Parents Magazine has released their first-ever “10 Best Snow Resorts for Families” list, and 4 eastern resorts made the list. From more than 100 contenders, Parents narrowed the field by evaluating the family activities on site and at nearby ski areas (um…make that “snow” areas, as you’ll see), the quality of ski lessons for young children, the standard room size and amenities, child care services, kids’ clubs or supervised play areas, and the price tag.
Okemo Mountain’s Jackson Gore Inn topped the list of Top 10 Ski Resorts, beating all contenders, East and West. Among other family-friendly features, Okemo’s ski school caters to children as young as 2; no other school would work with children that young. If you’re looking to have your toddler be the next Olympic star, you can’t start too early! For more information, go to www.okemo.com.
#4 on the list of Top 10 Ski Resorts was the Mt. Washington Resort at Bretton Woods. Great skiing, lots of activities, and daycare for babies as young 2 months means that both Mom and Dad can be on the slopes with the rest of the crew. And, if you’ve never been to the Mt. Washington Hotel, you owe yourself the trip…go in and look around, even if you stay at one of their other lodges! www.mountwashingtonresort.com.
At #6, Woodloch Pines in the Poconos is…well, not a ski area. Sorry. But, if you want to take the kids and play in the snow, they have a TON of activities. And, let’s face it, not everyone wants to ski. Another advantage to Woodloch is budget control; they’re an all-inclusive resort, so pay up, pile in, and eat up! www.woodloch.com
And, at #7 comes the classic of family ski resorts. The Trapp Family Lodge has more “family” history than any other…who else can lay claim to the family from “The Sound of Music”? An exquisite setting and old-world style make this more an experience than a ski vacation. The downhill skiing is at Stowe, just a few minutes away, so you know it’s world-class, and on-site snoweshoeing and cross-country trails (plus great hot chocolate!) may just keep you right there at the lodge. If you have any “Sound of Music” fans in the house, choosing the Trapp Family Lodge is a no-brainer. www.trappfamily.com.
And, just think…you can probably stay at TWO of them for the price of the airfare to head for a western resort! We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again…the best time you can have is right here on the Eastern Slopes!