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It’s a Blizzard of Fun at Ski Resorts
By Bramble Heidt

When you tune to the weather channel these days, you hear about upcoming snow storms, icy roads, and anchors telling you to stay off the road if you don’t have to go out. But, there is a reason to smile; it’s ski season. And, better yet, Pennsylvania’s ski resorts are more family-friendly than ever. Today’s slopes embrace snow bunnies of all ages, so bring the kids and grandparents, because there is a mountain out there that’s tailor made for your family.

“Name a sport that you can enjoy from age 3 until 83...we have only found one that you can do with all generations, all day, all winter. It’s skiing,” says Heather Burke, author of www.FamilySkiTrips.com. 

A day on the slopes is a great way for a family to spend time together, even if you’re not together every second. Older children, especially teens, like some time to themselves and signing up for groups and classes with others their age is a great option. Spend the morning in classes and regroup in the afternoon as a family. If you’re all beginners take a family lesson, offer each other support and laughter as everyone falls, and falls, until finally snowplowing their way to victory. 

From lessons to racing to good old-fashioned family fun, how you spend the day is up to you, it’s all about finding the balance that’s right for your family.

“Skiing invites all levels of ability...often you can ride the same lift, select different trails, and meet at the bottom,” says Burke.

The variety of lessons and classes offered at ski resorts is constantly expanding. If you’re heading to the Poconos, a family-friendly standout is Jack Frost/Big Boulder where you get two parks for the price of one. Their children’s programs start at age three and there are lessons for all ages.

“Trust the experts to introduce your child to skiing and riding properly, covering the basics, so your child learns safely, with other children, without parental pressure, tension or tears,” says Burke. 

What about the parents? On Saturdays there is a Parents Mountain Camp. Another family-friendly Poconos resort is Alpine Mountain that has “Just For Kids,” a consecutive four-week ski/board course for kids, as well as tailored lessons in skiing and snowboarding for kids and adults of all ages (children start at age 4). 

Ski Roundtop, in Lewisberry, Pa has a unique “Ski with Me” lesson for parent and child. There are also tons of lessons and classes to choose from, including their Mountain Explorers program that takes place over four consecutive Saturdays, lessons for kids begin at three. Spring Mountain in Spring Mount, Pa. is getting busy too with SKI BEES, a program for 4 and 5 year olds who’ve never skied. They’ll play games in the snow, ride on the Magic Carpet and learn how to put skis and ski boots on. For the more experienced skier/boarder many mountains offer race teams. Jack Frost/Big Boulder offers racing development and competition teams for skiers/boarders ages 4-18.

After a few hours on the slopes is your body ready for a rest but not ready to go indoors? Pile the family onto a snow tube and let the mountain do the work, no special skills or lessons needed. Most resorts have added tubing to their requisite list of activities. Ski Roundtop has an additional “kiddie” tubing area designed specifically for children under 5. Long gone are the days of trudging back to the top of the mountain, sled in tow, rope tows and magic carpets ensure no energy is exerted as you relax on your tube on the way back up.

Resorts make plenty of extra efforts to provide family fun. Alpine Mountain hosts Family Days with races, games, and prizes, a great way to entertain the whole family on the mountain. When you’re finally ready to come inside the fun doesn’t have to stop: Alpine Mountain and Jack Frost/Big Boulder have live entertainment on the weekends. 

Afraid all of this family fun is going to break the bank? Discount days are common at ski resorts and a huge help in keeping costs down on what can be an expensive day. Always check the resort calendar for upcoming discounts like family day or ladies day. Purchase lift tickets in bulk or at local ski shops that will often sell them up to $10 off. In general midweek is cheaper than the weekends, and call and ask about discounts, especially pertaining to children, there are often discounts that aren’t advertised.

Regardless of age and experience you and your family will create great life-long memories as you shush down the mountain this season. “Skiing is an adhesive-the glue of generations,” says Burke. “Families that ski and snowboard together have a bond that goes beyond coexisting in the same household. There is something inimitable about spending the day out in the elements.”

Bramble Heidt is an editorial assistant at Curious Parents.