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Best of 2014: Best destinations for families you can book now!

December 22, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Every December, we take time to reflect upon the past year of travel, and select five experiences—yes, just five!—that we crown the best of the year. Last year, our top travel experiences of 2013 took us from Alaska to the Caribbean. This year, we’re focusing on the American West and MidAtlantic, showcasing everything from five-star city hotels to cabins. We stand behind these picks as the best destinations for families, 2014.

Best Destinations for Families: our picks from 2014

Experience Grand Teton National Park ‘behind the scenes’:

You’ve heard it from us before: no outdoor tour operation does family adventure better than O.A.R.S. We loved their Rogue River itinerary, so we embarked on their OARS Jackson Lake 2 night adventure confident we’d have an amazing time. What makes it so great? Beyond the near perfect guest service we’ve found consistently with O.A.R.S., the Jackson Lake kayaking adventure allows families to see a new side of Grand Teton National Park. We slept literally in the shadow of the peaks of Grand Teton, hiked to lakes less traversed by car camping families, and swam on the far banks of the lake, inaccessible to anyone without a boat. Check out our full review of the O.A.R.S. Jackson Lake 2 night kayak tour.

Play cowboy or cowgirl for a week:

Also located within the boundary of Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, Triangle X Ranch is has been around for generations as a working ranch and guest ranch. For many, it’s become an annual summer tradition; when we visited, we were surprised to learn that almost 80% of guests are on a return visit. That’s your true review, right there! While at Triangle X dude ranch, we got to ride our personal horses for the week two times per day, hike, relax at the ranch, go on Snake River float trips, and enjoy plenty of family bonding time around the campfires, in the kitchen and dining rooms, and while on the trail. Want to take your whole family to summer camp? This is it. Read our full review of Triangle X Ranch.

Learn US government and history in our nation’s capital:

School-aged kids get so much out of Washington DC! Truth be told, so do parents. I didn’t expect to love our time in the nation’s capital as much as I did; Washington DC is safe, walkable, and family-friendly. Best of all, almost all the attractions you’ll want to visit are free to the public. Many tours do require advanced planning, however, so best get started for your spring or summer visit! We recommend a Club-level stay at Grand Hyatt Washington: it’s a spurge, but also makes good travel sense. You’ll be close enough to the action to walk everywhere, and can eat most meals in the relaxed atmosphere of the club. Read our full review of Grand Hyatt DC.

Step back in time in Gettysburg:

What a sobering, awe-inspiring, and important historical landmark to visit with kids! Gettysburg, PA is a must-do with kids old enough to learn about Civil War battles in the context of US history. We recommend this trip for kids ages 8 and up, and suggest families stay 2-3 days before or after a trip to study more American history in Williamsburg or Philadelphia. The Gettysburg historic battlefield is best toured with a licensed battlefield guide; book one to ride with you in your car for the absolute best experience. Be sure to leave time to explore the town, too. Read our full review of our time in Gettysburg.

Play in the snow in the Colorado Rockies:

Keystone Colorado is arguably the most family-friendly ski resort in the Rockies. It certainly goes out of its way to cater to kids. However, this doesn’t mean Keystone isn’t up to the challenge of serious skiers and snowboarders: behind kid-centric Dercum Mountain, two more peaks await, with steeps and deeps, cat-accessed terrain, and plenty of bumps. After each ski day, Keystone pulls out all the stops, with daily Kidtopia activities geared just for kids 12 and under, weekly parades, and even fireworks displays. No wonder Keystone has been compared to Disney…on ice. Check out our long weekend at Keystone.

Where did your family’s 2014 travel take you? What are your top picks?

Top reasons why Breckenridge is a perfect family ski vacation

September 22, 2014 By Sharlene Earnshaw

Pit Stops for Kids is happy to take part in the third annual Back to Ski Week, which includes tips on planning a family ski vacation as well as chances to win prizes. To learn more visit the Back to Ski site and sign up for the newsletter, follow @back2ski on Twitter, or like it on Facebook.

Today we hear from inveterate outdoorswoman and lover of the Rockies Amber Johnson of The Mile High Mama about why a visit to Breckenridge, Colorado is perfect for families interested in fun on the slopes. We were compensated for writing this post; all opinions are the author’s.

From our perch atop Breckenridge Ski Resort’s Peak 6, our senses were in overdrive—first, the sound of silence, followed by the wind clinking through patches of hoarfrost crystals. My husband and I eased off the chairlift as our ski tips sliced through our powder playground, tracing hourglasses down the mountain.

Coloradoans are spoiled with 25 ski resorts but if you’re looking for the perfect winter vacation, look no further than Breckenridge. This authentic mining town 1.5 hours from Denver has it all: a world-class ski resort, the Blue River (a tributary of the raging Colorado River), an idyllic Main Street, gourmet dining, and glittering boutiques. It is also part of an 80-mile network of paved, motorized bike paths that connect other Summit County resorts like Dillon, Keystone, Copper Mountain, and Vail.

Here are just a few more reasons why this upscale yet laid-back resort is one of the best for families.

