Resorts offer snowballs, tubing, family fun
By Lynn O'Rourke Hayes
Comments 
0
Published: November 8, 2009
As you plan your winter snow vacation, consider small or midsize resorts. You’re likely to find less glitz and a warm welcome for your family. Here are five options.
→Angel Fire Resort, Angel Fire, N.M.: Visit this family-friendly mountain resort in the southern Rocky Mountains not far from better-known Taos and Santa Fe. Bominable, a new half-mile children’s progressive learning trail, features snowball throws and a ski-through teepee and fortress. Also enjoy two terrain parks, jumps, rails and fun boxes as well as a timed NASTAR race course and the Polar Coaster tubing hill. Information: (800) 633-7463; www.angelfireresort.com →Bretton Woods, Bretton Woods, N.H.: Choose from gently sloped beginner runs to more recently added tougher terrain in this scenic area not far from the Mount Washington Resort. Kids will love the terrain parks and the opportunity to test new skills during night skiing events. Ski school programs are available through the Hobbit Ski & Snowboard School and Burton Kids’ Learn to Ride Center, part of the recently expanded Kids’ Alpine Club. The youngest can spend time in the Babes in the Woods program. Information: (603) 278-3303; www.brettonwoods.com →Sunrise Park Resort, Greer, Ariz.: Set in Arizona’s White Mountains pine forest, this easygoing, rarely crowded resort on the Apache Reservation offers more than 65 runs and adventure at every level of ability. Tackle the downhill slopes, go cross country or take advantage of the children’s "ski-wee” area. You’ll appreciate the scenic views from aboard your chair lift. Later, drive three hours south to the Valley of the Sun for a round of golf or a warm-up by a resort pool. Information: (800) 772-7669; www.sunriseskipark.com; www.arizonaguide.com →Grand Targhee Resort, Alta, Wyo.: Located on the western slope of the Tetons, this neighbor of Jackson Hole, Wyo., is famous for consistent, top-notch snow conditions. Young skiers love learning with the help of the Papoose Conveyor or Magic Carpet, making it easier to get back up the hill and learn new skills. Kids ages 6 to 14 relish the freedom of being a Powder Scout. They’ll cruise the mountain with kids their own age, hang in their own clubhouse and explore the terrain with instructors who lead the way on runs such as Bat Cave, Bird Brains and Wacky Weasel Way. Intermediate riders and skiers who want to explore before the crowds arrive can sign up for the Early Tracks program and be on the mountain at 8:30 a.m. Information: (800) 827-4433; www.grandtarghee.com →Big Bear Mountain Resorts, Big Bear Lake, Calif.: This family-friendly resort is in the San Bernardino Mountains just above San Bernardino, Calif. The area is known for its terrain parks. After a day on the slopes, families can go tubing at nearby Magic Mountain. Information: (909) 866-5766; www.bearmountain.com; www.alpineslidebigbear.com/Snowplay.html McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
Related Topics:
Sports, Culture and Lifestyle, Travel and Tourism, Travel Destinations, Skiing, Winter Sports, Resorts and Spas, Ski Resorts
Prev
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
Thank you for joining our conversations on newsok. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.
Log in below or sign up (it's free).