Travel Tips - Pitstops for Kids

Sun Valley skiing with kids: How to plan a Sun Valley Idaho adventure

March 18, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

If you want to go to the source of American ski culture, Sun Valley, Idaho is the country’s original destination ski resort. Thanks to the resort’s iconic reputation coupled with ongoing new projects and improvements, you’ll step into a mountain experience that’s steeped in history while alive with newfound vigor. What’s new: Sun Valley’s Warm Springs day lodge has a whole new look, complete with expansive windows facing the mountain that set the perfect scene for aprés cocktail hour; the Sun Valley Inn has undergone an extensive remodel; and a brand new performance space, The Argyros, hosts annual events such as the Sun Valley Film Festival as well as arts performances throughout the year.

What’s tradition: two mountains ready for fresh turns in Idaho’s light powder, and a village with a distinctly European feel, a historic downtown (the town of Ketchum is a charming combination of wild west meets ski chic). Plus, you get Idaho’s famous blue skies for much of the winter season, and the long summer season filled with mountain biking, hiking, fishing and golf. Here’s what you need to know to get the lay of the land before your Sun Valley winter ski trip.

Overview of the mountains:

Sun Valley is spread out, but in the best possible way, allowing for a sense of tranquil instead of a bustling base area/village combo. It has two mountains, but in European-style, they’re not adjacent. Situated next to the town of Ketchum and a mile or so from the Sun Valley village, you’ll need to shuttle between the two mountains, the village, and the town, but you won’t mind, because the Sun Valley Ride shuttle system is free and efficient. Plus, most likely, you’ll spend your whole day at one mountain or the other. Here’s why:

Dollar Mountain is the beginning mountain, housing the snowsports school, the daycare, and a very innovative ‘Terrain that Teaches’ program, for which the snow is actually sculpted in such a way that helps you learn (and is totally fun, too). What you’ll see in the Terrain that Teaches areas are rollers, banks, and bumps designed to teach you how to turn, how to balance, and more. While smaller (Dollar has four lifts plus a magic carpet), Dollar is very manageable for families with young kids; the lodge is beautiful and quiet, there’s a full rental system in place, and terrain parks for those who want to challenge themselves. If all you need is Dollar, you’ll pay a lower lift ticket price, too. Guest services are extremely attentive at Dollar, assisting families with gear and providing wagons for toting skis and tired kids.

Bald Mountain, or Baldy, boosts the advanced terrain, and they do mean advanced. If you’re unsure of your ski or snowboard level, definitely start on Dollar, where the green and blue runs are plentiful. Over at Baldy, the greens truly are more like advanced blues, and the blues are often more like blacks. The grooming on Baldy is phenomenal, so you can usually count on groomed blues and greens, but the steep vertical still makes them very challenging. The widest, easiest greens and blues can be found on the Seattle Ridge side, where you can look across the way to the ‘bowls’, Baldy’s least groomed and arguably most challenging terrain.

The Roundhouse Restaurant

Tip: Join Sun Valley’s mountain guides for a guided 1.5-hour tour of Baldy, offered complimentarily. This tour is rich in Sun Valley history and also helps you get the lay of the land. Intermediate skiing and above needed.

But with over 2000 acres, everyone who is intermediate-level and above will find something perfect for their ski needs. There are two main base areas at Baldy: River Run and Warm Springs. Both are downright relaxing: since the main Sun Valley village atmosphere is found on the other side of Ketchum at Sun Valley, what you find at both River Run and Warm Springs is a single large day lodge and rental snowsports retail. It’s very manageable, which starts your ski day off right. On the Warm Springs side, you’ll find Greyhawk lift and Challenger lift, both of which service long, steep groomers with some tucked away mogul skiing throughout. River Run houses the Roundhouse Gondola and River Run chair, with more blues and a few greens, plus some shorter, steeper blacks. Head to Cold Springs (soon to be upgraded) and Mayday to access the bowls, and head to Seattle Ridge for more contained blues and greens.

Tip: The top of the mountain, at Lookout, is a central hub: you can ski down to either base area from the top. Dining on the mountain is plentiful, with the beautiful and historic Roundhouse Restaurant the sit-down option at mid-mountain (definitely at least peek inside) and Lookout Restaurant serving grab-and-go Mexican food. For all the other standard ski fare (with some gourmet twists) Warm Springs, Seattle Ridge, and River Run are all there to serve you.

Where to stay:

Families have several generalized options: lodge stays at Sun Valley Lodge or Sun Valley Inn, both located in the Sun Valley village (just a few minutes’ shuttle to Ketchum and the base areas), condo stays associated with these Sun Valley hotels, in-town hotel stays (the Ketchum Inn and the Limelight are popular options), and area house vacation rentals in Ketchum and Hailey.

We stayed at the Sun Valley Inn, which had it’s perks and its challenges. On the pro side, the inn is typically more affordable than the nearby lodge, with all the amenity access to the latter. Yes, this means you need to walk across the village to use the Sun Valley Lodge heated outdoor pool and hot tub, expanded fitness center, and spa, but access is there. At the inn, you get a smaller heated pool (almost hot tub temperature) and a smaller fitness center. Excellent dining options are available in both; at the inn, we loved the traditional fare at the Ram Restaurant and newly remodeled Ram bar, but I was disappointed to find a lack of a central lobby area in the inn. At the lodge, the lobby area is expansive, looking out over the year-round ice skating rink, and dining options include Gretchen’s and the Duchin Lounge. At both the inn and the lodge, be sure to linger in the public hallways to take in all the framed photos chronicling the visits of celebrities and who have visited and loved the resort.