Ski Bums:

Breckenridge Ski Area sprawls across the southern sector of Summit County’s Tenmile Range and is consistently ranked as one of the most visited ski areas in the country. But with an impressive 2,908 acres and 34 lifts, the crowds dissipate the higher you go as you carve out your own private Colorado.

After dropping our kids off at ski school, my husband and I did the “freedom” shout and warmed up on groomer Duke’s Run before heading over to Peak 6. As Breck’s new 543-acre addition, it features high-alpine, intermediate bowl skiing (a true rarity).

Peak 6 lives up to its hype so long as you are attempting this timberline-topping terrain on a bluebird day. If there is any trace of wind or snow, you’ll feel like you are trapped inside a snow globe. Fortunately with a resort this size, there are plenty of other areas to take cover or fly high, including four award-winning terrain parks and a 22-foot superpipe.

At the end of an exhausting day, we picked the kids up from ski school and were later able to track their progress via the EpicMix app’s newest feature, EpicMix Academy. Though the wind kept us from the Golden Runner Alpine Coaster, the kids are already begging to take us back to their favorite haunts that included Trygve’s small terrain park with moderate jumps and boxes.

Tip: There’s no parking at the base so park for free in the Gondola parking lots in town and take the BreckConnection Gondola to the base of Peak 8. A complimentary shuttle also runs throughout town and delivered us right in front of Pine Ridge Condos where we proceeded to soak in the hot tub and then burrow up to a fire and a movie while a storm raged outside. That, my friends, is what a ski vacation is all about.

Good Times Dog Sledding:

TripAdvisor ranks dog sledding as the No. 1 activity in Breckenridge so you’d better believe it is epic. Good Times Adventures is the only snowmobile and dog sledding tour operator in Summit County and offers a 6-mile tour that is perfect for families (adults are $75; children ages 4-8 are $40).

We became acquainted with our team of Siberian Huskies and learned how they are attached to the sled with a series of lines called rigging that includes the tow line (or gang line), tug lines and neck lines. Each sled had a basket where gear or a passenger was carried and were outfitted with a braking device.

Good Times offers various levels of dog sledding and we chose the tamer “Disney” experience. I was thrilled when our guide announced the kids would get to drive the team during our slow and steady uphill climbs (many dog sledding operators only let their clients sit in the basket). They were in their element; rosy-cheeked, their “MUSH” commands echoing through the trees as the pitter-patter of husky paws on snow distilled Colorado’s Swan River Valley to its purest incarnation.

After my son’s turn, he moved to the basket while I drove him for the first time. Notoriously cautious when faced with new challenges, he lectured me, “Now, Mom. Lean into your turns and remember…have a good time!”

With Good Times Adventures, it’s tough to do otherwise.

More Breck fun:

Cross-country skiing. Breckenridge may be known for its ample snow and giant halfpipes, but the resort also has more than 30 miles of cross-country trails, plus an additional 25 trails in the surrounding White River National Forest.

Skating. Children of all ages love the Stephen C. West Ice Arena, which offers both an indoor and outdoor ice rink. Located on Boreas Pass Road, it is open for public skating seven days a week.

Sledding. Grab your tube and join the locals over at Carter Park, one of the few places to sled in town. The hill is located at the south end of High Street and adjacent to Breckenridge Elementary School.

Main Street. This charming Historic District is dotted with boutiques, eateries and galleries. My kids are huge fans of the unique Peak a Boo Toys (and the big indoor play area is a bonus on cold days). The town’s Arts District recently showcased seven new buildings and will offer expanded workshops for travelers, especially kids. If you stop at the Welcome Center, head upstairs for some cool old ski exhibits and a great view of the slopes. Also check-out the Mountain Top Children’s Museum, which is perfect for younger kids with out-of-the-box, imaginative exhibits.

Events. Breckenridge has an awesome line-up of events but our favorites include Ullr Fest (In 2015 from January 11-17), where the community plays tribute to the Norse God of Snow. Also in January, the International Snow Sculpture Championships hosts snow artists from across the globe transform 20-ton blocks of snow into an outdoor art gallery.

Want help planning your Breckenridge trip? Be sure to visit the GoBreck website.

Mammoth ski trip tips: Overview of Mammoth Mountain

February 19, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’ve been to Mammoth Mountain, you know that this California ski resort in the Eastern Sierras is bigger than life. Massive in size at 3,500 skiable acres, and with 28 lifts and 150 runs, this world-renown ski resort can be overwhelming to families. Read on for Mammoth ski trip tips gleaned from a first-time visit to Mammoth:

Plan where to stay carefully:

Given the sheer size of Mammoth, it’s very important for families to decide on lodging location with their needs in mind. Stay in the ‘wrong’ section of Mammoth for your needs, and you’ll be spending precious time you should be on the snow in the shuttle or gondolas. Most families stay in the Mammoth Village and Canyon Lodge area, because the majority of services are here, but this means the majority of congestion is also present. If you want ski school for your kids, it is also available at the far less crowded Main Lodge area, to the far side of the resort. Our pick is the Mammoth Mountain Inn, located directly across the street from the lifts at Main Lodge. There are fewer restaurants here, but what there is is great, and far less crowded. The Main Lodge is old-school—you’ll be reminded of ski lodges of your youth if you’re in your 30s or 40s—but has all the essentials without the crowds: lift ticket sales, rentals, ski school, cafeteria, and gear.

