Family Holiday Ski Trip 2008

[Tiramisu]

I need input on planning a ski trip for my family in December. My son should be home from Iraq and the two new g-daughters will be 1yo. My wishes would be to rent a house big enough for all of us (16) and I'll babysit and cook while hubby and kids go skiing. I just found out last week that hubby has always wanted to go (maybe he's tired of hunting!). Anyway, I'd prefer somewhere in Colorado since I'll be driving.

So, where's the best places to go for 9 adults, 5 kiddos (16, 11, 9, 5, and 4), and 2 toddlers to go have some snow fun?

[DianaB]

I recommend the Winter Park ski area. I think that Winter Park is really good for families. There's a smaller ski slope that would be good if you're all beginners called Sol-Vista, it used to be Silver Creek. We used to go there when our kids were younger so it's been quite a while since we've been there. We love Winter Park the best out of all of them we've been to.

As far as rentals you can check with a rental agency or just look here on the internet. You will want to figure out what you would like to have as far as a pool, hot tub, bedrooms, etc beforehand. We always try to get a pool and hot tub for help with the sore and achy muscles. I think that we usually stay in Frisco but there are some other small towns around there too. There's also lots of shopping and outlet malls there.

I hope that this helps. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask!

[Tiramisu]

THANKS, this sounds perfect. I had looked at some stuff on the net, but thought I ask for EXPERT opinions.

[rivermom]

How exciting to be planning a trip for you and your loved ones. I bet you will have a blast getting all the details together.

[Janet]

It sounds like you're going to have a great time. Me....I want someplace warm..I'd rather ski on a lake...lol

[gja1000]

I haven't been skiing in Colorado in YEARS! We used to go 2-3 times a winter. We always rented a condo wherever we went and we usually had tons of family that came along. I'm sure you can still do the same. I do remember going to Winter Park and it is really nice. I skied at Silver Creek too! I also always enjoyed Breckenridge - I liked the little town (probably a bigger town now!) and Crested Butte. We used to go to Wolf Creek every Thanksgiving because it would always have snow - when most other places didn't that early.

I think a ski family vacation is great - we have many many fond memories of them!

[DianaB]

Originally Posted by Tiramisu

THANKS, this sounds perfect. I had looked at some stuff on the net, but thought I ask for EXPERT opinions.

I'm sorry but I can't give you an EXPERT opinion, just going on what we used to do years ago. My husband and the girls still go once in a while but I haven't gone for years. BTW-- You'll have a blast no matter where you'll go!! You just want to go somewhere where they have trails for beginners. Some slopes are designed for more advanced skiiers.

[DianaB]

My daughter just reminded me that they go to Keystone. Keystone and Winter Park are a lot alike in the sense that they're beginner friendly. My family usually goes to Keystone when they go skiing. We've been to both and they're about the same. Check them out on the internet and ask a lot of questions. In the Keystone area there are several large ski areas some of them more advanced that you can drive to easily.

[Marilyn]

I would not recommend Keystone if there are any beginners in the group. For us there are not enought beginner slopes there, and the beginner's dump out onto the same place that a black does at the bottom of the mountain.

I'd suggest Breckenridge. There are a lot of gentle greens and blues and lots of good rental properties. We've gone with large groups to New Mexico, to Ski Apache, and had a blast. But for Colorado, Breckenridge was the best place we've been. We have not been to Winter Park or Copper Mountain or Wolf Creek, but have heard that all three are family friendly and will definitely check them out next time we go. We are planning to go next year sometime around New Years.

Our lift ticked for Keystone did allow us to ski at other resorts as well. I know Breckenridge was included. Seems like there were about 5 on the ticket in the same general area if you don't mind driving to check them out. That's how we originally discovered Breckenridge. We were staying at Keystone and decided to check out Vail and Breckenridge. That year, we were there just after Christmas, Vail did not have snow but the others did.

You will have a blast with a large group. We sure did!!!

[goofywife]

I Love shopping in all of the little shops in Winter Park!

[judy]

How lovely that your son is coming home from Iraq! This should be a wonderful trip, wherever you end up.