Tip: From either the inn or the lodge, it’s very easy to access Ketchum (only about a mile away), the base ski areas for both mountains, and the airport via the complimentary shuttle system. I never waited longer than five minutes for a shuttle and never needed a car during my stay.

Where else to eat in Sun Valley and Ketchum:

We loved Konditorei in the village for breakfast and lunch. The Austrian feel was both cozy and delicious. In town, Warfields is the only area distillery and brew pub (although Sun Valley Brewery is located in Hailey) and currently makes their own gin and vodka, with whiskey coming soon. We loved the ambiance inside Warfields, but if you want something more distinctly local, the Casino is right down the street, with pool tables and pretty basic (but good) drinks and plenty of local flavor (21 and over). At the Limelight hotel, Ketchum’s newest lodging option, their large ‘living room’ serves as an informal dining option, with space for kids to spread out and play (a big plus for parents). The Covey is one of Ketchum’s newest restaurants and popular enough to warrant a line outside the door when it opens at 5:30 pm (no reservations taken). The atmosphere is cozy but modern, with an open kitchen concept and a wide selection of beer and wine. We loved the winter squash appetizer. Also popular are the Pioneer (for the steak and potatoes crowd) and Village Station (in Sun Valley village) for a classic pub fare option.

What else to do in winter:

The town of Ketchum is worth spending at least one afternoon perusing, and the Sun Valley Nordic and Snowshoe Center is the hub for winter snowsports activity aside from downhill skiing. (In the summer, this area transforms into a golf haven.) At the Nordic center, families can snowshoe, classic XC ski, or skate ski on the perfectly groomed 25-mile trail system, which includes dedicated snowshoe trails as well. Rental fees are reasonable at approximately $20-30 for half-day rentals (depending on the rental choice) and trail fees of only $28 for adults and $10 for youth. We spend a very happy morning at the Nordic center and highly recommend it as an alternative to downhill skiing. Or, spend the day here on your ‘ski rest’ day if you’ve purchased 2 out of 3 or 4 out of 6 day ski passes.

There’s also ice skating and bowling at the Sun Valley Lodge, adjacent to the village.

Tip: the Nordic center also has fat bike rentals. During our visit, they were not available, however. There’s also a full restaurant at the Nordic center, as well as a full bar.

For parents, a half day at the Spa at Sun Valley, located in the Sun Valley Lodge, is a win. While it’s relaxation rooms are not large, they do have steam rooms, dry saunas, and experience showers in both male and female relaxation areas, and spa guests can go back and forth between the second-floor relaxation area and the ground floor outdoor pool and hot tub. Spa treatments are in the full range, and there are beauty services available as well.

After spending a wintery getaway in Sun Valley, you may, like me, be tempted to return in summer. The ‘off’ season of summer is actually Sun Valley’s busier time period, with outdoor symphony performances, trail systems, golf, fishing and rafting. Consider a trip back!

Have you been to Sun Valley with kids in the winter? Disclosure: we experienced Sun Valley for the purpose of review. All opinions remain our own.

Keystone lodging review: The Springs at River Run Village

March 7, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

During or latest winter Keystone ski trip with kids, we stayed in a two-bedroom condo in River Run’s The Springs. At the end of our trip, my nine-year-old declared it the best ski lodging he’d experienced. Why did he rate it above other ski-in, ski-out resort lodging? Three reasons: 1. the Springs pool, 2. the proximity to the River Run Gondola, and 3. the fact that it’s surrounded by woods.

The Springs is located at the far end of River Run Village, just far enough away from ‘village life’ to be tranquil (with plenty of snow to play in around the building), but close enough that you’re literally two minutes from dining and lifts. I loved the decor of the building, which is accented with lovely wall displays of wildlife, aspen trees, and other nature scenes. The lobby of The Springs features a bubbling creek, which flows outside to the pool area and funnels into the pool slide. The entire building is open, bright, and peaceful.

Amenities:

Our two-bedroom unit included a master bedroom with king bed and bathroom with jacuzzi tub and shower (plus a vanity with two sinks), a second bedroom with queen bed and bathroom with shower and tub, a full kitchen (with full-sized appliances), a roomy living space with couch and fireplace, and an entry with lots of hooks for coats and space for ski boots. We had three flat-sceen TVs in the unit, a large balcony, and lovely wooded views. We wished we had a washer and dryer in our unit; this may have been the only thing lacking.

The kitchen was well-stocked with plates, utensils, pots and pans, and the like. Bring your own coffee (though there is a coffee-maker and filters), plus items such as ziplock bags. Free wifi is in all rooms. Your unit comes with a parking pass for the heated underground garage, should you need it, and all units are assigned a ski locker. From the locker, it’s a one-minute walk to the River Run Gondola.

Located in the lobby is a media room set up to watch movies with stadium seating (first come, first served, though we never saw it used) and a nice toddler and preschool play room. There’s a pool table in the lobby, and space for board games or card games.