Break for lunch before or after the noon hour:

Mammoth gets crowded, and even with three main lodges spanning the base of the resort, plus mid-mountain options like McCoy, families will want to steer clear of dining services from 12 pm to 1 pm. We like to hit the slopes early (you have them practically to yourself in the first hour of operation…a fact that hold true at all resorts) then eat lunch around 11 am. Our pick: The Mill which sits at the base of Chair 2. The Mill is small, but oh-so quaint, and offers amble deck seating. It is accessible via car, so that’s a negative, but if you arrive before noon, you can grab food fairly easily.

Use the shuttle service:

No matter where you stay in Mammoth lodging, the shuttle service runs regularly and, we found, on time. Trust me, you do not want to hunt for parking constantly at Mammoth! When heading to lift areas (again, we recommend starting all the way over at Main Lodge), families who drive and park—with the exception of very early risers—will often walk blocks with their gear. Shuttles will drop you off right at the front, and have plenty of space for skis and boards. Shuttles also run in the evenings for area dining and entertainment.

Ski or ride the mountain in sections:

With three main sections, based around Eagle Lodge, Canyon Lodge, and Main Lodge, skiers and riders can spend significant time transitioning between sections. Instead, pick one for the first few hours on the snow, working your way around. We suggest transferring (via shuttle or lift) to Main Lodge area first, where the crowds are smallest, then tackle Canyon area after an early lunch at The Mill.

Don’t try to cover the entire terrain of Mammoth in one day! If you only have a few days, concentrate on the area that appeals to you most instead of attempting to transverse the hill multiple times. Keep an eye on the Mammoth Mountain app (available for iOS or Android) for the most recently groomed runs.

Head to June Mountain for ski school lessons and family-friendly skiing:

Many people don’t realize that Mammoth Mountain lift tickets are good at nearby June Mountain. Only 20 minutes away, June offers manageable terrain with a low-key, family friendly atmosphere with the fraction of the crowds (and with ski school prices at a fraction of the cost of Mammoth). Spend a few days here (kids ski free!) if your kids are learning. If you opt for ski school lessons at Mammoth, definitely take advantage of the discount for multiple days.

Prepare for the altitude:

Mammoth Mountain’s village sits at 7,953 feet elevation…a significant change if you’re coming from sea level. The ‘top of California’ peak (at the top of the Panorama gondola) is 11,053. Signs of altitude sickness include headaches, stomach aches or thirst. Be sure to give your kids plenty of water during and before their ski day (start hydrating on your travel day) and take it easy your first morning on the slopes.

Rates:
Regular adult ticket price (non-holiday or early season) bought online pre-trip is $94. Kids are $35.

Lodging:
Families have every possible lodging option at Mammoth, from single family vacation homes to village condos to hotel rooms. Start with Mammoth lodging, narrowing down the options by which area you want to base yourself in, what type of lodging you need, and what services you want (shuttle, hot tubs, rental services in-lodging).

Directions:
From Southern California, take I-5 north to State Route 14 north to US 395 north to State Route 203 (300-375 miles). From San Francisco, take Interstate 80 to Hwy 50 to Kingsbury Grade cutoff to US 395 south to State Route 203 (320 miles).

Disclosure: I experienced Mammoth Mountain as the guest of the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

June Mountain skiing for families: the best kept secret of the Sierras

February 17, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Skiing families have heard of Mammoth Mountain, one of the largest ski resorts in the western US. But are your familiar with Mammoth’s little sister, June? June Mountain Ski Area is located less than 20 minutes from Mammoth, tucked into a blissfully serene corner of the Eastern Sierras adjacent to pretty June Lake. Arrive at June—which cozies up to the boundary of Yosemite National Park—and you’d swear you’re a world away from busy, often crowded Mammoth.

June Mountain closed its doors for the 2012-2013 season, much to the dismay of the local community and its loyal patrons, and re-opened this season (2013-2014) with new energy, new ideas, and a new focus: families.

June Mountain skiing for families:

The potential as a family-focused ski area has been present in June’s foundation all along: arriving at June, families find just one parking lot (as opposed to half a dozen), one chair over the face of the mountain to the main lodge, and plenty of greeters to help with all that ski equipment. The ‘Chalet’ lodge is beautiful, peaceful, and offers breathtaking views of the Sierras, and provides families with all they need (and not more): dining services, lockers, rentals, and a roaring fireplace.

