Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe and the Enchanted Forest

Since the carful of kids love the snow and we don't get much in Texas; we have to drive to it. This winter is shaping up to be a spectacular ski season out West. If you haven't loaded up the SUV and headed for the snow. Do it now.

The carful of kids will try any resort once but there are just a couple that become our family favorites. The ones that we return to year after year because we like the skiing, the facilities, the staff and the overall atmosphere. Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe is one of those.

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

Mt. Rose (22222 Mt. Rose Highway) is usually the first ski resort to open every year thanks to its 8,260 base elevation, the highest base in Lake Tahoe. The summit is 9,700 feet with a vertical drop of 1,800 feet. Mt. Rose opened in 1964 and has 1,200 acres with two separate lodges and eight lifts.

As Good as it Gets--under a big, blue sky brighter than Lake Tahoe.

The Main Lodge, where the ski lessons, rentals and all the family-friendly green runs are located, is their original lodge. It has a large deck out back facing most of the runs with a cafeteria, coffee shop, bar and retail shop inside.

The Winters Creek Lodge is the newer facility that is a couple of miles down Hwy. 431. For those looking for double-black diamond runs and the Slide Bowl, this is the lodge for you. The Chutes, an expert only area is accessible through the Blazing Zephyr-6  and the Chuter lifts that originate here.

The carful of kids love the proximity of Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe since it's minutes from the condo where we stay. From Downtown Reno, Mt. Rose is 25 miles. From the Reno/Tahoe International Airport, it's 22 miles. It's even quicker to get to Incline Village in north Lake Tahoe at 11 miles.

What's New at Mt. Rose 

My 13-year-old is loving the runs in the Enchanted Forest like the Warlock.

My only complain about the Lake Tahoe skiing is the limited amount of green runs for families. So many resorts forget about the family skiers and the carful of kids we bring to ski. I get it, we aren't glamorous with our endless needs. We are slow and clog up the lift lines; sometimes our kids are whiny.

There is one resort in Lake Tahoe that is catering to the family-skier in a big way--Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe. The carful of kids have skied here for years but this year we are blown away with what they have created.

The Carful of Kids on the Wizard lift on their way to the Enchanted Forest.

Mt. Rose moved their old Ponderosa Lift and renamed it the Wizard lift. They took a single run named the Enchanted Forest and expanded it into a whole new area especially for families.

The Enchanted Forest is a great area that offers green runs in a separate area that's not tacked on to the bottom of a blue or black run. The Wizard is not a pass-thorough lift taking you to the top of the mountain either. It's the gateway to magical Enchanted Forest that's perfect for kids and the parents that ski with them.

You have the option of skiing down runs like Magic Potion, Dragon's Tail or Spellbound. Even on the busiest of school holidays you feel alone in the world discovering an enchanted land that might be harboring a woodland sprite or dare we say, Harry?

Skiing with my 8-year-old in the Enchanted Forest keeps this Mom on her toes.

I love it. The carful of kids are crazy excited and don't leave the Enchanted Forest all day. Then they head there the next day. They would still be there if it wasn't for the ringing of the school bell.

Mt. Rose--Getting Kids on the Snow

Your kids not ready for independent skiing or snowboarding? Mt. Rose specializes in getting kids on the snow with their lesson packages.

This is a happy kid after a two-hour lesson at Mt. Rose.

The Mt. Rose Rosebuds are for skiers 4 to 10 and snowboarders 7 to 10 that includes a two-hour lesson, rental equipment plus a helmet and a beginner lift ticket. With the online discount, it's $94.

If your kids are a little older (11+), Mt. Rose has the first-timer package with a two-hour lesson, rental equipment with a helmet and a beginner lift ticket for $114 with the online discount. There is a next step package for skiers that have skied before that includes a lesson, rental equipment and a beginner lift ticket for $119 with the online discount.

Mt. Rose does a great job at keeping the littlest kids separated during lessons. 

For the littlest skiers, there is the Little Mule Magic Carpet Lift in the fenced off area just for ski school. For the older skiers and snow boarders, there is the Flying Jenny and the Snow Off area that is open to all.

I have had kids in the Rosebud program for years. The Flying Jenny (the Magic Carpet Lift) gets a Christmas card from me, I spend so much time on her with my kids.

What I like about Mt. Rose's Rosebud program:

• low kid-to-instructor ratio
• the indoor area to drop off your kids
• the instructors fit the kids with equipment for you

What's next for Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

According the Mt. Rose Marketing Director, Mike Pierce, they aren't done expanding. They have plans for a new lift and a skier bridge over the Mt. Rose Highway (Nevada Highway 431) to be completed in the next three years.

