The ups and downs of skiing with the kids

Ski Santa Fe's base lodge is at 10,350 feet and it is only up from there; the carful of kids live at 500 feet at home. So we spend the first day of vacation taking it easy in the town of Santa Fe (elevation 7,260 feet), checking out the sights before we head up to the ski resort. We don't want to be sluggish and short of breath on the slopes.

The carful of kids love the snow and we have a successful first day of skiing at Ski Santa Fe and topped it off with some New Mexican food at Tomasita's before calling it a day.

I know the symptoms of altitude sickness because of my experience as a flight attendant. Water really helps in the dry mountain air but it is cold out and the kids resist drinking water and Gatorade.

In the middle of the night, I start feeling icky. As I sit in bed staring at the ceiling, I realize that I drank Dr. Pepper instead of the prescribed water or Gatorade. Sometimes I should listen to my own advice; I sit up, grab some water and start sipping.

The next to fall is the middle child.  He picks at his breakfast and by the time we get to the ski resort, he's puking. After talking with the Ski Patrol, I take him to the cafeteria to sit and drink. In a few minutes, like magic, the middle child has his color back and is back to his bouncy self.

He is ready to conquer the mountain and move on to the blue runs! He's 8 and has more nerve than body weight. I make a deal and he agrees to a lesson.

My daughter, 10, is not going to be outdone by her little brother. She's ready to take on a blue run too but she routinely bombs the mountain. I convince her to take another lesson so she can learn to control her speed.

With the carful of kids in lessons, I have a little time to enjoy the postcard-perfect day and ski down a gentle, green run.  I don't have anything to prove--I'm here to enjoy myself, not injure myself!

Drinking water after every run, we have good day on the mountain and everyone feels great. Before you know it, it's time to pack up and call it a day.

We grab some burgers at Blake's LotaBurger, a New Mexican hamburger chain.  Serving up hamburgers since 1952, the carful of kids love it.

We make it back to the Best Western and then the kids decide it is time to go swimming.  How can you have the energy to go swimming after a full day of skiing?

Ski Santa Fe--My Favorite Family Ski Resort

Take a moment for a family picture.

The carful of kids attack the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at Ski Santa Fe for three days. This is my new favorite ski resort for families.

There are several reasons I like Ski Santa Fe. It is close to Texas, our home base, so I can fill up the SUV and drive there. It is located just 16 miles from downtown Santa Fe, which offers lots of dining and lodging options. The lift tickets are more affordable compared to Colorado or Tahoe, love it there but multiple days of skiing is tough on the family budget.

How we hang at La Casa Lodge.

They have several great runs for beginners and novices, most of them in the sun, and their staff is knowledgeable and friendly. They expanded and renovated their La Casa Lodge recently as well.

La Casa Lodge, easy to navigate with ski boots on, has all the things you need--a grab-and-go cafeteria, plenty of seating, walls of lockers and a ski shop. The rental area is roomy and doesn't have that nasty locker room smell that you get at some resorts.

New Mexico Highway 475 up to Ski Santa Fe

The road up to Ski Santa Fe is luxurious compared to some of the roads I've driven. NM Highway 475 is wide, nicely paved, frequently plowed and has plenty of guard rails. Never once have I felt like I'm about to skid off the mountain.

If a Mom from Texas can feel safe, you can too.

The vibe is super mellow at Ski Santa Fe. Everyone is out to enjoy the snow and you never feel like you are at an alpine fashion show.

The resort caters to families during the holiday breaks--everyone from snow-suited babies to Grandmas sipping coffee. The base lodge lacks a bar, great for the carful of kids but disappointing for the apres-ski crowd.

My youngest heading down his first green run with his ski instructor. 

I am a firm believer in ski lessons for all ages. It seems putting on their boots is enough of a challenge for me.

It's the best choice for your children so they will love to ski or snowboard. The instructors are accomplished skiers or snow boarders and are extremely patient with the little ones.