Pool and fitness center:

Yes, there’s a full fitness center at The Springs, though when I’m on a ski vacation, I get enough exercise on the slopes! Adjacent to the fitness center (and accessed from the lobby) is the outdoor pool complex. Included is a beautiful free-form heated pool with waterfall and small slide, plus a heated kids’ wading pool with fountains, and two hot tubs. One hot tub is designated as adults-only, but we found both hot tubs to get so crowded, we let the kids warm up where they liked (don’t tell). There’s plenty of seating with tables and lounge chairs in the pool area, plus a BBQ for communal use, though during our trip, it was much too cold outside to utilize either. We loved the gated entry at the back of the pool area, which leads directly into the parking area for the gondola and to the pedestrian bridge to the village; this made for a nice shortcut to and from The Springs.

Rates:

At the time of our visit, a two-bedroom unit was listed for $394 a night (one bedroom condos, which would easily house a family of four were $284). Shop around between River Run lodging options: nearly all buildings have some sort of pool amenity (though not all have slides) and all are in walking distance of the slopes.

Location within Keystone:

River Run Village is definitely our pick among Keystone lodging locations: kids have Kidtopia, the ice rink, the gondola and slopes, and rentals within walking distance, as well as dining options galore. The only time we needed to utilize the free Village to Village Shuttle was to go to Mountain House for Kamp Keystone and Lakeside Village for lake ice skating at the Adventure Center.

Directions:

From Denver, travel west on Interstate 70. 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.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we enjoyed a complimentary stay at The Springs for the purpose of review. Comped stays make it possible for us to provide readers with accurate reviews of kid-friendly properties.

Where to go for spring break: affordable spring break ideas for families

February 25, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

If you live in a cold climate like me, you’re probably ready for some fun in the sun. Or maybe you get plenty of blue sky, and want to experience snow one last time before summer. Either way, we have budget spring break ideas for you. Read on to learn where to go for spring break in the U.S….without breaking the bank.

Then, check out our often-overlooked spring break ideas, compiled with additional family travel experts!

For sun and sand:

Want a sun-kissed vacation, but can’t afford a trip to Hawaii or Mexico? Opt for the desert or Caribbean instead! Pack swim suits and sunscreen for the following family-friendly desert destinations:

1. Palm Springs, California: House rentals abound in the greater Palm Springs area, or resort stays include all the amenities you’d expect: multiple pools, golf courses, kids’ clubs, and fine dining. Just outside the city, hiking

and Jeep touring abounds. Where to stay? Our pick: Westin Mission Hills, where kids can take advantage of the SPG Kids Pass for free snacks and drinks and fun activities on-site.

2. Phoenix, Arizona: An easy flight from most airports along the west coast, Phoenix and nearby Scottsdale enjoy warm temperatures year-round and fun activities for kids like horseback riding and hiking. Lounge poolside all day, or hit the links while the kids enjoy their own children’s programming. Where to stay: try the JW

Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa to score big points with the kids as they hit the lazy river and Nickelodeon Activity Zone. In nearby Scottsdale, the Westin Kierland Resort is king.

3. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: this Caribbean destination was slow to gain popularity with families, but now the word is out. Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts tend to be cheaper than their other Caribbean counterparts, and the beaches are every bit as nice (and the water every bit as warm). Where to raise your beach umbrella: Dreams Punta Cana, where kids love the water play structure, and adults love the luxury of never having to worry about where the next meal is coming from.

4. Laguna Beach, California: Nearby Disneyland Resort may be packed with families during spring break, but the Pacific seaside town of Laguna Beach is much quieter. March is still considered a shoulder season for coastal towns, so you can snag a good room rate in most cases. Hit the beach if the weather permits, but if you visit during typical spring fog or clouds, opt to go whale watching instead.

Snow and mountains:

Need one more ski or snowboard fix before summer? The major ski resorts will be crowded (and demanding spring break rates) but smaller resorts will welcome your family with open arms. The following destinations are big enough to provide great ski schools and childcare, but small enough to be affordable.

1. Lake Tahoe, California: Think you can’t find affordable skiing in Tahoe? Think again! With so many resorts in a small area, competition is steep…which is a good thing for guests. A few extra miles from the lake, family-focused Sierra-at-Tahoe sits just past South Tahoe, an easy commute from San Francisco or Sacramento. Because Sierra-at-Tahoe does not offer on-site lodging, the crowds stay away, but you won’t suffer: cozy HomeAway vacation cabins are only a few miles away. The resort has one of the best layouts for families, with all runs ending in a common bowl for easy meet-ups.

2. Vermont: Vermont is home to both family-friendly champion Smuggler’s Notch and classy Stowe, plus offers plenty of outdoor fun in addition to skiing should the weather cooperate. We love Smuggs even during busy spring break, because this family resort is always offering great deals for parents. Stay, ski, and keep your kids in camp or lessons for one low price.

City escapes:

If you’re city touring, it doesn’t much matter what the weather is like, so head to less-than-ideal-in-spring urban areas to soak up culture instead of sun. Spring break is a great time to tour museums, aquariums, and historical sites when school field trips are at bay.

1. New York City: The Big Apple is exciting no matter what the season, and families can find great deals in March and April. Take in a Broadway show or spend your time in the best family-friendly museums. Not sure where to stay? Try Affinia 50, where families can enjoy some of the largest rooms in Manhattan, family gaming nights, and a relaxing guest lounge.