This new area would expand the green skiing at Mt. Rose even more. I don't know about your kids but my kids would put on head-to-toe white snow gear just to blend in so they would never have to leave.

Besides the new lift and runs, Mt. Rose also plans to renovate the Main Lodge and expand the Rosebud children's center. I hope they include a fire pit since they are one of the few ski resorts not to have one.

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe has been a favorite resort of the carful of kids for years for its value and I recommend it for your carful of kids for your next ski trip.

Know before you go:

• Arrive early for the best parking and fewer lines during school holidays and breaks.

• You can purchase tickets on consolidators, like Liftopia.com, for further discounts.

• Reservations are a must for ski school programs during the school breaks.

• You can get a discount by booking your lift tickets online through the ski resort’s website.

• I like to rent my equipment from ski shops and skip the line on the mountain. Most shops let you rent equipment the evening before and you can return it early in the morning after your trip.

• Don't forget the helmets, they are required for kids at lots of resorts.

• Mt. Rose does not offer daycare services or all-day ski lessons for kids.

You might be interested in:

What to Pack for a Family Ski Trip

How to Pick a Family-Friendly Ski Resort

Free Sledding in Lake Tahoe

FREE North Lake Tahoe Sledding--Tahoe Meadows

The carful of kids love to sled and I have a great FREE spot to share. 

Since the carful of kids live in Central Texas and love to play in the snow, we pack in all the snow play we can over their winter break. We divide our precious time by skiing, ice skating and the family favorite, sledding.

You can sled at a ski resort, where they will rent you a saucer or tube and possibly haul you up their hill with their magic carpet lift; that's fun. Though the carful of kids really love the nostalgic charm of finding a perfect hill in a national forest for the perfect ride.

It seems finding a perfect sledding hill is part of the allure. My boys look at the terrain and go for a feature that excites them. I look for facilities that families need, namely a safe place to park and year-round bathrooms.

That is a year-round bathroom and it's the best family feature in a FREE sledding hill.

My favorite place to look are in national forests. They usually have parking and sometimes you can find a year-round bathroom. I prefer areas that are near popular ski areas, like Santa Fe and Lake Tahoe.

Since Lake Tahoe has the best snow they have had in years, the carful of kids have to enjoy it. It would be great to ski every day, my body and wallet can't do it. So for the days when the carful of kids need to sleep a little later, I plan a snow play day.

Tahoe Meadows 

The carful of kids usually bring three types of sleds or toboggans.  

The carful of kids stay in a condo in Incline Village so we concentrate on sledding areas that are close by. Not far away is the Mt. Rose Highway (Nevada Highway 431) that winds through part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, connecting Lake Tahoe with Reno. The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is the largest national forest in the lower 48 according to the National Forest Service and protects the majority of land around Lake Tahoe.

The Mt. Rose Highway is a Nevada scenic byway that should not be missed for the scenic overlooks. It's the highest year-round pass across the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range with a 8,911 foot summit. Along the Mt. Rose Highway is the Mt. Rose Ski Resort that is popular with skiers from the West Coast and Reno.

My oldest is making a burrow in the snow because she can.

About seven miles southwest of Mt. Rose Ski Resort is Tahoe Meadows, a year-round outdoor destination. It is just pass the Mt. Rose Summit on the way to Incline Village.

There are several areas to use in Tahoe Meadows and the adjacent Mt. Rose Summit; some have off-highway parking like the Mt. Rose Summit area and some don't. This area can get congested during the weekend and over school breaks but there's plenty of room to explore once you park your car.

A snow bunny in a burrow or just relaxing in a snow chair?

The Tahoe Rim Trail Head

The Tahoe Rim Trail Head area is the only area to offer off-highway parking and a year-round bathroom. The bathroom at Mt. Rose Summit is seasonal though it has a nice parking area.

This area gets passed up because you can't see the perfect sledding terrain or the bathroom from the highway. The hill starts near the parking area and slopes away from the highway, keeping the kids safe.

Every Mom needs a place to take the kids to have some FREE fun in the snow. 

Depending on what type of sled or toboggan you use and the condition of the snow, I have seen kids go forever. The carful of kids love the freedom to dig in the snow and make terrain features. In a good year, the snow is quite deep and I have sunk to my hip so you need to be a little careful with the younger kids.

The parking area is plowed fairly frequently and I prefer this area over the more popular sledding area father south. The carful of kids can spend several hours, racing each other and Mom down the hill without running into other kids.

