By Jennifer Olvera
Skiing is an enjoyable activity for the whole family, offering nonstop action at some of the country's more desirable destinations. The key is to find spots with gentle slopes and a variety of activities to keep the kiddies engaged---both during and après-ski.
Copper Mountain, Colorado
Located in Summit County, Colorado, just 75 miles from Denver, Copper Mountain is a favorite among locals. Known for being less crowded than Winter Park and Vail, the slopes---which include both beginner and expert terrain---are every bit as alluring. There are plenty of of area activities, too, include tubing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and dogsledding. The Village at Copper is located in the middle of town, and it offers restaurants and hotels. It's also the site of a centrally located fire pit, where s'mores are roasted each night from mid-December until early April.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Steamboat Springs, Colorado---commonly referred to simply as Steamboat---is situated in Routt County. The Steamboat Ski resort on Mount Werner, which is located in the Park Range, is considered ground zero for many tourists, although there are a seemingly endless number of ski equipment rental companies located throughout town. The main draw, not surprisingly, is skiing. However, the Yampa Valley area also offers many geothermal hot springs, among them the rambling Old Town Hot Springs. The river also is a popular destination for fishing, kayaking, rafting and tubing in warmer weather.
Mammoth Mountain, California
This giant mountain---which soars to 11,000 feet at its summit---is a popular place to ski in spring. In fact, the season often extends through the month of June. Located about 300 miles north of Los Angeles, it's home to a skiing and snowboarding school. A variety of lifts and gondolas, as well as seven terrain parks, cater to all ski levels---a particularly appealing perk when traveling with less experienced adventurers. From cross-country skiing to snowcat tours, the possibilities for outdoor fun are endless.
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Family-friendly, this destination is geared toward beginners, many of whom choose to stay at Bretton Woods' Mountain Washington Resort. The property's kids programs, which are offered by the Bretton Woods Children's Ski & Snowboard School, occupy tykes for full or half days so mom and dad can hit the black-diamond trails. When weather allows, fly-fishing, golf, tennis and mountain biking offer a diversion.
About the Author:
Jennifer Olvera, a DePaul grad, has been writing professionally--and covering topics from health to weddings, shopping and the green scene--for over a decade. In addition to penning international travel features for Chicago Tribune, LA Times and Frommers.com, she has become one of the preeminent dining, food, and entertainment writers in Chicago. Jennifer's work has regularly appeared in Zagat and Chicago Sun-Times as well as on Citysearch.com and Gayot.com.