2. Chicago, Illinois: Check out Shedd Aquarium or the Lincoln Park Zoo, then bundle up and head to Millennium Park free of crowds. Take advantage of shoulder season discounts, and hit as many museums as you can. Stay at the Four Points by Sheraton where families get a big bang for their buck. It’s located right on the Magnificent Mile and includes all the amenities you’ll want after a busy day sightseeing.

3. San Francisco, California: Yes, it may still be brisk by the bay, but hotel room rates will be low, Alcatraz tours will be uncrowded, and you probably won’t have to wait for a cable car. Check out nearby Muir Woods in Marin County, beautiful in all seasons, and take a drive along Highway 1 to see the California coastline. Stay at Omni San Francisco to be located right on the cable car line and mere blocks from colorful Chinatown.

10 tips for avoiding altitude sickness while vacationing

February 14, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

The first time I traveled to high altitude while on vacation, I didn’t take the threat of altitude sickness seriously. After all, I reasoned, I had grown up in the mountains, and knew how to enjoy myself in the thinner air. But I had been living at low altitude for years, and the first time I exited my mountain condo at Keystone Resort Colorado for a morning jog, I suffered. At first, I worried my poor performance meant I was terribly out-of-shape, but the persistent headache and queasy stomach I endured the rest of the day told another story: I was suffering from altitude sickness.

When I returned for a high mountain vacation with my kids, I had renewed passion for avoiding altitude sickness! We guzzled water pre and during our trip, ate and slept well, and had a great time. Before you head to high elevation with your kids, read the following tips from Dr. Josh Brown of Santa Fe’s Internal Medicine Specialists. (Yes, Santa Fe is at high elevation!)

Start Exercising Now: If your trip includes strenuous physical activity, start an exercise plan that includes extra cardio activity for the month or so prior to your visit.

Stay Hydrated: Begin drinking extra water a day or two before arriving at your destination and continue to stay well hydrated throughout your trip.

Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Try to avoid or limit beverages that contribute to dehydration.

Eat Foods High in Potassium: Foods such as broccoli, bananas, avocado, cantaloupe, celery, greens, bran, chocolate, granola, dates, dried fruit, potatoes, and tomatoes will help you replenish electrolytes by balancing salt intake.

Take Ibuprofen: Recent studies show that altitude sickness can be effectively prevented with this common and inexpensive over-the-counter medicine.

Plan for Trouble Sleeping: It is safe to assume that you will have difficulty sleeping, particularly during the first night in a higher altitude. Take it easy and allow for extra time to rest.

Climb High, Sleep Low: This mantra is especially important if you are hiking or camping at elevations above 10,000 feet. If you can, arrange the itinerary so that there are gradual increases in elevation spread throughout your trip.

Wear Sunscreen: Remember that higher altitude means less atmosphere to filter the sun so there is a much higher chance of sunburn compared to sea level. Apply sunscreen of at least SPF 30 or more even in the winter.

Know the Symptoms: Altitude sickness can cause loss of appetite; fatigue or weakness; dizziness or light-headedness; pins and needles; shortness of breath upon exertion; persistent rapid pulse; drowsiness; and peripheral edema (swelling of hands, feet, and face). Contact your doctor if your symptoms are severe or don’t clear up after a couple days.

Consult With Your Doctor: People who have had serious bouts of altitude sickness in the past should check with their doctor or an online pharmacist, like The Independent Pharmacy, about prescription medications, like Diamox, that can help alleviate symptoms. Those who have significant heart problems should also check with their doctor before traveling as higher altitudes can cause an increase in blood pressure for a few days. Be aware that those who wear oxygen, have lung problems or have difficulty breathing may experience additional complications at high altitude.

Enjoy staying and playing at high altitude destinations with your kids this summer!

Tips courtesy of Dr. Josh Brown, used with permission.

Four different kinds of travel accommodation for a budget vacation

February 4, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

Choosing a place to travel to and listing out all the key destinations you need to visit are very easy tasks. You can just pick out which country you have been meaning to visit, say New Zealand, for instance. Do a quick Google search of the must-visit places and what to do there like sight seeing by Lake Wakatipu, get a car hire in Christchurch, or do an alpine hike.

But getting the best kind of accommodation might take you a while to do. Some may consider it an easy task; but with the number of accommodation types available for you these days, it can a bit of a doozy. Here we list down the different kinds of travel accommodations that you can choose from if you are on a budget.

Hotels

If you want to have all the amenities and facilities during your trip. Then a vacation may be the best choice for you. They have services that can make you super comfortable and relaxed after your trip outside. Contrary to popular belief, hotels can be cheap. You just have to consider their location and hotel classification. Also make sure to check if they have discount promos available so that you can reserve rooms for multiple nights without breaking bank.

Short Term Rentals

This is becoming a very popular choice recently. Short term rentals is what others fondly call an airBnB. This is literally your home away from home. Locals would rent out their homes or apartments for travellers. Again, the price range would depend on the location, but it is relatively cheaper than a hotel for sure. The best part is you can bring in food to cook and prepare for yourself while enjoying an unobstructed view and experience of local life.

Hostels

These are dormitory style accommodations where you share the rooms with other people. It is a very popular choice for backpackers on spring break vacation that are only going to stay for the night, or other budget travellers who do not mind the company. Do not be dismayed by its dorm style arrangement, there are hostels that provide a unique setting that can compete with low star hotels.