Other Activities to do at the Tahoe Meadows

The Tahoe Meadows area is a very popular for hiking year-round. So when the snow starts to pile up, hikers grab their snowshoes to explore. The family dog is a frequent visitor as well.

If you own a snowmobile, there is designated snowmobile parking farther south along Hwy 431. Arrive early for the best parking in this area, it is limited.

Some skiers even use this area for back country skiing. Though it is more common to see cross-country skiers in Tahoe Meadows.

The snow is deep in the Tahoe Meadows.

To play for hours in the snow without the carful of kids complaining, the Mom is prepared. I pack hot hands for everyone in my snack bag and take a thermos with hot water. The temperature is 10F to 15F colder in Tahoe Meadows than at Lake Tahoe, so dress accordingly.

If you are looking for a FREE place for a snow play day with your kids, be sure to check out the Tahoe Meadows in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

Know before you go:

• Bring something to sit on. I have a padded wooden toboggan that I sit on when the carful of kids are playing.
• The snow in this area can get deep, use care when walking to the bathroom.
• I use snow shoes to explore though they aren't required.
• If you didn't bring a sled with you, you can purchase sleds in Incline Village at the Raley's Grocery Store.
• The speed limit is 25 mph though motorists ignore this especially when coming off the Mt. Rose Summit driving into Incline Village.
• Be sure to check on road conditions before you head out at NVroads.com, especially the Mt. Rose Pass.

Up Next: Another family favorite Ski Resort

Granlibakken-Tahoe--A Grand Resort for Family Skiers

Have you heard, it's dumping snow in Lake Tahoe right now. All the resorts are open and this season will be one to be remembered. If spending time with your family is on your list for the New Year, I urge you to check out Lake Tahoe for your next weekend away.

The carful of kids are loaded in the SUV and ready to go. It's been two years since we hit the slopes; I think we might need a little practice. I need to find a place that can get us back up and skiing where we left off.

My oldest is 13 and shouldn't have a problem. For the 8-year-old, two years is a long time and he might need a lesson. My 11-year-old board boy falls in between. With that in mind, I've got a great, first day planned to get the carful of kids back in form. 

Granlibakken-Tahoe, more than a Ski Hill

The carful of kids want to check out Granlibakken-Tahoe, half a mile from Tahoe City (725 Granlibakken Road, Tahoe City). This resort is great for families with novice skiers or skiers that have taken a break for a few years.  

Granlibakken-Tahoe has offered skiing and sledding in Lake Tahoe since 1928, when a local hotel stayed open year-round. Borrowing its name from Norwegian, it means a hill sheltered by trees.

I can watch my kids on the ski hill and the sledding hill at the same time. 

Granlibakken-Tahoe offers lodging ranging from lodge rooms to three-bedroom town homes. Nestled on 74-acres surrounded by fir trees, it's not uncommon to see wildlife walking through their property.

Though conveniently located near Tahoe City, one of the largest towns on Lake Tahoe, Granlibakken-Tahoe seems secluded from the hum of tourists. Some guests even walk to Tahoe City for its restaurants and shopping. 

Besides downhill skiing and snowboarding, they have snowshoe and cross-country ski trails as well. The rental shop at Granlibakken has equipment for downhill and cross country skiing, snow boarding and snow shoeing, along with helmets.

We love the scenery of Granlibakken and snapped a family picture.

In addition to the snow sports, they feature a year-round heated, outdoor pool and hot tub. Partnering with North Tahoe Adventures, Granlibakken has an aerial adventure park that's open year-round. With several different courses, it's open to kids ages 5 and older.

What this Mom likes about Granlibakken-Tahoe

Granlibakken-Tahoe is one of the smallest, lowest and inexpensive ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe area. This makes it an excellent option for families with several children. 

I need a small resort.

Let's face it, each kid has their own needs. Since I'm taking the kids skiing by myself, I can't lose a kid at a mega-huge resort. 

The 13-year-old is annoyed by her family and wants some freedom. The 11-year-old board boy doesn't know his limits. We need gentle terrain so we don't end up in the ER later. The 8-year-old is timid and would play on his iPad all day, if I let him. 

What's a Mom to do? Surrender and stay home? 

Nope. You can keep them all happy at Granlibakken and still have time for Mom to ski. 

The youngest enjoys playing in the snow, while the older two sled just a few feet away.

Since their resort is one of the smallest, I could watch all my kids at the same time. Even when they were doing different things. It took me no time to round them up for a break and they couldn't tell me they didn't see me. 