The terrain at June is 45% intermediate and 35% beginner, making it an ideal place to focus on making those first turns without crowds or distractions, but the 20% of advanced terrain is nothing to scoff at: I practically drooled looking at the black diamond chutes at June, and the ski area is known for its excellent backcountry. In this manner, June offers skiers and snowboarders two extremes: intense off-trail glade and tree skiing and easy groomers. Note: the only less-than-young-kid-friendly aspect of June Mountain is the initial J1 chair, required to access the lodge and ski terrain. This double chair rises up and over the June face, and can be more difficult to load than most chairs (due to the bar in the center). Families with backpacks or other gear and young kids will want to ask the lifties to slow the chair until they’re well-versed, and you’ll want to use the safety bar on the ascent. This chair can be downloaded as well, for families not wishing to ski to the bottom at the end of the day.

Families’ ski vacation dollars will stretch much farther at June than Mammoth. Lessons are roughly half the cost, and kids 12 and under ski free at June any and every day of the year. No blackout dates. No restrictions. What this means to me: I can afford to pay for multiple-day lessons for my school-aged kids!

Youth (ages 13-17) pay just $48 for a regular one-day lift ticket, and adults $72, but if you’ll be there more than four days in a season, June season passes offer even steeper savings. With 1,400 skiable acres, June is far more manageable for families; parents can allow kids free reign to explore, and with only one lodge, there’s no fear of school-aged kids getting lost on the hill. You get seven lifts and 35 named trails, with plenty more in the trees.

The nature nut in me loves that fact that June appreciates its location on National Forest Service land and incorporates nature walks and interpretive programs into its kids’ programming. Expect to see scheduled nature walks during the day, and check out signage pointing out animal tracks to be observed in the snow. Pretty different from your average ski resort, right?

Still not sure? If you’re skiing at Mammoth Mountain, you can try June risk-free: your Mammoth lift ticket is good here. Our recommendation: start at June for lessons for the kids (or yourself) and work your way up to Mammoth. We’re fans of both mountains, but our ultimate goal at Pit Stops for Kids is to help families make the most of their vacations and spend their ski trip budget wisely. Try June and see the value of a relaxed, friendly, low-key ski community!

Lodging:

There are several options in June Lake, just minutes from the ski area. However, if you’re staying at Mammoth, rest assured: you’re only 20 minutes away.

Dining:

You’ll find good ski hill fare at the Chalet lodge at June, but this resort is ‘sack lunch friendly’ as well. In the town of June Lake, apres or dinner options can be found along the main drag from the ski area.

Directions:

June Mountain, Ca. is located about 20 miles north of Mammoth Lakes in June Lake. From US 395, take Hwy. 158 west at the June Lake Loop. Drive approx. 4 miles to the ski area.

Keystone Resort vacation for families: Why ski Keystone with kids

January 17, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

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 tandem, make for a dream ski trip for kids. Want a taste? Check out our Keystone Resort for kids video! You might find a few of the following kid-friendly features at any resort, but they only exist ‘under one roof’ at Keystone!

1. Ski-in, ski-out village lodging:

Yes, nearly all large resorts offer ski-in, ski-out lodging. But do they include heated outdoor pools with water slides? How about condos with game rooms, media rooms, and toddler play rooms? Everyone offers ski lockers, but at River Run Village, ski rentals, Kidtopia events (more on this below), dining, and daycare are all within easy walking distance as well. We’ve stayed in ski-in or walk-to-slopes lodging in multiple resort areas, and my nine-year-old ranked Keystone’s The Springs as the best for pool and hot tub fun, gondola access, and village access.

2. Kids ski free:

When staying two or more nights in any Keystone lodging, kids 12 and under ski free. No blackout dates, no exceptions, no kidding. We always recommend staying on-site in convenient resort lodging anyway; now, families can save lift ticket cash for a fun night out, a day with demo skis, or a special souvenir. Learn more at Kids Ski Free.

3. Weekly Kidtopia programming:

Kidtopia is a ton of fun, but many families don’t realize it’s on offer. Here’s what you need to know: when you check in at Keystone Resort, look for a weekly Kidtopia schedule. Kidtopia offers various events free to kids, based out of Kidtopia headquarters in Expedition Station in River Run Village. Kidtopia events range from face painting to cocoa with Riperoo (the Keystone mascot) to the weekly Kidtopia parade through River Run Village (every Saturday). Kidtopia headquarters also houses Ready, Paint, Fire, an art studio where kids can paint on canvas or create (and fire) their own pottery. This is a great indoor option for kids not skiing (or when poor weather brings families indoors).

4. Kidtopia snow castle and on-slope ski features:

No kid (or parent) can resist the amazing snow castle at the top of Dercum Peak! Pop off your skis and explore this multi-story snow castle, where kids can crawl through tunnels, slide down tubes, and walk through mazes made of ice and snow. The castle is a great place to take a 10 minute break from the slopes, or if you don’t want to stop, look for the School Yard features along green run School Marm, where kids can ski through Riperoo’s dog house in Riperoo’s Forest, try out small terrain features, and look for short, easy ski trails. For intermediate skiers, our favorite ski feature is the H&H mine, located off blue run Santa Fe.