Remember this is suppose to be FUN.

Snow Selfie. Ski School is a fun and easy way to get the kids loving the sport.

I made reservations for my youngest, 5, at the Chipmunk Corner for two days (a necessity over Christmas Break). He skied last year at Lake Tahoe and didn't really like it. I'm not discouraged--I will stay upbeat and hope for the best.

The Chipmunk Corner has its own conveyor belt ski lift and fenced off area. That means the kids will never leave the ground and out-of-control adults will never run over them. The day will cost you $135, but that includes the ski rentals, a helmet, snacks, a hot lunch and lots of opportunity to ski (8:30 to 4:30).

Loving the atmosphere at Ski Santa Fe. 

The check-in process is a breeze; I smear sunscreen on his face right before I kiss it. He will be busy for the day while I get the other two up and going.

When I pick up my youngest up at the end of the day, he's grinning ear-to-ear and says he loves to go fast. No tears and we didn't have a melt down while I try to cram on his boots. Sometimes that's worth a little extra money.

The other kids, 8 and 10, follow me to another conveyor belt lift to practice and warm up. It has been a year since the carful of kids have been on the snow.

After a few runs there, the carful of kids are ready to jump on the ski lift--the lift operators are super patient and will slow down the lift so a Mom and a couple of kids can get on safely--love that.

Taking a break before another run.

The carful of kids spend the day on the slopes and enjoy the postcard weather--light wind, clear skies and temperatures in low 40s. Can't get any better than this, it doesn't even feel cold.

Next time you want to take the family skiing for the holiday, check out Ski Santa Fe.

Pecos National Historical Park and Historic Santa Fe

Pecos National Historical Park is a great stop for kids.

The carful of kids are our way to Santa Fe, New Mexico, for a Winter Break Ski Trip when we stop off at the Pecos National Historical Park for a look around. This park is 25 miles east of Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Interstate 25 outside of the town of Pecos, and a great place to stretch your legs and minds.

Pecos National Historical Park is open everyday except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, during the winter it's open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The admission is $ 7. per person, 16 years old and older or you can use your America the Beautiful annual pass ( $ 80 ).

Pecos NHP features a self-guided 1.25 mile easy hike that winds you around the pueblo and mission ruins. There is also a small museum exhibit and movie to watch about the native people.

After running around, she loses her boot.

The carful of kids love national parks but today the kids are really in love with all the snow on the ground at the park. They are running around like goons and my crazy kids from Texas don't realize that they can lose their boots in the snow.

We take the hike, tour the museum, watch the movie and earn our Junior Ranger Badges all under an hour and a half. The carful of kids learn about the Civil War Battle of Glorieta Pass and the Santa Fe Trail.

Shh! Don't tell the kids they are learning during Winter Break.

Next stop historic Santa Fe. We take a walk around the square and see the sights--it's especially festive at Christmas. There is plenty of shopping to enjoy with boutiques and galleries.

Downtown Santa Fe is especially festive at Christmas.

The carful of kids really just like looking at all the holiday lights and luminarias that dot the downtown area. Santa Fe Plaza is dripping with them, there are food carts with hot drinks if you need something to warm you up.


We walk by the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and take a picture.  Unfortunately, it is not open but they feature special services during the holiday season.

It is getting a little chilly and we still have to rent our ski gear so the carful of kids load up and head to Alpine Sports at 121 Sandoval St.

I like to rent our ski and snowboard equipment at an independent rental store. I have found over the years that the prices are cheaper and the equipment is nicer than at the resort.

My daughter and I got brand new ski boots this time--no smelly ski boots for us this year. With our ski and snowboard equipment in the back of the SUV, we are ready to hit the mountain in the morning.

Up Next: Ski Santa Fe

Crazy West Texas Dust Storm

Yesterday outside of Abilene, Texas, the sky looked a little dirty at the horizon in front of us.  We were no where near a smog-smothered city.