I need a low resort.

With Granlibakken's elevation at 6,350 feet, it's a great resort for people who have problems at higher elevations, especially kids. It's important to let your body adjust for the first few days to prevent headaches and nausea. 

The carful of kids have skied at other resorts, in other states. They have been too high for my 11-year-old, who gets sick over 9,000 feet. 

I need an inexpensive resort.

The best feature of Granlibakken-Tahoe is its affordability. 

For a lift ticket and rental equipment for an adult, it's $70 a day during the kids' school break. For kids 12 and under, it's $55 a day during their school break. If you want to take the kids skiing for a half-day, they have lift tickets for $16 for adults and $10 for the kids under 12. What a bargain.

For $70 per person, 7 and older, you can sign up for a beginner group lesson including rentals and a lift ticket. If your kids are under 7-years-old, you have to sign them up for a private lesson. 

Our Day Skiing at Granlibakken-Tahoe

The carful of kids are in school so we have to ski over school breaks. You know what that means--crowds. Not at Granlibakken, I don't see any crazy lines and it doesn't feel crowded. 

After a late start, we pull into the resort at 10 a.m. This could have been a disaster at another resort. I am able to park close to the entrance and there is one family in front of us in the rental line. 

My 11-year-old loves his Burton snowboard.

In the rental shop, the guys size up the kids and get them in great gear, fast. When I slip on my ski boots, I'm amazed--virtually brand new and very comfy. 

The carful of kids walk out on the deck behind the rental shop and find an empty table. I put down our stuff and spray the kids' faces with sunscreen. 

I'm not finished getting the youngest suited up when the 13-year-old is gone. I look around and spot her in the lift line. With her bright scarf, I can spot her anywhere in the ski or sled area.

The next to bail is my boy and his board. I check out the terrain, it's relativity tame. He wanders over to the lift line behind his sister.

Now the 8-year-old is suited up and we ski about 20 feet and he goes down. And then he's out. I can't get him to continue. 

He gets the gear on, then decides that's enough for the day.

I think, this is it, we will have to leave. Then he agrees to play in the snow making a snowman just feet from the rest of the carful of kids on the beginner lift.

Day saved. I would not have been comfortable doing this at any other resort. 

The Lifts at Granlibakken 

Granlibakken has a rope tow instead of a magic carpet for their beginner hill. This is the first time that the carful of kids have used one.

My 13-year-old getting up the rope tow.

Once the norm at ski resorts across the country, they are disappearing due to the popularity of the Magic Carpet lift. The rope tow requires a little more coordination for younger skiers that must ski up the hill while being pulled by the tow.

The 11 and 13-year-olds do not have a problem. They follow the directions of the lift operator and up they go. I didn't have a problem either. 

If your children are under 6-years-old, this might be a problem. Some Moms put their smaller kids between their legs and scoot them up the hill while Mom holds the rope tow handle.

After multiple runs down the beginner hill, the carful of kids are feeling good. It's all coming back. Time we move up the mountain to the longer run.

Granlibakken utilizes a platter lift for the steeper side of their ski hill. It requires you to pull a pole that has a round disc down and place it between your legs. Then you are pulled up the hill by the disc about the size of a dinner plate.

My 11-year-old son has no problem with the platter lift.

The lift operator patiently explains this to my board boy and myself. The first time is a bit tricky but my son has no problems. For a Mom who has birthed three kids, I'm really working those thigh muscles. If I didn't squeeze tight, I might slide right down the hill, backwards.

I didn't. 

Granlibakken's Ski Hut

The carful of kids are ready for a break and Granlibakken has that covered. We head inside of their heated Ski Hut Snack Bar.

The interior of Granlibakken's Snack Hut is Old Tahoe, so charming and warm.

I love it. It's a log cabin that takes me back to vintage Tahoe. The vintage Tahoe that you see in the posters on the walls of most resorts. 

Inside, we find a wood stove with a rack to warm your gloves. There are tables around the stove with plenty of seating. 

You will find kid-friendly items on the menu. We grab a snack and head back outside to our table. It's a glorious day that makes Tahoe so special. The sun is shining and the air is remarkable warm. Hard to believe it's not above freezing.

The Sledding Hill at Granlibakken

After our snack, the carful of kids are ready to move on to the sledding hill. Since it is right next to the ski hill, I am able to watch the kids and work on my skiing some more. 

The Carful of Kids love the Sledding Hill.

