Keystone Resort vacation for families: Why ski Keystone with kids

Almost all major ski resorts offer family-friendly amenities. However, only a handful are truly family-focused. A Keystone Resort vacation in Dillon Colorado ranks in our top three family-friendly ski resorts (along with sister property Northstar California and Big White Ski Resort). What makes Keystone kid-focused? A combination of programs, conveniences, and amenities, which, when offered in … [Read more...]

Northstar California with kids: an Aspen Grove mountain condo stay

Families visiting Northstar California have a dizzying array of lodging options.  If you're staying a week or more, or have a large group, we recommend a home rental in one of Northstar's mountain neighborhoods. If you want luxury and ski-in, ski-out pampering (recommended with small kids or short visits) or want to be close to the action, book a stay in the Northstar Village with Tahoe Mountain … [Read more...]

Home (Away) for the Holidays: Preparing for winter driving

During the holiday season, the Pit Stops family is often on the road, en route to Lake Tahoe, California or Central Oregon for a family ski vacation. If you'll be traveling in winter weather as well, revisit our Home (Away) for the Holidays series, with tips on getting a holiday vacation rental, playing in the snow, and preparing for a winter vacation. Our first challenge? Packing all the … [Read more...]

Canyons Resort Park City with kids

We love Park City Utah skiing with kids! And we know there are several resorts and lodging options in Park City, but when we go, we always ski at Canyons Resort Park City. It's kind of like ordering the same thing off a great menu every time...when you know you love something, why take a chance on something else? What's to love at The Canyons Resort Park City with kids: The amazing terrain! … [Read more...]

Knowing your ski ability level: how to interpret ski slope ratings for your family

This fun infographic says it all, and if you go on a family ski vacation, you'll see these universal ski slope ratings no matter where you go:   How to know your (and your kids') ski ability level: Get out there and ski! There are many ways to gauge a skier's level (we recommending taking family lessons when visiting major ski resorts), but if you find yourself free-skiing with your … [Read more...]

Dining in Whistler Village: where to eat on a budget

A walk through Whistler Village's famed Village Stroll will take families past plenty of dining options, but a perusal of menus will show that most fall in the mid-to fine dining category. While families vacationing in Whistler should plan for at least one culinary night out, for the rest of the time, it is possible to dine in Whistler on a budget. Below, find our top tips for saving on dining at … [Read more...]

Skiing Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho with kids

While we lived in Spokane, WA, we spent a good deal of time at neighboring Lake Pend Oreille at Sandpoint, Idaho, and in the winter skiing Schweitzer Mountain. Schweitzer is located above the lake deep in the snowy peaks, and feels like it, too! Families will want to be ready for any weather this far north, but will be rewarded with prime skiing and snowboarding as well. Where to stay: … [Read more...]

5 things to do at Northstar California in summer with kids

Think ski resorts are only for winter? Families can get great ski resort lodging deals in the summer, and pair them with outdoor seasonal activities perfect for all ages. We spent a sunny three days at Tahoe, CA's Northstar this July, where we were faced with enough recreational and event options to last any family a month. How did we pick the best summer activities at Tahoe? We turned to … [Read more...]

Smuggler’s Notch with kids: guide to skiing for adults

I grew up skiing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, so I have a healthy skepticism of New England skiing. The mountains aren’t as big, there’s not as much snow (although there also aren’t as many giant Manzanita bushes to get stuck in…just saying), and there’s too much ice. Well, I still can’t ski on ice, but I’m coming around to New England ski resorts, and Smuggler’s Notch is one of the best spots … [Read more...]

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

If you’re like a lot of families with very young kids (think pre-K), the prospect of a ski vacation is tempting, but overwhelming. Who wants to spend precious vacation dollars taking endless runs on the bunny hill with a toddler while your partner is stuck in the lodge chasing a baby determined eat every French fry she finds on the floor? Family ski resorts like Smuggler's Notch understand this, … [Read more...]