5. Kamp Keystone ski and ride lessons for all abilities:

Keystone offers multiple Ski and Ride learning options, but kids will want to base their ski school experience from Kamp Keystone, the main ski school center located in Mountain House. Kamp Keystone is unique in that it offers evening activities (for a fee) and—this is a biggie—guarantees your child the same instructor every day (if booking lessons for at least three days). Consistency is key with resort ski lessons (and hard to come by) so enrolling in Kamp Keystone definitely gives kids an edge. Inside Kamp Keystone, kids can play on a replica ski kat or snowmobile while waiting to be registered, and if they need rental equipment, it’s fitted for them in-house (no carrying and confusion required). Abilities from ‘never evers’ to advanced and expert skiers are accommodated; my expert nine-year-old had a great group lesson with kids of his own age and ability. And because Keystone is a Vail Resort, it offers EpicMix Academy, an online record of your child’s daily lesson report, complete with current level (making it easy to migrate to other Vail Resort ski schools throughout the season).

6. Adventure Center and additional activities:

Kids taking an afternoon or morning off from the slopes can go tubing at Adventure Point, take a gondola ride to The Outpost (at over 11,000 feet) for a fondue dinner, take a sleigh ride to a historic ranch, or ice skate on either the Dercum rink in River Run Village or the lake in Lakeside Village (largest Zamboni-served ice skating rink in the nation). All the above activities can be booked directly from Keystone (call the Adventure Center in Lakeside Village), making Keystone a great resort for families with kids of many ages and ski abilities.

Read our Keystone Resort overview for families for dining picks, lodging descriptions, and on-mountain reviews!

Northstar California with kids: an Aspen Grove mountain condo stay

January 3, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

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 Lodging: start by reading our review of Big Horn Lodge. However, if something in-between is just right, Northstar’s mountain condo options are close to amenities, affordable, and manageable in size.

During a weekend visit with our family of five (three school-aged kids, plus mom and dad), we stayed in one of Northstar’s Aspen Grove condos. We were only 1/4 mile from the village, had three bedrooms, a full washer and dryer, a ski locker, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen, and plenty of space for the kids to play and explore. One of the more affordable Northstar lodging options, our Aspen Grove condo included just what we needed, and no more. Tip: condos and village lodging at Northstar can also be booked through VacationRoost.

Amenities:

Northstar’s condos are run by Northstar Lodging, the same folks who book their mountain homes, and therefore, include use of the Northstar Property Owners Association recreation center, pools, hot tubs, and exercise facility. This is a huge plus, as there are no hot tubs or pools in the Aspen Grove condo area. In summer, you can easily walk to the rec center (nice for teens who want to use the exercise rooms or the arcade), but in winter, you’ll want to drive or call the Northstar shuttle. The rec center is $2 per person to use, and worth every penny (we love the triple outdoor hot tubs!).

In Aspen Grove, you get the washer-dryer in your unit, plus the full kitchen, which makes meal planning easier and saved us a lot of money on our weekend at Northstar. You also have use of the free shuttle system, which we love. Simply call for the shuttle from any phone, and it will be there faster than you can find your missing glove, I promise. Shuttle stops are close by in the Aspen Grove parking lot, and the trip to the village to catch the gondola up the mountain takes fewer than five minutes. Ditto for the ride home, which means you can skip the crowded public parking areas or paid parking.

Condo configuration:

Our Aspen Grove condo included two bedrooms on the bottom level, plus a bathroom and the entry hallway. This hallway included lots of hooks for winter gear, and a ski locker out front. The washer and dryer were also in this level. Bedrooms had two beds (a double and a single) in one, and a queen bed in the other, plus plenty of closet space. Upstairs on the mid-level, we had the kitchen (with full-sized appliances and stocked with dishes, cooking utensils, etc) and living space (complete with TV and DVD player and wifi). On the third floor sat the master bedroom and bathroom. The second and bottom floor both featured a deck. We had more than enough space (we could have made due with a two-bedroom) and never felt far from the action.

Date last visited:

November-December 2013

Distance from the interstate:

10 minutes from I-80.

Rates:

Rates vary by season and bedroom number. One to three-bedroom condos range from approximately $259-459.

Directions:

Northstar is located 30 minutes from Reno, NV or three hours from Sacramento, CA off of the Highway 267 exit on Interstate 80 (I-80). Take an immediate right after entering Northstar Drive to check in at Northstar Lodging.

Disclosure: Our Aspen Grove stay was hosted by Northstar, for the purpose of review. While hospitality is always appreciated, our opinions are our own. The above post is also written in partnership with VacationRoost.com.

Winter at the Utah Olympic Park with kids

December 4, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

While exploring Park City Utah with kids, families will want to reserve time to visit the Utah Olympic Park. This half-day excursion is only minutes from Park City Utah, and 25 miles from Salt Lake City.

The Utah Olympic Park is the site of several winter sports in the 2002 Winter Games, and is still home to several Olympic teams and hopefuls. Most days, visitors can see training in process on the high jump or luge, bobsled, or skeleton events.