Couchsurfing

Another home away from home setting is couch surfing. This is where people open up their own homes and allow you to live with them. This could be fun for travellers who want to learn more about the country they are in. While this is not something most families would choose, couch surfing with your kids is not impossible. You simply have to look for the right host. There are websites that can help you find a good home to stay in like Stay4Free, Hospitality Club, and Global Freeloaders. To avoid dangerous situations, make sure that the person’s profile is complete, that they have a picture of themselves uploaded, and that there are reviews from trusted travellers on their page. You can always opt out once you see their place and feel that you want a different accommodation.

The best part about knowing all of these is now you can choose an accommodation that will fit your travel budget and itinerary. So look at your plans again and see which one will be perfect for you. Happy trip!

When the skiing sucks: what to do when your ski vacation is ‘ruined’ by weather

January 7, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

On a recent weekend, we decided to take an impromptu ski trip. We spent $135 on a hotel room in the resort area, $250 on one-day lift tickets for our family of five (a discounted rate due to being season ticket holders at a neighboring resort), and about $150 on food and gas. We drove three hours each way for our getaway.

When we arrived at Mt. Bachelor Ski Area (a resort we’re very fond of) at 8:30 am for our ski day, the wind was picking up, and snow was falling. By midday, the gusts made visibility nearly impossible and the snowfall had turned to icy sleet. By 2 pm, we were soaked through, one kid was in pain from a nasty fall, and morale was low. Instead of continuing through poor conditions, we called it a day.

We didn’t get the standard 9 am to 4 pm use out of our ski passes, and for the time we were on the mountain, we didn’t get that many laps in. We stopped three times for lodge warm-ups (whereas we usually stay out nearly all day without breaking). By the time we ‘gave up’ and headed to the car, we could have wrung our jackets out like towels. But guess what: we still had a great time. And we don’t consider our $535 a waste of money. But it’s taken us years of skiing to see it this way.

A ski trip is a vacation with a lot of variables, many of which are out of our control. It’s painful to lay down hundreds of dollars, sometimes thousands, and have conditions not meet expectations. Maybe your kids are miserable on the snow, or maybe you get rained out or a blizzard hits, making leisurely family turns impossible. Hearing, ‘I hate this’, seeing kids cry because they’re cold, or looking out the lodge window to see a white-out after purchasing 3-day tickets is a very real stress of a ski vacation. And it’s a total downer.

Sometimes I forget this, despite being there many times during the 30+ years I’ve taken ski vacations as a kid and as a parent. In full disclosure, my family and I are usually hosted by ski resorts, thanks to my job. In other words, we rarely shell out cash to ski. It’s easy to have a good time when skiing is part of your job, instead of an expense. But we’ve been on the other side. Certainly, our recent weekend trip could have been a real bummer. Instead, we were still smiling as we piled wet ski clothes into the car and headed home. Why? We kept the following things in mind:

1. Not all ski days can be bluebird days.

We can only appreciate those crystal clear, blue sky days when we’ve shivered through some wet, snowy ones, right? We try to look at the long-term picture when we ski: hey, this day may have been miserable, but remember last month, when we got sunburned? Or let’s look forward to spring break, when we’ll likely BBQ on the lodge deck in shirtsleeves. Consider each day’s investment as part of a season-long investment. It will be the overall experience that will stick with kids (hey, skiing is fun!), punctuated, of course, by battle tales of days gone array, which are somehow wonderfully fun to tell later.

2. Season passes are great investments.

If you truly want to leave the mountain at mid-day without regrets, invest in season passes to your closest resort. I realize this may not be possible for families living a plane ride from any ski resorts, but for those with resorts in a 2-3 hour radius, consider investing. The pressure is off single day experiences when you know you’ll be back multiple times. Look for season pass sales in October, and you may be surprised to find how affordable most passes can be.

Skiing is only one part of the ski vacation experience:

Embrace the entire ski vacation ambiance, which includes hot cocoa by a fire, cozying up for a condo movie night, hot tubbing, and yummy ski village meals. If your vacation is for 3-4 days, look for flexible tickets (such as ski 2 out of 3 days) so you can decide to forego the slopes after waking up one morning. If you’re just on a single day trip, as we were, look for a pizza joint or brew pub after ending your day early.

Decide you’re paying for exclusive time with your family, not for certain number of runs per day.

Stop counting laps! No one wants to keep skiing after lunch? Swallow the pain of that lift ticket expense, and get out a deck of cards. Buy everyone a hot drink (what does it matter now?) and deal…literally and figuratively. Have a fun afternoon in the lodge, saying ‘yes’ to what the kids want and need instead of no. If everyone is smiling and having fun together, didn’t you still accomplish your goals for a family vacation day?

What to bring on any ski day in case of bad weather:

Yes, I believe in all the advice above, but there are a few things you can always have with you that will help kids weather nearly any ski weather…at least for a while. I always carry a small ski backpack so I have these items at the ready. Sometimes, I make everyone carry their own stuff, however.

extra pair of gloves for everyone (cheap is fine)
face mask for everyone
snack for everyone (Clif bars or HoneyStingers work well)
hand warmers for everyone (just stick them in pockets)

Of course, you also want to make sure everyone’s outerwear is waterproofed (we use NikWax) and that everyone has warm, quality base layers, either synthetic or Merino wool. Keep in mind however, that no matter what you spend on gear, there will be days when Mother Nature wins.

