in unfamiliar territory.

Raised in the deep powder of Tahoe, skiing off-piste before I knew what that meant, I loved every second of the descent. Yes, it was challenging, but also very satisfying, knowing I’d earned my turns. I never needed my beacon, but was glad for the security it offered. Back at the base of the mountain, I switched my skis back to climb mode, and ‘cross-country skied’ my way back to the car on flat terrain. The sun was setting by the time we returned, and trust me, I’d earned my pizza and beer.

What you’ll need to get started in AT skiing:

AT or telemark skis (these are the skis I tried)
AT or telemark boots (the most comfortable seem to be Dynafit)
any ski poles
backpack
shovel, probe, and beacon
breathable outerwear
plenty of layers (wool is best)

Tips for beginners (like me):

I recommend going with a guide, like I did, your first time out (or any time out in an unfamiliar area). Most guide services can also rent AT skis and boots, which are expensive to buy yourself at first. More importantly, guides know where to go and are trained in avalanche safety (check to make sure!).

Any time out in the backcountry, everyone in your party should carry a beacon and shovel, at very least. I fell once during my trip, and lost one ski. It was deeply buried almost instantly, and had it been me, I would have been glad for my beacon, guiding others to me. Luckily, I found the ski without needing my shovel. If you go out without a guide, you should have completed an avalanche safety course. They are offered almost everywhere now, from gear stores to ski resorts.

If you haven’t explored winter terrain at all yet, start by snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Hit trails you’re familiar with in the summer months; they’ll have a different feel in winter! Alternatively, try backcountry skiing from lift-accessed terrain. At any ski resort, look at a terrain map to see where off-piste (or non-groomed) terrain is located. Make sure it’s open the morning of your ski, and then climb only from the top of a lift (shortening your ‘hike’). Yes, others will have the same idea, so make this one of your first few runs of the day. Afterward, relax with some cruisers. Some resorts, such as Keystone Mountain in Colorado, even offer cat rides to off-piste terrain, allowing skiers to find fresh powder without AT gear.

Can kids AT ski? Sure, though it’s currently hard to find skis and boots to fit kids under age 12 or so. There’s a reason for this: AT skiing is a lot of work. My recommendation (that I’m following with my own kids): introduce the idea of backcountry exploration when kids are small, with snowshoe treks. Then, graduate to AT skiing when kids are teens. Make sure they’re expert skiers on groomed terrain, too.

Can snowboarders AT ‘ski’? Yes, Voile and other makers are now creating split snowboards, which split into two short ‘skis’ for the uphill climb, then come together to create a board for the downhill. It’s the coolest transformer yet!

I’ve heard the argument that AT skiing is popular because skiers can avoid the high cost of lift tickets. While this is true, and while I do think most lift ticket prices have gotten out-of-hand, I don’t think true AT ski lovers climb miles of terrain for this savings. It’s simply too much work to do it for any reason but a love of the outdoors and the sense of freedom. It’s a way to challenge oneself outside of the ski resorts, and well worth the effort of learning a new discipline within alpine skiing.

I toured the Wasatch with Utah Mountain Adventures at no cost, for the purpose of testing AT ski gear.

Fall in the Poconos: Woodloch Pines Family Resort review

November 16, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

Woodloch Pines is open this fall. See how they’re safely handling operations during COVID-19.

An hour northeast of Scranton, Penn., Woodloch has been an East Coast family destination for generations, with many families returning year after year. While there are a number of properties under the Woodloch umbrella, the one families will want to zero in on is the family resort, Woodloch Pines. This is one of those rare places that successfully blends upscale amenities and exceptional staff with no-fuss, kid-friendly fun.

Woodloch Pines Family Resort review:

What does all-inclusive mean at Woodloch Pines Family Resort?

At Woodloch, your per-person nightly rate includes meals and most activities, from permanent attractions to staff-led games and competitions. You’re responsible for alcohol, special kids’ drinks, soft drinks at the night club and sports bar, and some of the more specialized activities. But there are no surprises; activity fees are listed on the daily activity sheet. A 15% tip is added to the bill at the end of your stay and pooled among the staff.

Dining at Woodloch:

Meals in Woodloch’s main dining room are included in your nightly rate. They are upscale and multi-course—breakfast alone has a baked item, fruit, cereal, and entree. Dinner is similarly delicious and extensive. (The seafood was fabulous.) We found, in the interest of avoiding food waste, that it was better to skip a course altogether and split desserts—or even entrees.

In this dining room, no one will glare at your kids for being kids. The inclusive menu offers them a chance to order grown-up food with low risk, but standard kids’ fare is also available. The bar prepares kids’ cocktails alongside those for adults. Best of all, the meals are served quickly, so even though it’s fine dining, kids will not have to sit in boredom for twenty minutes while food is prepared. That’s what I call family-friendly!

Rates and Accommodations:

Woodloch offers a number of different room types to accommodate different family needs. We stayed in an Edgewater suite with two bathrooms, a walk-in closet, a single bedroom with two Queen beds and a pullout couch. It was the most comfortable hotel bed I’ve ever slept in, hands down. The room was designed for comfort and convenience over fancy decor. Don’t get me wrong; it was very nice! But at Woodloch Pines, you won’t spend your stay praying your kids don’t break something. There are multiple coin-operated laundry rooms. We also had in-room recycling, and the guest Wi-Fi was reliable and even worked outside much of the time.

Rates vary by season and accommodation type. During off peak seasons, rates start at $137 per adult/per night with kids 6 and under free. During peak seasons, rates start at $225 per adult/per night with graded rates for children 18 and under.

