Winter Family Travel Made Easier! Join the Twitter Party on Tuesday, Dec. 7th
Park City Mountain Resort’s Snowmamas: Tuesday #gno Twitter Party on Family Fun in the Winter!
Let’s face it: Taking your family to the mountains for some fun in the snow can be overwhelming! What to pack? Where to go? How to get kids from the condo to ski/snowboard lessons on time? The questions are endless! Join our Snowmamas Twitter Party on Tuesday, December 7 from 9-11 pm EST as we share our passion for winter fun!
Visit this page for party details and to RSVP!
We want to know what is your one tip for a family planning a ski/snowboard vacation? Please share your tips in the comments below!
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Comments
Comment posted by Brenda Andrews on December 3, 2010 1:15 PM MST
Have fun! Remember sunscreen and lotion for dry skin. Chapstick is a must. And sun glasses. Stay hydrated...just because it's cold doesn't mean you won't sweat.
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Comment posted by Emily on December 4, 2010 12:18 AM MST
I think Brenda took most of my advice! I'm a big fan of the sunscreen--and remembering to use it even if the sun isn't shining. I've been burned badly before and it was so painful! Layering your socks is a good one too. Also, taking professional lessons has been a great way for my kids to learn how to ski without both parents and kids getting frustrated!
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Comment posted by Some Lucky Dog on December 4, 2010 1:14 AM MST
Make sure the winter resort you've chosen has something for all ages in your group! Including daycare, if needed!
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Comment posted by Jeanine B. on December 4, 2010 10:36 AM MST
Bring some snacks that you know your kids enjoy for the car or plane ride, and for quick energy on the slopes. The lines at the snack bars can be long!
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Comment posted by Pauline M on December 4, 2010 12:46 PM MST
I always pack hand and feet warmers when we go skiing. It's just not fun to ski when your uncomfortable in the outside temperature!
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Comment posted by Leslie S. on December 4, 2010 4:17 PM MST
Make sure you bring enough things for the kids to do indoors too.
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Comment posted by Bonny Simi on December 4, 2010 5:01 PM MST
Fastest way to the slopes is to park in the lower lot next to the first time run. Just steps to the lift, then you can ride up, ski down to the main lodge and Payday lift.
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Comment posted by Karen on December 5, 2010 8:41 AM MST
dress in layers, non cotton, arrive early to avoid lines.
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Comment posted by Amy on December 5, 2010 9:53 AM MST
Always pack snacks. My kids love granola bars and fruit strips and they are easy to put in the pockets of your ski jackets.
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Comment posted by Amy on December 5, 2010 9:54 AM MST
Always remember to keep your ears warm. A ski mask, ear muffs/headbands or a hat that covers your ears will do the trick.
Also, I always bring granola bars and fruit snacks in my pockets. You never know when the kiddos are going to get hungry.
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Comment posted by jennyonthespot on December 5, 2010 5:35 PM MST
Socks. Pack plenty of socks. And layer. When packing, keep "layers" in mind!
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Comment posted by Gena on December 5, 2010 5:58 PM MST
Bring extra winter accessories to wear when you are out and about town instead of your skiing gloves! This way they can dry while you are staying warm!
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Comment posted by Andrea Hatfield on December 5, 2010 6:18 PM MST
Keep your head warm because you lose most of your heat through your head. Also be sure to wear waterproof shoes because if your feet get wet you could get frostbite.
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Comment posted by Lolo on December 5, 2010 6:19 PM MST
Layer clothes, and bring lots of chap stick!
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Comment posted by Carla on December 5, 2010 6:37 PM MST
here's my tip, don't try to do too much with young kids. Be flexible and smile!
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Comment posted by John Carroz on December 5, 2010 8:36 PM MST
Plan ahead for lessons and day care. We visit Brundage Idaho every year and they really appreciate us scheduling our visit and our classes/daycare needs in advance. It allows them to staff appropriately and for us to plan our week knowing that when we arrive everything will be ready for us.
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Comment posted by michelle w on December 5, 2010 9:46 PM MST
Bring lots of instant cocoa, hot teas, ciders, even instant coffee for warming up both before and after you hit the slops.
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Comment posted by Jessica Erickson on December 5, 2010 11:21 PM MST
hand/feet warmers are a must! and pack in a lunch if possible to avoid pricey cafeterias!
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Comment posted by Benny Williams on December 6, 2010 12:22 AM MST
Always bring an extra dry layer and keep it in the car. It's nice to change in to after the fun day in the snow!
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Comment posted by janetcobbel on December 6, 2010 6:52 AM MST
Leave any and all work at home!!! Enjoy fun in the snow and act like a kid.
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Comment posted by janetcobbel on December 6, 2010 6:53 AM MST
Leave any and all work at home!!! Enjoy fun in the snow and act like a kid.
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Comment posted by Cherren on December 6, 2010 11:22 AM MST
Snacks, snacks, snacks and lots of Water... kids get thirsty and hungry fast! Sunscreen is the next biggie... then swishing the slopes.
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Comment posted by Don on December 6, 2010 12:49 PM MST
I can't wait to go skiing!