"Hey kids that looks like a dust storm,"  I said to the carful of kids attached to their iPods.  I get a grunt in return.

I looked at the ultimate traveling companion--my iPad and checked out the weather in Lubbock, Texas.  There was a dust storm warning in effect for the area.

Well outside Lubbock we ran into a wall of dust.  The wind was howling, the dust was blowing, I could only see 25 feet in front of my car.  

First the cars put their flashers on, then we see the cars parked on the side of the road.  What to do?  I pull over for a few minutes and decide I was a sitting duck waiting to get hit.

I decided that 10 mph is better than sitting in a raging dust storm and crawl out of it.  It was lucky that we did because the highway was shut down minutes after we left.  The storm was the worst in that area.  The closer we got to Lubbock the better the conditions got.  

You have to pack your best judgment for your road trip.  

We drove the next four hours in 40 to 50 mph winds and varying levels of visibility.  It was fun for the kids but my hands hurt from holding on to the steering wheel so tight.

We made it through the dust storm and the temperature dropped 40 degrees.  The middle child was cold because he was wearing shorts and flip-flops.  I know, but who listens to Mom anymore.

We made it to Santa Rosa, New Mexico and checked into the Best Western there and called it a day. 

You know you might be from Texas

The carful of kids are from Texas and occasionally we herd cattle on the side of the highway to help a fellow Texan.  That is what we did this morning on our way out of town.

While driving on Highway 183 outside of Lampasas, a cow falls out of it's trailer right in front of the carful of kids.  How a cow falls out of it's trailer at 60 mph is one of the great questions of the universe.  The cow did bounce a bit but walked off the highway, I am happy to report.

We like to help when we can so we hit the hazards and get out of the truck.  We are off to rope some cattle because another one is on the loose.   It's in our blood being Texans, right?

We are not all cowboys and roping cattle isn't easy, but we did help corner a couple of cows.  More people jumped out of their cars to help the real cowboy rope his escaped cattle.

After the cowboying pit stop, we are back on the road.  The carful of kids is headed to see the snow of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Anyone who knows the carful of kids, knows we are a snow curse.  Every year, we plan a trip to do a little skiing and snowboarding and wait for the snow to fall.

We wait and we wait and the snow does not fall.  In the past, the carful of kids has slid down hills of ice glaze and learned to ski on snow cone mush covered hills.

The carful of kids are not snow snobs at this point and anything cold and white would be great.  At last the curse has lifted and there is natural snow covering the mountains of Santa Fe.

Snow is falling right now and the rest of the week is clear with highs in the low 40's.  Yea!  This makes a carful of kids so happy.

We start driving early and hope to reach to Santa Rosa, New Mexico, tonight.  We don't want to drive with snow falling in the mountains after dark.

We are from Texas and we might herd cattle on the side of the highway.  We will leave the treacherous winter driving to those who know what they are doing.

Not too Early to Plan that Ski Trip

We are a house divided.

The carful of kids have a couple of free nights to use before the end of the year so we are headed for the hills. This year the Winter Break Ski Trip is Santa Fe, New Mexico.

When you have kids in school and two weeks off at Winter Break--a Mom has to plan ahead. There is plenty of competition and only a limited number of rooms-- remember not every room is available to those of using points or vouchers.

I called about a month ago and my first choice was already booked. Yes, that was the first part of October for reservations for the latter part of December. You can't wing it with a carful of kids and expect to get a good deal and your first choice.

Mom is not going to give up that easy. The carful of kids love the snow and we don't see much of it in Texas.

When researching for our next adventure, I always have to stay flexible and plan early. Sure enough, I find something better--if Mom wanted predictability and convenience, the carful of kids would stay home.

My criteria for our Winter Break Ski Trip:

• A family-friendly ski resort that is not too big--has to have a conveyor-type ski lift for my younger kids and lots of options for ski school.
• Plenty of seasonal activities to do after the last run of the day--remember ski resorts usually are winding down at 3:30 or so. 
• Some family-oriented, non-chain restaurants to sample local cuisine.
• Close enough to our home base of Central Texas that we don't lose too much time driving.
• A ski resort close to a Best Western because I have points for free nights.