What to do at Utah Olympic Park:

Start at the Olympic museum, where you’ll learn about general winter sport Olympic history as well as the details behind the Salt Lake City games. The museum is free for all, making it a great introduction to the park. If you have very young kids, you may want to simply walk around outside the museum area to watch skiers on the jumps and practicing their flips and spins.

If you have older kids or teens, it’s worth paying for the guided tour, which takes you in a van up to the top of the high jump slopes and to view the luge and bobsled track. Both are very impressive facilities…and looking down the ski jump course is enough to give you deep respect for the athletes who brave it! The tour can include to ride on the ski lift chair up and down from some sites.

For those extremely daring (and 16 or older), a ride down the bobsled course behind a professional driver is a major thrill. I’d consider it a once-in-a-lifetime activity: while I enjoyed the experience, I don’t need to do it again! The bobsled team will warn all visitors that this activity is extremely physical: if you have any healthy issues, it’s not for you. Unlike many ‘extreme’ activities that are pretty tame, the bobsled trip is the real deal: expect a bumpy, intense, and possibly unsettling ride! I recommend it wholeheartedly for those up for the challenge. Family members who wish to watch can do so along several points of the track. This activity is costly, but worth budgeting for on special occasions.

In summer months, families can also try the zip line, adventure course, and exhibition shows every weekend. We love the deal on the zip lines and high ropes courses: there are numerous lines and courses, all for one price of $40 for kids. Go all day! Read our summer review.

Date last visited:

March 2013

Distance from the interstate:

Minutes from I-80.

Admission:

Free

Hours of operation:

10 am to 6 pm daily

Directions:

The Utah Olympic Park is located at 3419 Olympic Pkwy. From Park City or The Canyons Resort, easily follow well-marked signage.

Canyons Resort Park City with kids

October 18, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

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! Yes, Canyons offers a great ski and board school, and The Grand Summit Hotel offers child care, but for us, Canyons is best for older kids who ski or board at the intermediate to advanced level. Why? This resort is chock full of steeps, glades, gated runs, and off-piste fun. In fact, there’s an entire lift, the Ninety-Nine-90, devoted to black diamond runs. Does this mean there’s little for beginners? Not at all…but your advanced skiing kids and teens will be in heaven, as will you!

Second to the great terrain at Canyons is the convenience and comfort of this resort. The new Orange Bubble Chair is both heated and covered, for heaven’s sake! And the food options on the mountain are fantastic. Canyons does one of the best jobs we’ve seen in crowd management. We’ve never skied this mountain and found lengthly lift lines or food service lines. The food options at the Red Pine mid-mountain lodge are varied and healthy, and if you’d like to skip the plastic trays and chaos of a cafeteria-style lunch, families can make a reservation at Lookout Cabin, located at the Orange Bubble mid-mountain drop-off. You’ll get a great-yet-quick full service meal, and get to warm up by the fireside to boot.

On-mountain thrills:

We love that a ski day at The Canyons can also include the Canyons Zip Line Tour or Snowshoeing experience. Yes, families can check in for either activity mid-day, right on the slopes! In fact, I zip-lined over the trees in my ski boots! For families experiencing either of these activities on a non-ski day, access is granted via the Red Pine Gondola. The Zip Line Tour takes approximately 1.5 hours, and takes families on three lines: a warm-up, a mid-level line, and a long, high line over 2,000 feet long. The last line is definitely a thrill, even for experienced zip-liners. (And is also optional, should you have someone not up for the challenge.)

Where to stay at The Canyons:

We’ve experienced Hyatt Escala, The Grand Summit Hotel, and Westgate Park City, all located adjacent to the village. All are excellent choices for families with indoor or outdoor pools, hot tubs, restaurants, and everything you’d want in walking distance. For ease of skiing and boarding, the ski-in, ski-out convenience of the Grand Summit wins out. For suite amenities, the Westgate gets our pick. And for decor and ambiance, Hyatt reigns. We suggest reading all three reviews (just click on the links) and deciding what’s best for your skiing and snowboarding family.

Where to eat at Canyons:

Our on-mountain picks are listed above, but for village fare, we recommend budgeting for at least one meal at The Farm. Located in Canyons village next to the Grand Summit Hotel, The Farm’s farm-to-table cuisine makes for a memorable meal. Expect the small menu to change weekly as all ingredients are freshly sourced, but the kids’ menu remains a bit more constant, and will include the standards kids are used to. Don’t assume this restaurant is not kid-friendly; in fact, the staff welcomes kids and kids dig the fresh, local fare. For quick breakfasts and grab-and-go sandwiches, First Tracks in the Grand Summit is an affordable option.

Lift ticket pricing:

As with most ski resorts, pre-purchasing multi-day lift tickets online will save you money. Look for deals packaged with the local hotels as well. Ticket prices vary, because Canyons always have online deals going. At the time of this writing, the best deal was $79 for adults and $39 for kids. It’s also worth checking Liftopia before heading to the slopes.

Directions:

Canyons Park City is located four miles from Park City off I-40, or 25 miles from Salt Lake City.

The above post was written in conjunction with a partnership with VacationRoost.