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Comment posted by BreAnne Mansell on December 6, 2010 1:57 PM MST
Hungry and cold adults are bad enough, but hungry and cold kids are the perfect storm! Pack snacks and drinks to eat on the lift. Taking off winter clothes and equip every time someone says "I'm hungry" is time consuming,exhausting and expensive! Let the family fuel up while riding the lift.
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Comment posted by Kaye Swires on December 6, 2010 6:14 PM MST
Make sure to pack a thermos of hot chocolate so that everyone can enjoy a warm beverage while they play in the snow!
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Comment posted by Diane on December 6, 2010 11:17 PM MST
My first thought was to dress in layers especially with the kids. Pack small snacks and or drinks, for those in between visits back to the cafe/restaurant area ;)
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Comment posted by VivaLaBrandi on December 7, 2010 7:08 AM MST
Dress warm, I'm thinking North face & Penfield coats. under garments a must & snow boots, duhh. Also to moisturize the skin, cold weather can/will hurt the skin but if you moisturize it will hurt less .
XoXox
TheChicFactory.com
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Comment posted by Melissa Armstrong on December 7, 2010 8:08 AM MST
We have never tried to take our two small(ish) boys to the mountains. Money being the biggest issue keeping us from doing it. But I think the important things to keep in mind would be stay hydrated, keep a granola bar in everyone's pocket and stay flexible.
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Comment posted by Sandra Foyt on December 7, 2010 8:37 AM MST
Pack Ziplocs and a microfiber cloth. Each family member carries their own bag, with all their gear (including books and other items easily destroyed by moisture.) A microfiber cloth helps with drying off boots before putting back in the bag, but Ziplocs are still needed for protecting the most vulnerable items.
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Comment posted by cindy champion on December 7, 2010 10:31 AM MST
Pack layers that can be used not only when your snowboarding but when dining out or sightseeing.
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Comment posted by LUCINDA HABEL on December 7, 2010 10:33 AM MST
My tip is to take it slow and don't try to do too muchmore than your body is used to. You don't want to be too sore to do anything but lay around your second day!
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Comment posted by Carissa on December 7, 2010 10:45 AM MST
I think I'd plan for some down time, seems like you could over plan and end up with everyone sick or hurt or something??
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Comment posted by Kathy Spiro on December 7, 2010 11:10 AM MST
Do not forget sunscreen, snacks and instructions for the little ones in your family so they can learn and really enjoy the snow fun
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Comment posted by SunRae on December 7, 2010 11:31 AM MST
Snacks, Water, Sunscreen and Chapstick are all must haves for a winter getaway. Wear layers of clothes and don't forget the gloves, hats, and scarves!
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Comment posted by Cindy on December 7, 2010 11:47 AM MST
You can never pack enough socks!
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Comment posted by Kristi on December 7, 2010 11:49 AM MST
Dress in layers and make lots of hot chocolate breaks!!
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Comment posted by wendy on December 7, 2010 12:04 PM MST
I have done this for many years with my kids. Research and plan as early as you can. Be prepared. Be flexible when things come up. Most importantly have fun and take tons of pics!
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Comment posted by Jo on December 7, 2010 1:41 PM MST
Wear a helmet - both the adults and the kids. Take this opportunity to lead by example, and show how cool you can look while having fun together! Bring on the snow!
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Comment posted by 5happyharps on December 7, 2010 3:08 PM MST
I started skiing when I was 5, the key to having fun in the snow whether it's a blizzard or bright sun is good snow gear. In my experience your gloves, pants and boots are most important so you can stay dry. Your glasses, hat, and coat can be generic.
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Comment posted by Toni Moore on December 7, 2010 3:41 PM MST
Don't wear more than one pair of socks!!! I made that mistake snowboarding once and my feet felt like they were going to explode, lol!
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Comment posted by Amanda K. on December 7, 2010 5:44 PM MST
Get into shape before you go! It will help out a lot.
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Comment posted by Erin from Long Island on December 7, 2010 5:55 PM MST
Lots of layers, top AND bottom! Also, a thermos of tea or broth can do wonders
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Comment posted by Heather G on December 7, 2010 6:04 PM MST
for the downtime a relaxing cartoon for the kids just before bed also lots of warm clothes as they get wet. Coloring book or art supplies also keep them busy
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Comment posted by Karen on December 7, 2010 6:21 PM MST
Make sure you drink plenty of water and wear sun screen because you CAN get sunburned on the slopes
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Comment posted by Jo Gabrielson on December 7, 2010 6:25 PM MST
Put the kids in ski lessons even if they have skied before. Never hurts to learn some new skills! And pack extra gloves for the kids. Wet gloves are not fun.
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Comment posted by Jessica @ peekababy on December 7, 2010 6:31 PM MST
Sunscreen & helmets are a must for adults and for kids!!
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Comment posted by @lorisweetapples on December 7, 2010 6:35 PM MST
Get some $1 hand/foot warmers from the dollar bins at Target. Latex gloves under your mittens will keep your hands from getting wet!
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Comment posted by Emily E on December 7, 2010 6:42 PM MST
Pack ahead of time and have fun on the trip.