For $15 per person, you get a saucer and access to the sled hill. There isn't a magic carpet on the sled hill but you don't need one. It's a manageable climb for kids.

The carful of kids love it. It's fast. The staff at Granlibakken makes sure that this area remains safe. The previous sledders walk off before the next sledders slide down. 

The carful of kids go down it again and again. Sometimes they link together and sometimes they race each other.

Ski, Sled and S'more

As soon as the sun sinks behind the mountain, it's time to find someplace warm. Granlibakken-Tahoe has a great fire pit with log benches surrounding it.

In the Ski Hut, you can purchase a bag with a chocolate bar, four graham crackers and six marshmallows for $5. At the fire pit, the resort has skewers to roast them up. This is a must-do for the kids. 

Does it get any better than S'mores?

After a long day of skiing and sledding, nothing beats a S'more. A little treat can really make the difference and hold my kids over until dinner.

Know before you go:

• Granlibakken is open Friday through Monday most weeks. Open Daily over Christmas Break, January 15-18, 2016, and February 12-22, 2016.
• The skiing at Granlibakken is great for novice skiers and snow boarders.
• Granlibakken is also great for families that have some children that ski and some that want to sled. You can watch both hills at the same time. I was comfortable letting my kids go back and forth.
• Granlibakken is a good resort to start your ski vacation if it has been a few years since your last ski trip. 
• Granlibakken does not teach kids under 4 and there isn't a separate ski school area.

Disclosure:

All or part of this trip was provided for free for review purposes. The opinion is solely that of the writer.

Lake Tahoe--A Winter Wonderland for Family Skiers

Skiing with your kids should be on your family bucket list.

Every time I look at a screen I see the same message--epic snow in the West. Thanks to El Nino, the skiing has never been better and the snow is still falling. The carful of kids have no choice but to load up the SUV and head for the hills.

If the snow is deep, there's only one place that the carful of kids want to go--Lake Tahoe. I love Lake Tahoe as a family ski destination and the snow is just part of it. 

Why I love Lake Tahoe

With fifteen different ski resorts close by, there is something for every skier. With trails and terrain that are the best in the West, Lake Tahoe has been a winter destination for over 100 years and the host of a Winter Olympic Games. 

Mt Rose Ski Resort is one of the fifteen resorts in the Lake Tahoe area, offering skiing for every level of skier.

Looking for an intimate ski hill that never feels crowded, Tahoe has it. A high-end, ski-in, ski-out resort your idea of fabulous ski trip, Tahoe has that too. Looking to expand your tricks in a terrain park, Tahoe has you covered. 

I love to ski while looking at beautiful scenery. You can't beat the lake for scenery and because of its depth--it never freezes. The kids just want to play in the deep, pristine snow that they never see in Texas.

Winter Activities

The scenery is for Mom, but what about the kids. There is a crazy amount of tubing. Most ski resorts have embraced it and added tubing or sledding areas to their resorts.

Granlibakken-Tahoe is one of the resorts that offers sledding along with skiing.

Is ice skating your winter sport of choice--Northstar, Heavenly and Squaw Valley ski resorts have outdoor rinks with rentals. You can skate for the day without skiing then take a break by their fire pits and roast some marshmallows.

There are snowmobile tours and horse-drawn sleigh rides if you want to enjoy some backcountry scenery.

Ice skating at Northstar Ski Resort is a great way to spend the day when not on the slopes. 

Are you an avid hiker, then strap on some snowshoes to explore the national forests that surround the Lake Tahoe basin. There are numerous cross-country ski trails as well.

If apres-ski is more your thing, you will love trying your luck at the gaming tables on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. You can find casinos in Incline Village, Stateline and Crystal Bay.

Getting to Lake Tahoe

The largest airport near Lake Tahoe is Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO). It is serviced by most carriers and is about 40 miles from Lake Tahoe depending on your destination. There is a small regional airport in South Lake Tahoe as well.

In every direction is a picture waiting to be captured.

There are shuttles to and from the resorts and the Tahoe Area Regional Transit (TART) bus that rings the lake. If you are staying more than a few days and skiing at more than one resort, I recommend renting an AWD SUV to get around.

Lake Tahoe is conveniently located between Interstate 80 and U.S. Route 50 for the West Coast residents driving in for a weekend trip. Check out local road conditions before heading out with the Nevada Department of Transportation.

Lodging in Lake Tahoe

There is something for every budget from camping to five-star. There are thousands of condos that rim the lake as well. 

At Sugar Pine Point State Park there is year-round camping available with a heated bathroom. Lake Tahoe is home to a couple of hostels as well. 