Grand Summit Hotel at Canyons Resort, Park City

October 16, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Last year, we named Park City as a Pit Stops for Kids’ best ski town. We reviewed the Westgate Resort at the base of Canyons Resort, and we talked up the quaint downtown with its great shops and restaurants for families. Now we’re back with our review of Grand Summit Hotel. Who’s ready to hit Park City with kids?

Why the Grand Summit works well for families:

The Grand Summit Hotel at The Canyons is ideally located for Canyons skiing and snowboarding. While it is not the most luxurious hotel in the immediate region, it is one of the closest to the slopes, enjoying true ski-in, ski-out flexibility. From the back door of the Summit, families can hop on the Orange Bubble chair or the Red Pine Gondola in seconds. The Grand Summit ski valet stores your skis or boards, so you can grab and go, and the Grand Summit Child Care center is located right next door.

Families are steps from the central path through the Canyons village, which includes the ski and board school, equipment rentals, and restaurants. With the Grand Summit’s seasonal shuttle, you don’t even need a car.

Grand Summit Hotel amenities:

My kids won’t stay at a ski hotel without a pool, and the Grand Summit certainly delivers. The outdoor pool is large and heated, and three large hot tubs surround it. We love that you can sit in the hot tubs and watch the gondola go past. Adjacent to the pool area is the fitness center (smaller, but adequate) and spa. Families can enter the spa to use the sauna and steam rooms (my kids also love a good sauna). While I wish the sauna sat next to the pool instead of in the spa where it’s a bit awkward to walk in and out, it works for our purposes.

Standard rooms include free wifi, which is rare to find these days, and have the standard amenities as well: hair dryer, coffee maker, and even microwaves. What you won’t find: mini-fridges (at least not in our standard room). Balconies add to the floor space, and offer great views, whether you’re looking out over Park City or the slopes.

Dining at The Grand Summit includes a full-service apres ski joint with a back deck overlooking the lifts, a grab-and-go sandwich and breakfast shop, and a (pricy) buffet breakfast location (The Cabin). We recommend booking a suite, which comes equipped with a full kitchen. Families will want to budget for one special meal out at The Farm, located adjacent to the hotel in the Canyons village. The Farm serves all seasonal farm-to-table fare, and is surprisingly kid-friendly. It’s a great experience and will be a memorable meal.

Date last visited:

March 2013

Room rates:

Start as low as $135 for a standard room in non-peak seasons.

Directions:

The resort is four miles from the heart of Park City, which is just off I-40. Salt Lake City is 25 miles away.

I experienced the Grand Summit as guests of The Canyons Resort, for the purpose of review. While I appreciate the hospitality, it did not come with expectation of a positive review.

Big White Ski Resort: family-friendly skiing in Kelowna BC

January 21, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

It speaks to Big White Ski Resort‘s dedication to families that there’s too many family-friendly activities, events, and programs to include in just one post. Over the next week, we’ll be featuring our favorites, in addition to this overview of the mountain and its lodging, dining, and family fun.

First, an overview from the Pit Stops for Kids video channel:

Skiing at Big White:

I asked around before arriving at Big White, and learned that this resort is known for three things: family-focused fun, lightweight, ‘champagne’ powder, and fog. (More on that last one in a bit.) From the moment we checked in at Central Reservations, it was evident the ‘family-focused’ part was no joke: we were given a full page of daily activities for kids, most of them complimentary. Throughout our stay, we experienced Big White’s bi-weekly ‘Carnival Night’ with bouncy houses, slides, carnival games and free cotton candy; hot chocolate by a bonfire; Family Apres Ski at the Moose Lounge; and a holiday parade the kids could participate in. Had we stayed longer, Nate, age 13, could have participated in Teen Wii Night, and Toby, age 8, and Calvin, age 11, could have attended a Kids’ Centre climbing wall event.

Because Big White is a completely ski-in, ski-out resort (yes, you can ski or walk everywhere), it’s very relaxing to get from Point A to Point B, and because the vibe here is very laid back, you’ll see kids sledding and adults snowshoeing or cross-country skiing throughout the village along the streets and pathways. We immediately embraced this attitude, leaving the car parked and hopping on the gondola from our mid-mountain condo to head to the lower Happy Valley adventure center and walking just a few steps to the Village center.

Thanks to Big White’s high elevation location in the Monashee mountains near Kelowna BC, the resort enjoys a steady amount of snowfall (they don’t make their own snow…they don’t need to). The tree skiing is consistently great, and the snow is dry and light, making it easy for even young kids to slide through the powder. Our boys loved the large amount of glade skiing, and I loved that I didn’t need to go all the way up the peak to find challenging terrain.

Big White’s reputation for fog is accurate as well, but you know what? It was no big deal. The dense fog can be disorienting, but local skiers know just what to do: head to the gladed sections of the lower mountain (such as Black Forest), and save the peaks for another day. We found the fog to often burn off, but if it doesn’t, just think of it as an excuse to tackle some of Big White’s other outdoor activities. While out in the fog, take a photo next to Big White’s famed ‘snow ghosts’.