Have you had a terrible, no good, very bad ski day? Do tell!

Photo courtesy Flickr.

Home prep for holiday travel (STEP BY STEP GUIDE)

December 14, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

You’re going away for vacation…yay! But what about your home when you’re traveling for the holidays, sitting empty? We’ve all heard horror stories: the pipes froze and burst…the mail piled up, enticing theft…we really didn’t leave our home secure. Home prep for holiday travel isn’t hard. Here’s how to prep your house for holiday travel, to ensure your home is safe, energy efficient, and secure while you’re gone.

10 steps to prepping your home for holiday travel:

1. Make plans for the pets.

When we travel, our dogs go to their ‘doggie hotel’, a local boarding kennel we trust. It took us a while to find one we liked, and we have to make sure to book well in advance. Other options: a pet sitter who comes to your home, or a friend or relative who wants to temporarily adopt your fur babies.

2. Talk to the neighbors.

Let at least one trusted neighbor in on your plans. A good neighbor can keep an eye on your house and pick up any packages that might be delivered. Consider giving him or her a house key to check pipes and heat occasionally.

3. Place a hold on your mail and regular deliveries.

Go to your post office and place a hold on your mail until your return. Pause all regular deliveries such as newspapers, milk, or eggs. If you know you’ll be receiving a package during your absence, have a neighbor pick it up.

4. Reset your thermostat.

Depending on whether you will have pets in the house, set the heat or air conditioning accordingly. Even lowering (or raising, depending on your climate) the temperature by two degrees will save you money.

5. Unplug non-essential appliances and computers.

I’ll admit we skip this step when going away for less than a week, but for longer trips, it’s important to unplug. Your home will be safer as well as more energy efficient. Give that desktop monitor a rest!

6. Set your water heater to ‘vacation mode’.

Almost all newer water heaters have this mode, which will lower the temperature just enough for savings without freezing any pipes.

7. Be smart about home security.

Ideally, families spending significant time away from home during the holidays should have a home security system in place, or a home video monitor in use. You want to maintain that ‘lived in’ look. At bare minimum, it’s essential to decide which lights to leave on in your absence.We opt to leave on porch lights and one light in the entry hall. We set what lights we can on a timer, so they’re no continually on, day and night. Any consistent setting, such as lights always on, curtains always drawn, or a car always parked, will signal to potential burglars that no one’s home.

8. Make sure smoke detectors are in order.

Of course, they should always be in working order, right? Carbon monoxide detectors, too.

9. Insulate pipes if living in a cold climate.

After insulating, consider asking that trusted neighbor to stop in a few times during your absence to run the water at the tap in the kitchen. If water only trickles out or will not come out at all, the pipes are likely frozen.

10. Don’t announce your vacation on Facebook!

This is sometimes the toughest step! Given my job as a travel writer, I usually cannot avoid ‘announcing’ where I am (and that I’m not at home), so I always make sure neighbors are watching my house (and say so). However, if you can avoid telling everyone on social media that you’re away, all the better. It’s more fun to post about your trip when you’re back home and can show off those travel photos anyway, right?

Non-essential but helpful upon return:

We do the following before leaving home to make our ‘return landing’ less bumpy:

wash and put away all dishes
do any unfinished laundry (you’ll have enough when you get back!)
clean out the fridge of food that may spoil during the trip

Have tips of your own? Share in the comments!

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

December 13, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

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 programs, Northstar offers everything your family needs to have a successful, memorable Tahoe ski vacation. Here’s how to get the most out of a trip to Northstar California Resort with kids:

Plan to stay a minimum of three days.

With 170 acres of newly skiable side-terrain, a new express quad chairlift doubling the capacity on the backside, and one of the best terrain parks (including the new 22′ Shaun White super pipe), families simply can’t full experience Northstar in only a day, especially if they plan to spend even half a day in group or private lessons. Renting equipment, buying tickets, and registering for ski and board school all take time: you only want to have to do it once per ski vacation. Staying at Northstar more than one day saves you money too: buying 3, 5, or 7 day passes is much cheaper than day-of ticket window pricing. If you plan to ski more than seven days, consider purchasing a local Epic Pass instead, which allows entry to both Northstar and Heavenly.

Immerse yourself in ‘village life’.

We loved staying in the heart of the Northstar Village at Tahoe Mountain Lodging’s Big Horn Lodge. Of course, it’s convenient to be steps away from the slopes, ice skating rink, equipment rentals, restaurants, shops, and hot tubs, but what we hadn’t counted on was how much enjoyment we’d gain from staying in the heart of such a contagious ‘ski town’ atmosphere. The Northstar-at-Tahoe Village truly is the heart of the resort; we loved the cheery bonfires lining the village streets (bring marshmallows!), the live music in the evenings, and the view from our balcony of the Northstar gondola whisking guests up and over the snow-blanketed slopes.

Take advantage of private family lessons.

