So far it’s been a pretty mild late fall and December here in New England– sort of hard to think about skiing in Vermont when it’s 62 degrees on Christmas! I’m actually (gasp!) crossing my fingers for some snow– at least up North– so we can start the 2016 Morrison ski season! We have a great line up of mountains and resorts to visit this winter.
While the two older boys were on skis last year, we’re hoping that W may actually make it onto the flying carpet too this ski season! 🙂 My husband grew up on skis, and it’s one of his biggest passions, so he is beyond thrilled that we have 4 ski weekends planned for the next few months.
Here’s where we will be skiing in Vermont this winter
Smugglers’ Notch
Smugglers’ Notch is consistently ranked as one of the top family ski destinations in New England. Smuggs was recently chosen as the #1 kid friendly resort in the Eastern U.S. & Canada in the annual SKI Magazine Top 50 Resorts rankings! There is no shortage of family programming from ski instruction to après ski activities.
Smuggs goes out of their way to make sure that your family has a great time learning to ski– they even have a “fun guarantee!” They have ski instruction for all ages starting from 2 (Little Rascals on Snow), and they even have Mom & Me and Dad & Me ski classes— how cool?!
While at Smugglers’ Notch, you can make yourself at home at any number of their condo options, complete with shuttle service to the mountain and all amenities. If you have little ones that aren’t ready to ski, you can take advantage of the Treasure’s Child Care Center (ages 6 weeks to 3 years). The center offers hourly, partial and full-day childcare.
There are 9 dining options at Smugglers’ Notch, indoor and outdoor pools, and even an indoor family fun zone. When you’re not skiing, you can enjoy activities like tube sliding, bonfires (complete with hot chocolate!), scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and much more. To learn more about Smugglers’ Notch or to book a ski vacation, click HERE.
Camden Snow Bowl
I have never been to the Camden Snow Bowl, but after hearing about it at the Boston Ski Expo, I knew it had to be on our list! There aren’t many places that you can ski with an ocean view! Camden Snow Bowl is located in Camden, Maine. It’s no secret that I love Maine, so that’s another reason I’m excited to hit up the Snow Bowl.
Camden Snow Bowl is perfect for families, because every one of the mountain’s 20 trails end at the lodge. So if your kids are longing for some independence, you can let them explore–knowing that you will all end up at the same place!If night skiing is your thing, they’ve got that too– along with 80% snow making capabilities. You can also take advantage of ski instruction, rentals and a full-service ski shop.
Not only is Camden Snow Bowl kid-friendly, it’s budget-friendly too, with lift tickets for adults ranging from $29-39. Kids 5 and under ski for $5 (when purchased with an adult lift ticket).
We will be headed to Camden the first weekend in February, so we will also be able to catch the U.S. National Toboggan Championships (there are 425 teams and 1300 racers!). We will get to join the 6,000 other spectators in Camden, while staying at the Hawthorn Inn Bed and Breakfast. I’m so excited to stay at the Hawthorn Inn– a BEAUTIFUL bed and breakfast run by Ted and Lisa Weiss.
Okemo
I’ve been to Okemo several times, as I have a long-time friend who spends winter weekends up there. I can safely say that it is definitely a family friendly mountain. One of the things I love about Okemo is that there is a nice mix of kid-friendly trails and fun ones for the grown-ups too!
Located in Ludlow, Vermont, Okemo is family operated and has a TON of different activities for all seasons. Okemo has southern Vermont’s highest vertical drop and offers 5 different alpine areas for skiers and riders. There are 46 miles of trails (98% of the trails have snow-making capabilities) serviced by 20 lifts.
We are so excited to stay at Jackson Gore Village (Adams House), where we have stayed before for a friend’s wedding. The Jackson Gore offers great condos at the base of the mountain, so you can ski and then head back for a snack or relax a bit without ever leaving the mountain (don’t forget to take advantage of the complimentary ski check!).
Jackson Gore also has so many other family friendly amenities including an indoor poor and splash area, ice skating, game room, racquetball, and more. It’s perfect for making sure that every member of the family (even those that don’t ski) can stay entertained!
At Okemo, you will find 13 different places to dine to provide you with everything from a morning cup of coffee and pastry to a five-course gourmet meal! To make reservations and check availability, click HERE.
Bromley
Bromley is another super family friendly ski mountain in Southern Vermont. For skiers and boarders of all ages, Bromley offers 47 trails (serviced by 8 lifts) covering 300 acres (58 of which are expert terrain). One of the great things about Bromley is that it’s south-facing, so on sunny days, you get the beautiful warmth of sunshine on your face! The fact that all slopes end at the base area gives you peace of mind while you let the older kids explore the mountain.
The mountain is also home to the Bromley Mountain Kids Center, a fully state licensed childcare center for children that can provide snow time child care (on snow time starts at 2.5 years of age) as well as indoor childcare. Half and full-day sessions are available.
While at Bromley, we will be staying at the Lodge at Bromley, a newly renovated family friendly hotel. The Lodge at Bromley has 50 different rooms and suites, many of which have views of the West River Valley and the mountain. You will find amenities that typically come with a larger hotel, while retaining that “cozy inn” feel (you even get a daily homemade breakfast!).
The kids will be happy to hang out at the Kids’ Lodge, where they can play with trains, do karaoke, play ping pong, Wii, and other fun activities! To learn more about the Lodge at Bromley and reservations, click HERE.
30 Something Mother Runner will be receiving complimentary lodging and skiing at the above mountains. All opinions and writing are 100% my own.
Leave a Reply