At the other end is the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe near Northstar Resort featuring ski-in, ski-out. The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe in Incline Village is on the lake and has a casino.

History of Lake Tahoe

The area around Lake Tahoe was inhabited by the Washoe Tribe, where Lake Tahoe got its name. During the 1840s, the area was discovered by a snow-shoeing mail carrier.

The railroad arrived and the area grew as a summer getaway for wealthy West Coast families, who built mansions at Emerald Bay and along the shore. The winter activities arrived after the nearby town of Truckee introduced them at the turn of the century.

Several senators unsuccessfully tried to get the area declared a national park in the 1910s. Though a large portion of the area is protected as a national forest today.

If you are looking for a winter wonderland for your family for your next ski trip, I urge you to check out Lake Tahoe. It has been a family favorite of mine for years.

Up Next: A great resort for families that never feels crowded. 

What to Pack for a Family Ski Trip

Doesn't matter where we are going, I always pack marshmallows.

Your kids want to spend their school holiday playing in the snow and hitting the slopes? Need help keeping them warm while they have an epic snowball fight? I can help.

The carful of kids love to play in the snow and since we live in Texas--I load up the SUV and head for the hills. I want the carful of kids to have a great time so I pack carefully.

Making a Rental Feel like Home

We stay in a condo so I pack a few, little extras to make our stay extra special. I grab a couple of cozy blankets for the drive. Then we use them to snuggle up by the fire--makes a rental seem like home.

Packing the SUV for a road trip is part of the fun.

I pack my favorite scented candles in their holders so the condo smells familiar. When we get to our destination, I pick up a bouquet at the grocery store while I'm grabbing the groceries for our stay.

The condo we stay at is well-equipped but I pack my crock pot for easy meals, saving time and money. I know that family ski trips can be a splurge for the typical family budget. Even better is that moment when you walk through the door and smell dinner.

For a special treat, I take my fondue pot for cheese and chocolate fondue. My kids love to dip everything from bread to bananas in the fondue pot.

Clothes Kids need for a Ski Trip

Next I move on to the clothes. Before buying new stuff, I dig out what I have. Since the carful of kids live in Central Texas, we don't use the heavy winter gear that often.

I grab the winter coats (make sure they have hoods) and throw them in the washer. After a good cleaning, grab several cans of water repellent that you can find in the outdoor and camping section of Walmart. I use the stuff with the bright orange lid.

Warm, dry kids are the happiest kids in the snow. Pack for happy.

Spray the entire coat with water repellent outside and let it air day for a couple of days. It takes a couple of days to cure so make sure you have a stretch of good weather.

I dig through the ski gloves next. Make sure they are water-repellent gloves, anything else and the kids' hands will get cold and wet. I buy inexpensive gloves for the kids. One will get lost, every time. I spray those down with the water repellent.

I pick up some inexpensive kid's snow bibs from Target and the resale shop; I prefer bibs for most kids since ski pants are hard to fit around the waist. Everyone has black so I can hand them down. Kids sit in the snow a lot when sledding. So I spray them with the water repellent, especially the seats of the pants.

Everyone needs snow boots to keep their feet warm and dry. The carful of kids ski just a few days each year so I find the inexpensive boots work just fine. Check the boot zippers before you buy and  coat them with water repellent too.

I hunt through the laundry basket for their base layer, most kids have them for sports. Skip the waffle-weave long underwear and go for the spandex-type base layer, doesn't itch. Next I round up a fleece layer for everyone, again in the laundry basket. If it's really chilly, I add cotton turtlenecks between the fleece and base layers.

Need help finding your teen on the slopes, add a pop of color with a scarf.

If you have wool or cashmere sweaters, pack those. The natural fibers are still the best but most kids don’t have them.

Now grab scarves and hats to wear when you are not wearing your ski helmet. Instead of scarves, I made the kids neck gaiters so there isn't any dangling clothing while using ski lifts.

Let's talk about socks. I use the two sock method for my family; this seems controversial to some people. We put on polyester sock liners then a thick-blended sock. It seems to work for my kids.

I don't have a ton of ski socks, just two pairs per person. This is where it's great to have a washer and dryer at your disposal.

Be sure and buy some hand and toe warmers. They work wonders for cold kids and they can be expensive at the ski resort.

Family Snack Bag

Next thing I pack is my snack bag. Most family-friendly resorts allow you to picnic on their outdoor tables. Some resorts even have indoor lunch rooms they allow you to use.

Nothing tastes better in the cold like warm soup.