Like many resorts, Northstar-at-Tahoe offers a wide variety of ski and board lessons, from group classes for kids as young as three to adventure and ‘guided’ sessions for advanced skiers and riders. At first glance, springing for a private lesson may seem like an extravagance, but because families can add up to six people to one private lesson, the cost can become equal or even less than a group lesson. Your children will get far more personalized instruction, and if you join in as well, you’ll learn how to help your kids learn! Our kids (ages 7, 10, and 12) had a great time with their private instructor, Jon, who served as not only a teacher, but a guide, familiarizing the kids with the mountain as they zipped around, enjoying twice as many runs in as most guests (by utilizing private lesson lines). Time is money, and dedicating half a day or one full day to a family private lesson can not only jump start your ski instruction, but get your group familiarized with Northstar like nothing else!

Utilize EpicMix.

A brand new social networking and tracking service offered by all Vail Resorts (of which Northstar is a part), EpicMix is touted everywhere you go at Northstar, and for good reason: you should be using this fun and free tool! In fact, if you have a ski pass, you already are: every time you enter a lift line, an EpicMix sensor scans your pass, recording your lift habits, total vertical feet, and lots of other fun stats throughout your day. After skiing, families can log into their account (kids are securely added by you to yours), select avatars, compare stats and achievement ‘buttons’, and view photos taken by the equally free EpicMix photographers (which work just like Disney’s PhotoPass photographers). And if your tween or teen is skiing without you (or your kids are in lessons while you’re in the lodge), you can log onto EpicMix from any smart phone to find out where on the mountain they’d last ‘checked in’.

Save time for all the extras.

Northstar offers so much more than skiing: in the village, families can take in a first-run movie, ice skate on the public rink (skating is free; if you need skates, rentals are $10/person), roast marshmallows over the open fire pits, and tube at mid-mountain.

Much thanks to Northstar-at-Tahoe for hosting our stay. This compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Outdoor gear brands that give back

October 1, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

As a gear reviewer and travel writer, I am familiar with many travel brands and outdoor gear companies. As we head into this year’s ‘giving season’, I’d like to highlight just a few that donate significantly to a charitable cause or program…not just during the holidays but all year long!

Outdoor gear brands that give back:

Lifestraw:

Lifestraw makes filtered straws that make contaminated water safe to drink. You can buy them solo, or as part of a full water bottle in the Lifestraw GO. They’re great for travel to countries where the water is not potable, or for backcountry hiking and camping trips.

How Lifestraw gives back: For every LifeStraw sold, one school child in a developing community also receives safe drinking water for an entire school year. So far 1,015,652 students have been given safe water. 1621 schools reached. The LifeStraw Safe Water Fund is also working in Haiti, Kenya and India. More information of the Follow the Liters program can be found here.

Cotopaxi:

Utah-based Cotopaxi makes one of our favorite backpacking packs, the Taboche. I love the bright colors and flare they bring to all their backpacks, totes, and outdoor clothing. This season, their new day pack, the Luzen, is perfect for every type of traveler…and perfect for under the tree.

How Cotopaxi gives back: Cotopaxi and the Utah Refugee Services Office have come together to launch a skills-based volunteer program in Utah called the Refugee Coding Project. Started in partnership with the Bhutanese refugee community, the coding program has been so successful, community leaders and youth from five other key refugee communities in Salt Lake City requested the program and Cotopaxi met that demand.

Aventura Clothing:

Aventura Clothing is a lifestyle and travel brand for women. You can see us review many of Aventura’s organic cotton pieces here.

How Aventura gives back: They give back to Uncommon Threads, a boutique-style clothing program where survivors of domestic violence receive styling services and new clothes. Aventura donates new clothing quarterly, which enables women in need to feel the self confidence and empowerment they need in their daily lives.

Toad & Co:

Toad&Co is a lifestyle brand inspired by a love of the outdoors. I have loved them for years, especially their travel and hiking pants that flex, resist stains, and fit my body in a way that makes me feel good about myself.

How Toad & Co gives back: As of this fall, 98 percent of the line is sustainably-made with at least 80 percent sustainable fibers and/or fabrics that are third-party certified for responsible manufacturing. And as always, a portion of every Toad&Co purchase goes toward supporting people with disabilities.

GoLite:

This brand makes exercise and outdoor clothing that’s breathable and practical for travel, the outdoors and running (including trail running).

How GoLite gives back: GoAid is a program that promotes health support and community empowerment, while sister pillar GoResponsibly commits to ensuring that 80% of the introductory GoLite product line is developed from environmentally preferred and low energy production materials. What does this mean? For example, their ReGreen Windshell is made of 100% recycled green bottles, in partnership with eco-organization Tzu Chi.

Costa:

Long loved for their high-quality sunglasses, we love to travel with Costa during both beach season and ski season. These sunglasses wear well, don’t break easily, and always come with protective bags and cases so we can protect our investments.

How Costa gives back: TheirUntangled Collection is created by recycling fishing nets that are at the end of their lives. These nets go into each pair of the polarizes sunglasses in this line.

Ecoths:

The men’s line of Aventura Clothing, Ecoths makes organic cotton and lifestyle pieces ideal for men who are active and busy…both at home and while traveling. The Pit Stops men in my life love the Xavier Shirt for warm-weather travel destinations, and they now also offer travel-ready pants and hoodies.

How Ecoths gives back: When you purchase clothing from Ecōths, you feed the hungry. As part of their Good Sam program, Ecōths feeds one person for one day with each garment sold. In just over two years, they have donated over 200,000 meals across the US.