Keeping all that in mind, New Mexico is a natural choice for us. It's about 12 hours to the snow-covered mountains and it is a great value for families.  

Now all I have to hope for is SNOW.

Krause Springs--Legendary Central Texas Swimming Hole

The carful of kids love to travel and explore new places outside of their home state of Texas, partly because it is a tad hot here in the summer.  But anyone who has been to Texas knows we like to do things bigger and better here. The carful of kids eyed some gems of Central Texas a few weekends ago, we're visiting some legendary swimming holes.

Let's start with our newest discovery, Krause Springs in Spicewood, Texas, home of Willie Nelson, is about 30 miles west of Austin.  According to their website, it is an 115-acre property that has been in the Krause Family for over 50 years. There are 32 springs on the property that feed into
a man-made pool and the natural swimming hole that eventually flows into Lake Travis. This is the carful of kids' newest favorite place.

Krause Springs is far enough out of Austin to keep the crowds down and close enough to make it a great day trip.  A few pointers before you go--pack your cooler full of food.  There isn't much out there once you pass the newly developed Bee Caves area. If you are OK eating out of a gas station then you're set.  I loaded up the refridge into my cooler but I have a herd to feed for the day.  I gas up the 4Runner and we hit the road early; it is close to a hour and a half drive for the carful of kids.

Mom always checks things out on the web before she goes, sure enough, useful information.  Krause Springs is a CASH ONLY operation.  We pay our admission of $6 per adult and $4 for kids four to eleven in assorted bills, not bad for a day of fun for the carful of kids, including the packed lunch--it is a steal.

We enter the little piece of paradise--central Texas is usually sun-parched in September especially this far west.   With the butterfly gardens and the huge Cypress trees, it is shady and lush; such a relief for the heat.  We park our stuff at one of the abundant shaded picnic tables and head for the main attraction.

The natural pool is a traditional swimming hole, rope swing included.  The carful of kids decide today is the day that they are taking the plunge into the age-old tradition. My 8 year-old son is first in line and firmly grabs the rope and lets it rip only to forget to let go.  My 9 year-old daughter is not going to be out maneuvered by her brother, she drops in shoes and all.

The man made pool

I sit on the limestone rocks on the edge of the natural pool and blow up my air mattress until I am dizzy. Before I can get into the water, the carful of kids are asking to use it.

"Where were you guys earlier this morning when Mom was loading the car?  That's right you were watching cartoons.  Mom is going to use her air mattress."  Since I am a Mom I ended up paddling my youngest around in the water instead.

Speaking of the water, if you are not prepared for the shock of some cool spring water it takes a few minutes to adjust.  To the carful of kids, it is all part of the fun.  We paddle around and swim for a bit before the kids decide they are hungry.  Just about the time Mom starts to relax.

After lunch we decide to try out the man-made pool.  It is not the largest spring fed pool we have seen, that honor belongs to Barton Springs Pool.  It is nice, not too crowded and super clean.  The carful of kids take turns jumping of the rock wall at the deep end.

We hike around the property to see more of the springs, a few waterfalls and the beautiful butterfly garden full of wind chimes.  Krause Springs has great century-old Cypress trees, a couple with great cavities that scream Facebook photo.  The rest of the day is spent swimming in the two pools and enjoying the day slip away.

We have to leave unfortunately, but there is camping for those who want to stay more than the day.  According to their website, they have primitive camping and 24 RV sites with electricity and water--just give them a call.  The girls decide that a rinse off would be great before we head out to dinner.  We find the bathrooms and they are great.  They are super clean and modern.  Is that slate tile?  So don't hesitate to bring your change of clothes, a clean towel and some shampoo and clean the kids up before you leave.

Next stop: Barton Springs Pool!