The lunch line at the ski resort's snack bar can be daunting during the school holidays. With my snack bag, I have a quick bite for the carful of kids. Especially for the boy that wants to snowboard all day.

I pack:

• Refillable water bottles
• Gatorade or flavor packets
• Hot water in a thermos
• Instant hot cider or cocoa packets and tea bags
• Instant Cup-of-Soup
• Granola bars and Protein bars
• Turkey Jerky
• Dried fruit or fruit leather
• Freeze-dried fruit
• Nuts
• Cookies 
• Marshmallows and roasting sticks 

Most resorts have fire pits, my kids always light up when I hand them a fluffy marshmallow ready to roast. They are a great treat after a long day of skiing and will ease an overly-tired kid before a melt-down. 

Other Things that Make Life Easier

I also have another bag for non-food stuff. I have a first aid kit, a baggie with lip balm, small can of sunscreen for their faces and Kleenex.

I take an extra pair of gloves and drop in a phone charger. I keep the ski googles in there but my kids prefer to use sunglasses.

Some families change into ski boots at the car but I find that kids slip and fall. I grab my giant blue IKEA bag and haul all of the equipment and boots in there. I can fit all boots, helmets and my youngest's skis in the bag as we make our way to the ski lodge.

Snow Play Day

The carful of kids don't ski every day; I add snow play days when the kids want to sleep in. I pack our collection of sleds and toboggans for the trip; we like to race each other. 

One Way down the hill.

I have a couple of sno-ballers to make perfect snow balls for the inevitable fight. I even have a couple of cheap, plastic shoe boxes to use as molds for making an igloo. 

I usually find a national forest area for snow play. The parking is free and sometimes they have year-round restrooms and picnic tables. That all adds up for hours of inexpensive fun. 

Need a day of cheap kid fun? Try sledding in a national forest near you.

Winter Road Safety

Since you are traveling in the snow, there are other things you should have in case of a snowstorm. I pack tire cables for my SUV. In the box, I have a pair of work gloves (the kind that work in slippery, wet conditions work best). I have my Leatherman tool in my SUV too. A tarp or piece of card board so you can put it on the ground when you attach the chains or cables. 

I will be honest, this job is messy and if the road is really slushy, it's a chore. Sometimes, there are official chain installers along the side of the highway. Pay them to do it, they should install them better than most Moms with a carful of kids. 

This can be your road, pack for winter road safety.

I always have a paper map for the areas I am traveling in; mountains have bad data coverage. I add emergency blankets and stash some protein bars in the SUV. You should have your water bottles filled just in case. 

If something should happen and you skid off an icy road, throw a shovel in the back of the car to dig out. I have a ice scraper/snow brush with a long handle and a small one for the boys to help out. They love this job. I also include a microfiber towel that I got at the dollar store to wipe down foggy windows. 

The best way for your carful of kids to have fun, is for Mom to be relaxed. Knowing you're prepared for winter fun helps but having a great time playing with your kids is the best. Need some help with picking a ski resort, I can help there too.

Up Next: One of my favorite areas to take the carful of kids skiing

How to pick a Family-Friendly Ski Resort

Happy Kid after a day in Ski School.

Want to take your carful of kids skiing and don’t know where to begin? I know, I have been there. There is lots to consider and if you are like me, you didn’t ski as a family as a kid.

I get it, skiing is expensive. It requires special clothes, special equipment and the resort itself can be expensive. If you live in Texas like the Carful of Kids, then you have to travel hours to see skiable snow. 

When I started skiing in my twenties, it was easy. Rent some skies, take a lesson and then drink a cocktail. That was my ski trip. Then I had my carful of kids and everything got more complicated. 

So where do you start if you have never skied before as a family? I'll pass on some pointers.

Picking a Family-Friendly Ski Resort: 

Start researching ski resorts early--the best resorts will fill up early if you plan to ski over school holidays. I also find deals earlier in the season.

Location and Lodging

I look at the location of the ski resort first, ideally I like several resorts in an area with lots of lodging and dining around. I prefer to drive to our ski trip so I don't have to limit the luggage. I have an all-wheel drive SUV with tire cables if the roads get icy, just in case.

If you fly, you will have to check-in your gear and that can be a hassle. Then rent a 4WD or AWD car so you can get to your resort. Don’t skimp on the rental; driving a typical 2WD rental car in the mountains is just too risky.

Family Ski trips are great fun if you plan ahead.

Some skiers prefer ski-in, ski-out resorts--they look luxurious and they are. What you don't realize is you park your car miles away and lug your gear. Unless you have staff or a mute husband, this is a fight waiting to happen. 