Big White Ski and Board School:

Big White’s reputation as a family destination is well-deserved, and naturally, this extends to its Ski and Board School. Unlike some ski resorts, Big White’s ski school is not just day care (though they have that, too). As an expert skier, I was pleased to see the skill levels of each ski school class clearly marked on the Big White website, complete with YouTube videos of necessary skills so you can accurately place your kids in the right classes. Once on site, I was also happy to see the sheer number of ski school instructors; extras are always in reserve should they be needed on any given morning.

We dropped off Calvin and Toby at ski school for two half-days, and on Day 1, I braced myself for the usual chaos of ski school registration during peak season. It didn’t come. Though the Kids’ Centre (located directly across from the Village Centre Mall in the main village) was bustling, it ran like a well-oiled machine, thanks to efficient, friendly staff. Kids can be dropped off as early as 8:30 am for a 9:30 lesson, but they’re hardly suffering while they wait: the ‘no adults allowed’ Kids’ Centre houses lego tables, indoor slides and play spaces (yes, you can play in your ski boots), and tables for arts and crafts.

Security is well-run as well: kids are given scannable bar codes for their helmets and parents are issued identical codes they must present at pick-up. During lessons, kids wear GPS trackers, the data from which is later emailed to parents, so they can see where their child skied or boarded on the hill. I was impressed that at each pick up, my kids’ instructors sought me out to explain to me in detail how my kids were progressing. Toby’s instructor, a young man named Jordan, was especially detailed and friendly. I’ll admit: my kids don’t always want to have lessons when they could be free skiing, but both were happy to go back to the Kids’ Centre on Day 2.

Outdoor Adventure:

Big White is home to North America’s only ice climbing tower, an experience so unique, it deserves its own post. Also located nearby: Big White’s Mega Coaster snow tubing park, the highest elevation ice skating rink in Canada (on which kids can also play hockey, complete with referees), dog sledding (more on that as well), miles of nordic trails, sleigh rides, and snowmobiling.

Family Activities:

Kids can return to the Kids’ Centre almost every evening for scheduled, supervised activities, many of which are complimentary. Activities include wall climbs, snow tubing, and game nights, including dinner. Family activities abound as well: we checked out apres ski fare snacks and mocktails at the Moose Lounge after a full ski day, and took part in holiday events such as Big White’s annual Christmas Eve parade. Be sure to check for daily events offered (schedules can be found at the information center at the Village Centre Mall)…the list rivals that of a cruise ship!

Dining:

The beauty of true ski-in, ski-out lodging is that families can make their own meals in their condos. On the nights you choose to eat out, this also means fewer crowds (both at lunch and dinner). We grocery shopped en route to Big White at Kelowna, but also ate a few choice meals out. Our favorite dining locations:

1. The Bullwheel: This restaurant on the upper side of the village is a nice spot to duck into for a mid ski-day meal or dinner. The food is very fresh and often locally sourced, paired with Okanagan wines in the evening. We recommend the huge gourmet burgers and kids’ make-your-own pizza.

2. Beano’s: This breakfast and coffee spot is located right in the cozy Village Centre Mall, making it a convenient and yummy breakfast counter before dropping the kids off at lessons or picking up your tickets. We loved the breakfast sandwiches and the kids devoured their big cinnamon rolls.

3. Kettle Valley Steakhouse: This restaurant is casual while still delivering on excellent cuisine. If you’re in Big White during the holiday season, order Christmas dinner from Kettle Valley and have it delivered right to your condo. We experienced this firsthand, and had a delicious (and large portioned!) dinner of turkey, vegetables, stuffing, rolls, salad, cheesecake, and more.

4. Happy Valley Cafeteria: This cafeteria is just like that in most day lodges, with two differences: lower prices and better food. We loved their noodle bowls, and we were able to get healthy burgers for the kids (they liked the tuna burger, for instance). Don’t worry: there’s also fries, grilled cheese, hot dogs, and the like.

Lodging:

There is no ‘bad’ location at Big White, but if you want to be close to the village and right off an easy (green) run, our lodging at The Eagles Resort is perfect. Our three-bedroom, two-bath plus loft condo included a full kitchen, spacious living room with fireplace, huge boot/coat room, and fun three-bed loft for the kids. We had more room than we knew what to do with, plus ski lockers a few floors below us. We could step into our skis and right out onto the run, or walk just a few yards through a snowy tunnel to the village. After skiing, we relaxed in the large indoor/outdoor hot tub, and the kids made use of the communal game room.

The Eagles reminded us of the ski lodging of our youth: low on frills such as granite countertops and exposed wood beams, high on practical touches like glove-warming racks and a full ski tuning station in the ski storage locker. Each condo comes with a heated, indoor parking space (extra cars can park in the outside lot) and housekeeping refreshes towels and takes out garbage three days weekly. The Eagles was exactly what we needed to stay comfortably and conveniently at Big White.

As I disclose whenever applicable, Big White Ski Resort hosted us during our stay. Though appreciated, this generosity did not come with expectation of a positive review.