Getting there:

Woodloch is located at 731 Welcome Lake Rd., Hawley, PA 18428. The management urges visitors not to depend on GPS systems, but instead to follow the directions on their site. You will probably want to cross-reference online mapping to get mileage amounts, though, and many guests we talked to recommended using Waze. But be sure you specify Woodloch Pines, as the Woodloch umbrella also includes a golf resort, a lodge/spa, and numerous vacation rental options. The road from Hawley to Woodloch is winding mountain road; it takes some effort to get there, but it’s well worth it. Once you reach the resort, you can get around on foot or by shuttle.

Up next, making the most of activities at Woodloch!

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Day hikes in Joshua Tree National Park: Hiking off-trail

November 13, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

During a time when many vacations are not possible, outdoor activities in road trip-accessible locations offer the ability to safely social distance. Hotels.com asked me to share my favorite activities and tips for exploring the outdoors near Joshua Tree, so start here as you plan a safe and responsible vacation.

I love a guiding company that doesn’t ‘dumb down’ experiences for guests. Joshua Tree Excursions definitely doesn’t take the easy route, literally or figuratively. If you’re looking for day hikes in Joshua Tree National Park, guide and owner Kelly Crawford is who to get to know. He challenged us during a five-hour hike through Joshua Tree National Park, during which we went off-trail to trek, scramble, and climb the park’s famous granite boulders. He allowed us to rise to the occasion during moments of challenge in the terrain, and gave us confidence that we could all do it. And we did.

Hiking off-trail in Joshua Tree National Park

The Joshua Tree Excursion experience starts when you book it, as Kelly prides himself in offering a fully customizable day or weekend. If you want a mellow hike through the park with a knowledgable guide, they can certainly do that, but they can also offer hikes that involve bouldering, climbing, or backpacking. Joshua Tree Excursions will even set up your entire camp for you (at a site in the park or in the backcountry) and can even provide all meals.

Most families will simply want a day of hiking off-trail, as day hikes in Joshua Tree National Park are short enough to be do-able. It’s is an excellent place for off-trail adventuring. Families experienced in backcountry hiking can certainly hike off-trail in Joshua Tree on their own, with the right navigational tools (and knowledge in using them). However, even though we’re familiar with all this, we’re not familiar with the desert landscape of Joshua Tree, so hiring Joshua Tree Excursions is a good solution.

Our trip off-trail started with our group of adults loading up in Kelly’s 4wd vehicle and entering the park. Anyone without day packs was provided one to use, along with plenty of water. Given the length of the hiking experience (ours was 5 hours) I do think it would be helpful to also have a few healthy snacks. We parked at the Barker Dam trailhead, and Kelly took some time to go over local geology, flora, and fauna.

Joshua Tree Excursions’ motto is ‘journeys, not destinations’, and we realized this concept was more than just a slogan right away, when we left the well-worn trail almost immediately. Kelly explained that we’d be hiking approximately five miles off-trail, in a large loop with time for shorter side excursions and exploration.

We hiked through sandy washes, weaved past beds of cacti (pausing to learn each variety’s name), and climbed over rocks and boulders. It was exactly the type of hiking my kids love, so I’ll definitely be heading back to Joshua Tree with them again. Usually, I am perfectly content to hike on the trail, but I must say, Kelly’s version was much more fun and exciting. I felt like a kid again as I jumped, scrambled, and explored.

We stopped often for mini-lessons on Joshua Tree (and to drink water), and to take photos. While we didn’t have a precise destination, we did hit upon some landmarks that were amazing to see, such as Garrett Arch, the ‘cube’ (a huge square-shaped rock), and the Wall Street Mine (abandoned historic stamp mill). At a few junctions, such as at Garrett Arch, there was an option to climb higher up (or wait below).

The level of difficulty was what I’d call intermediate, but others may call advanced. This is where the customized trip comes into play. When planning a trip with Joshua Tree Excursions, it’s important to explain not only what you hope to do, but your level of fitness and experience in the outdoors. Either way, I guarantee you can do more than you think you can!

We ended just before sunset and drove back to the Joshua Tree Excursions office below the park.

Pricing: Customized hiking trips usually start at $124 per person. Yes, this is a serious investment during your trip, but I believe it to be a worthwhile one. Kelly can provide families with an experience beyond what almost all can do themselves.

Lodging options nearby:

Lodging near Joshua Tree ranges from family-friendly roadside hotels to unique rentals to B&Bs. We have sampled quite a few options, all of which match the free-spirited nature of Joshua Tree, California itself. Within the park proper, car camping is beautiful as well, especially during the cooler months. In the heat of summer, you’ll probably want to find area lodging.

Don’t forget:

sunscreen
hats for everyone
sunglasses
water (more will be provided)
backpack (provided if you don’t have one)
long pants for hiking in (cacti hurt legs!)
snack such as a granola bar
a tip for your guide
trekking poles are a good idea if you’re not scrambling (but hiking)

Bonus stop: After your day with Kelly, be sure to go back up to the park entrance at dark for a Sky’s the Limit presentation of the night sky. Offered on Saturday nights and some additional (see list of dates), this non-profit observatory offers the most accurate orrery in the world (a orrery is a replica of the solar system laid out on the ground, with the sun in the middle and the planets in their paths around it, set to real time). This, and the nature path around it, can be enjoyed at any time during the day, but at night when open, the observatory also has volunteers on-hand to give a star presentation, complete with high-powered telescopes for viewing planets and stars.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we are partnering with Hotels.com to bring you this post on Joshua Tree.