DownTek:

You may have heard or seen the name DownTek in regard to your outdoor gear: this sustainable, water-repellant down company is the supplier of choice for big names in the gear industry, including L.L. Bean, Big Agnes, and more. One of my favorite travel products with DownTek is the Big Agnes Shovelhead Hooded jacket, which is extremely lightweight but warm enough for deep winter adventures.

How DownTek gives back: Sustainable Down Source, creator of DownTek, participates in three programs that give back to children including, Ronald McDonald House Quilts for Kids, Parks4Kids and K.I.D.S. / Fashion Delivers. Down pillows created by SDS have been provided to K.I.D.S. / Fashion Delivers, and SDS has also donated to outdoors programs through Parks4Kids, encouraging exploration, appreciation and understanding of natural environments and resources.

Mountain Khakis:

Mountain Khakis is one of our favorite travel wear brands for outdoorsy men and women. Their khakis are their signature pant, but we find we love their sweaters and pullovers most. This year, MK is debuting a new line of luggage, which will compliment their canvas totes and bags.

How MK gives back: Each year, Mountain Khakis offers a limited-edition design which supports the mission of Protect Our Winters (POW), the leading climate advocacy group for the winter sports community founded by professional athlete/artist/environmentalist, Jeremy Jones. This year’s offering is the Men’s POW XVI Sweater.

Parks Project:

Parks Project is an outdoor lifestyle brand that funds various national park projects through their apparel and accessories. Parks Project is an official partner to the National Park Service, serves as a supporting business partner to the National Parks Foundation and is carried in over 100 retailers around the nation. We especially love their tees that serve as reminders of our trips to favorite national parks.

How Parks Project gives back: As a for-profit business, Parks Project supports 22 individual park groups around the nation. Every product sold carries a story and contributes to habitat restoration, animal conservation, educational initiatives and visitor services across America’s parks, promoting Parks Project’s ethos, Leave It Better Than You Found It.

Auto Travel with your Pets: 10 approaches for safety and security

September 13, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

We can all agree that pets are part of the family for most people. They are always there curled up or trotting next to us when taking morning walks. They greet us happily in the morning or when we get back home at the end of a long work workday. That’s why when a holiday season approaches, we can’t bear the thought of leaving them behind. It can be stressful for many pet owners to travel with them without making travel plans.

You need to take safety and security precautions so that you can have a relaxing and fun time for both you and your friend.

Here are the best safety tips for auto travel with your pets:

1. Go for a Test Drive

It is vital to prepare your pet in advance, especially if they are not accustomed to riding in the car. Give them time to adjust to the motion and see how they react. Some of them act just fine while others suffer from anxiety. Take them with you when running short errands a month in advance leading up to your departure. Start with short trips and then slowly stretch to longer rides.

2. Know the Laws of Travelling With Your Pet

Before you set out to travel, you should acquaint yourself with the laws of traveling with your pet. They may vary in different places, so you need to do a proper research. After all, you don’t want to get stuck with a hefty fine.

Ensure they have the right identification tags. Also get them microchipped as it can help you get reunited with them in case they get lost. You might be required to show your pet’s vaccination records or a certificate of health from your veterinarian. You can schedule a checkup a week before your planned trip. It will give you ample time to obtain copies of any paperwork you might be missing.

3. Build an Emergency Kit

Be prepared for anything when traveling with your pets. The emergency kit should include:

First aid supplies
Necessary paperwork
Extra water
Extra food
Medications your pets might be taking
A leash for your pets
Treats or toys

4. Proper Restraints

If you have time to wear a safety belt, why don’t you give your pet the same respect? They can create a safety risk for both of you if they cause a distraction while you’re driving, resulting in an accident. They should be on their leash when you stop for potty breaks. There are places with strict leash laws, so you don’t want to get in trouble.

5. Avoid Locking Your Dog in the Car

Never leave your pet unattended under no circumstances in the vehicle. You might find your window smashed by a Good Samaritan trying to rescue your pet. Other reasons might be because of the different seasons. It can get scorching in the interior of the vehicle during summer which can suffocate your pet. Temperatures can drop during winter hence making them freeze.

6. Prevent Tummy Troubles

Just like humans, pets do get carsick, especially if they travel right after a meal. You can feed them say 4 hours before going. Carry their water before hitting the road as unfamiliar water might upset their tummies.

7. Reserve Pet-Friendly Accommodations

If you plan on staying overnight, research on pet-friendly places on your route. You don’t want to get charged with extra fees or denied entry.

8. Keep Your Pets Entertained

Your pets might wind up getting restless if it’s a long journey. You should bring along their favorite toys and objects to keep them busy and entertained. You can stop at various points to let them out to stretch, but they should be on their leash.

9. Water, Food and Bathroom Breaks

If going on a long journey, it is essential to take breaks along the way. Stop and let your companions out to stretch. Never try feeding or giving water to them while in a moving vehicle. If it’s feeding time, give them time to digest.

10. Prepare for Carsickness

If your pet, especially a dog, is not used to road trips, it can get carsick. Therefore, consult your veterinarian to get the proper medication to help calm nausea.

It is a big responsibility to follow your pet’s safety tips, but at the end of it all, they are worth it. It can be fun with our four-legged members around. So, follow the above steps to have a comfortable and safe journey for everyone.

Do you have more information you think we should include in the list? Feel free to share in the comment box below.