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Comment posted by Chacoy @Ma21cuteboy on December 7, 2010 6:49 PM MST
Soak it up, have fun! If your having fun whether you know how to ski or not you will not get frustrated and will enjoy it a lot more if your just having fun!
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Comment posted by nakedjen on December 7, 2010 6:49 PM MST
You need sunscreen, water, layers of clothes, SNOW BOOTS, good socks (I'm big on GOOD SOCKS) and warm mittens/gloves (I'm also big on warm hands) and a really good hat. Warm head, hands, feet and sunscreen/chapstick/water makes for a FAB snow day.
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Comment posted by Latoicha Givens on December 7, 2010 7:04 PM MST
Make sure the entire family wears helmets. Teaching kids to wear helmets while they are young will ensure they will practice good skiing safety as they get older.
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Comment posted by Naomi on December 7, 2010 7:07 PM MST
Lip balm and sunscreen! Perhaps even more important on the slopes than in the summertime…
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Comment posted by tiffany ard on December 7, 2010 7:19 PM MST
Wear warm Clothes :-)
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Comment posted by alpina1997 on December 7, 2010 7:26 PM MST
Always plan your trips with the family's input. It will help get everyone ready and excited for the vacation. Remember to bring lots of memory cards for the cameras!
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Comment posted by Pat H on December 7, 2010 7:35 PM MST
The advice I would give is to take snow safety lessons before traveling @pizzalogger
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Comment posted by Alpina1997 on December 7, 2010 7:38 PM MST
We include the kiddos when planning our vacation. It helps get everyone excited about the trip.
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Comment posted by Alpina on December 7, 2010 7:45 PM MST
We bring lots of extra memory cards for the cameras...it's worth it.
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Comment posted by MayKit Myway on December 7, 2010 7:56 PM MST
Take breaks when needed, even when having tons of fun - it's a workout!
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Comment posted by Christina on December 7, 2010 7:56 PM MST
Skiing is a great family vacay! We LOVE going! From a big hearty breakfast in the morning to the hot chocolate breaks to the hot tub soaks at nights.....there is no better way to have fun as a family! Dress in layers to stay warm and dry!
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Comment posted by Brinda on December 7, 2010 9:41 PM MST
It's all about having the right gear for you and your kids. Good equipment and good layered clothing so your kids don't complain about discomfort, instead they praise you for taking them skiing!
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Comment posted by Kari on December 7, 2010 11:01 PM MST
Be careful, but challenge yourself and your kids. Last year my son wanted the ski the big pipe at PCMR. I was nervous but we did it! Okay, so we didn't catch any air, but we made it out in one piece and can say we did it!
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Comment posted by Ariella Rogge @sanborncamps on December 8, 2010 1:08 AM MST
If your kiddos are young, best time to give them 1st ski/board experience is in the spring--or during "warm" weather--good 1st experience=life-long passion for the sport!
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Comment posted by Michael on December 8, 2010 1:18 AM MST
I'd make friends with the shop owner before a trip, you'll benefit from their experience just by knowing them if they know you're going to take a trip.
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Comment posted by Laurie P on December 8, 2010 8:54 AM MST
my tip is to educate the children on safety while skiing. If they know how to stay safe then the whole family can relax and have FUN!!!
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Comment posted by jennifer on December 8, 2010 9:30 AM MST
sunscreen & lip balm!
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Comment posted by maggy@threemanycooks on December 8, 2010 10:41 AM MST
WEAR SUNSCREEN! And re-apply. I learned that the hard way. It wasn't a pretty site the next morning.
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Comment posted by Deb on December 8, 2010 7:41 PM MST
So, I would say all family members should wear helmets,sunscreen and lip balm!
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Comment posted by Denise Sawyer on December 8, 2010 9:01 PM MST
We've only been skiing once, but I would have to reiterate - plan to get wet! Bring extra clothes! I haven't taken my little one...YET but I would say, be patient, don't overbook, and it is a vacation...take it slow and take it all in! You don't want to be in such a hurry to "do everything" that you miss out on everything!
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Comment posted by lei on December 8, 2010 9:16 PM MST
Def use sun block and chapstick!
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Comment posted by Chrysa on December 8, 2010 9:50 PM MST
Try skiing at a small local place before tackling the slopes at a "big time" ski resort!
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Comment posted by Mickey Coutts on December 8, 2010 9:58 PM MST
I would suggest to dress in layers to stay dry and warm. Also, don't rush onto slopes that are too fast or steep for your ability.
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Comment posted by kellye on December 8, 2010 10:02 PM MST
wear heated socks!
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The views expressed on Snowmamas are those of the individual authors, who are independent contractors of Park City Mountain Resort, and may not be factually accurate. These views are not intended to reflect the opinions of Park City Mountain Resort, its owners, its management or its employees. Snowmamas' authors have or will receive a paid trip to Park City Mountain Resort or will receive other compensation for their participation as an author.
Comment posted by caroln on December 3, 2010 9:20 AM MST
Remember to pack lots of clothes..you're gonna get wet
also remember to layer your clothes
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