Added: 02/27/2006 |
There are several rules how to make the perfect family vacation getaway happen to your familyThinking about travel to the slopes for a long family vacation getaway, for skiing and/or snowboarding vacation this season? A little research and advance planning can make big difference in the success of your family vacation getaway. This is even more important if you're considering family travel over a major holiday weekend in January or February, during popular school holiday vacation periods, or in the midst of prime spring break weeks. Here's how to make the perfect family vacation getaway happen for your family.
If you have any flexibility, avoid scheduling your family's winter ski weekend during a holiday period. Costs will be higher, lift lines longer, and the resorts jammed with people. Many families are taking their children out of school for family vacations due to scheduling issues and the cost savings that can be gained during non-peak vacation times. This can be easier if your children are in elementary or middle school. Teachers for this age group will sometimes allow students to do a special project or assignment related to their family vacation getaway to make up for time missed in school. These projects can include diaries, scrapbooks, fiction or non-fiction essays, historical or geographical papers about the local area, and other ideas.
Some families have already found the perfect ski area for their family, and continue to be happy with their choice each year. We found that as our children got older and became better skiers, however, our needs and requirements changed. It became more important for us to carefully evaluate our options before selecting a weekend destination.
If your family is considering a trip to the slopes this winter, research possible destinations and consider the following factors in making your choice of family vacation getaways.
Difficulty of the ski slopes. Each resort has a mix of easy, intermediate and expert slopes. Try to match the skill levels of your family members to the resorts' mix of slopes. If most of your family are beginners, for example, try to choose a resort with a greater percentage of beginner to moderate slopes. Tables and profiles on the ski area's website will give you the information you need to make an informed decision. If you can't find them, talk to the resort specialists staffing the 800-lines, and they will be able to help you.
Types of accommodations are available and of good cost. Lodging at the slopes can range from inexpensive hotel rooms to multi-bedroom condos and houses with kitchens. Often larger resort areas will have a variety of choices in each accommodation class. Prices will vary dramatically based on the type of accommodation and its distance from the slopes. Be very specific about your needs and preferences when booking your accommodations. Ask about distance to the slopes, transportation, fireplaces, views, and any other items that are important to you.
Travel time from your home, and travel budget. Most families tend to drive to the slopes for a long skiing weekend. If this is your plan, determine how long a drive you (and the kids) can tolerate. If your travel budget is more elastic and you live in or near a big city, you may want to consider flying to one of the major resorts within an hour's distance of a major airport. Denver, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah are two destinations with a number of major ski resorts located in close proximity to the airport.
Also take into consideration: facilities for snowboarders, availability of winter activities other than skiing and snowboarding, variety of amenities and off-slopes activities, choices of dining options and other things.
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