I prefer to stay in a condo or other equipped rental. It is a necessity to have a dryer to warm up clothes or dry wet gloves. Having a refrigerator is great for a family. Getting the kids a quick breakfast saves time. To save some money, I bring my crock pot for hearty dinners after a day of skiing.

I check out the location of the ski resort's parking lot if you are skiing for the day. I hate to take shuttles; I would prefer to park in front of the resort. I am also not a fan of resorts that use gondolas to reach their skiable area; I never grab everything in the first trip.

The last thing on my list is the ski resort elevation. I have a kid that gets elevation sickness over 9,000 feet. We have to ski at resorts at lower elevations or he gets sick.

Ski Kids

How old are your kids?  I started my carful of kids skiing at different ages and I don't think it really matters. They all seem to pick it up quickly.  If all your kids are under 5, I might wait a few years to try skiing as a family.

The youngest kids have a problem with the cold and dressing them in ski gear can be a challenge. Ski resorts are not stroller-friendly--too many stairs and icy patches. Kids can't carry their skis until they are older too.

I have two skiing kids and one board boy.

I have a 13, 11 and 8-year-old; we started skiing when my oldest was 7 and the youngest was 2. The first year he stayed in the on-site daycare and the second year he started lessons.

My oldest and youngest kids ski but my 11-year-old son snowboards. Most resorts won't teach young kids (3 to 5) to snow board, requiring kids to be 7. If you search, I have found resorts that have 5 to 7-year-old snowboarding classes.

Trails

I look at the ski resort trail map and count how many green runs they have. This information is usually listed as a percentage of the runs based on color--green, blue or black. Green runs are the easiest and great for families. Blue are moderate runs and black for people braver than me.

Next, look for beginner ski lifts, they should be labeled. I prefer resorts that use conveyor-belt type lifts for beginners. Getting on and off an elevated ski lift is where most falls happen.

I make sure the beginner area is available to all skiers and not for ski school only. This is an excellent area to practice with your kids after their lessons. My carful of kids love to race Mom down the beginner runs.

We are all smiles when the sun is shining.

Then I look at the quality of the green runs; are they all wide open areas at the bottom of more difficult terrain? I have found that more advanced skiers fly through slow areas on their way to the lift line. If all of the green runs are wide and lack interest, the skiing gets boring.

I prefer resorts that have green skiing areas with both wide open spaces and narrow runs through the trees. The carful of kids like to ride a run a couple of times then try another route. 

NOTE to Moms: Conveyor or Magic Carpet Lifts will keep your kids on the ground and not dangling from a wire like a trapeze. It's a bit nerve-racking to get my youngest and myself on the ski lift.

Remember beginner runs are not the same as GREEN runs. Just because it's labeled green doesn't mean your kids are ready to cruise down it after one lesson.

Ski School

Look at the resort’s ski school. Ski School is a must for kids under eight, unless you are a pro. All the instructors I have met through the years have been great with kids; pacing the program according to ability of my kids. They are patient with missing gloves and potty breaks.

I like the ski schools in a separate, fenced-off area with separate conveyor-belt or magic carpet lifts that are only used by the ski school. I want my younger kids in an area away from the older kids with different needs and skills.

That's my youngest with his ski instructor heading down a green run.

Some ski schools have half-day programs but this might not be an option during school holidays; the resorts prefer full-day programs during peak periods. I have been to resorts that offer on-site day care; this is a nice, yet expensive option. 

If your kids are older then skip the ski school and sign them up for a beginner ski/snowboard package that includes classes, equipment and lift tickets for the first day. Sign them up for the morning lesson; after their lesson, they can practice. 

If you plan to learn to ski or snowboard as a family then you might look at a private or semi-private lessons. The resorts tend to assign the most seasoned instructors to the private lessons; they are a great way to go but can be expensive. 

I hope this helps your family to find a family-friendly resort that fits the needs of your kids. Skiing is a great activity that your family can share for years to come.


Know before you go: 

• Reservations are a must for ski school programs during the school breaks.
• You can get a discount by booking your lift tickets online through the ski resort’s website.
• I purchase lift tickets through consolidators, like liftopia.com for greater discounts. 
• I like to rent my equipment from ski shops and skip the line on the mountain. Most shops let you rent equipment the evening before and you can return it early in the morning after your trip.
• Don't forget the helmets, they are required for kids at lots of resorts.

  Up Next: What to Pack for a Family Ski Trip