Kid Friendly Winter Vacation
 

I want to take my two young daughters to see snow. I am looking for a kid-friendly place, possibly in Colorado. Any good suggesstions??

Hello Farrah, exactly what are you looking for? A resort? All of them will be kid friendly. Its a pretty long list. Will you have a car? do you want to stay in one place? ski? On a budget? <BR><BR>take a look at www.summitnet.com for summit county. <BR><BR>I always recommend Ski Cooper for beginner skiers, its small easy to get around, cheap lessons. <BR><BR>Let us know what your hopeing to do and you will get more responses<BR><BR><BR>

I have visited summit.net & thought that Keystone would be really great. We really are not into skiing. I noticed they have other activities like tubing, ice skating, & sleigh rides. We will probaly rent a car since my travel agent told me a shuttle from the airport to hotel would cost about $100 per person. Do you know of any other area attractions within a short driving distance from Keystone? Thank you very much.

Steamboat is a great place for kids and has been highly rated in some of the parenting magazines...

We used to take our kids to Keystone. It's very much a family place--condos to rent, great kids' ski school and a little bus to take you from one area to another. Little bit of a town with ice skating on the little lake. Haven't been for about 10 years, but it was fun back then.

Hi Farrah. Keystone is just a short, 10 min, drive to Breckenridge. Lots of stuff to do in both towns. Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, X-Country Skiing, ice skating, dog sledding. Copper has tubing too its also close. <BR>Make certain you have the right clothing. Hate to see you and the girls wet and cold.

Speaking of the right clothing. I am a little concerned. We are from Louisiana, and barely own a winter coat. Are there any rental place for clothes or boots? I hate to have to buy a whole new wardrobe.<BR>

Farrah- best bet is to go to a second hand store- coats, shoes, ski pants and even mittens and goggles for kids are usually outgrown before being worn much. Even here in Hawaii, I was able to supply our ski trip needs for our growing kids.<BR>You don't need special shoes- sneakers work fine for rountine walking. Just add wool socks. Take an extra pair in case they get wet. For skiing, you'll rent ski boots.

I agree with Icuy. Go to a second-hand store for warm clothing. The outer extremities of the body are the most important parts to keep warm in colder weather. So, warm gloves, hats, socks, and boots are very important.

Play it again sports has used equipment for kids. Also might want to invest in a helmet for them...

A winter wardrobe and ski clothes for two kids will set you back close to $800. I have had very good luck on Ebay.

I've worked at a family resort in Vermont for some years. Every winter, especially at Christmas-time, parents bring their children here "to see snow". I cannot overemphasize the importance of proper winter clothing! When the locals are comfortable outdoors in an unzipped down Parka, our visitors from the South find it intolerable, when it's "Only" 32 degrees out(!) bundled up in down parkas with woolen sweaters, scarves, hats, mittens, socks, etc.! Sneakers are NOT servicable! They get wet and never dry. Warm boots are essential! Where there's snow, it's COLD outdoors! Where I work, we have a huge closet of attire (in all sizes - adults and kids) that folks have left behind for others to "borrow". Most folks, though, go shopping and have SUCH a fabulous time that they vow to return every winter, and most of them do! There IS a wonderful "hardly worn" shop in the village as well. That said, if your family wishes to engage in outdoor activities such as ice skating and sleigh rides, you'll want to bring your own clothing for being comfortable while out and about. And, you may wish to research family destinations in Vermont and other places in New England which are more economical than elsewhere.

Farrah,<BR><BR>Ditto the comments on clothing. Cold ears, fingers and toes will guarantee the kids will never want to go back. Remember to layer (undershirt, turtleneck, shirt/sweater, vest, outer shell...you can shed layers if needed.<BR><BR>Also, not mentioned yet has been altitude. In the rockies, base elevations are 5000 feet and above, with summits over 10000 at times. If you plan on skiing, acclimation and altitude sickness could be an issue. In the east, base elevations tend to be around 1000 ft., with summits in the 3-4000 foot range.<BR><BR>I'd push for Northern Vt....Smugglers, Jay Peak as a more crisis-prrof venue.<BR>Other Fodorite comments? <BR>

Nell-You can buy practically new winter clothes at second hand or consignment stores for kids. It is stupid to pay that much money for new stuff when kids quickly outgrow it.