Best Ski Towns: Luxury Vail ski vacation

It's impossible to have a 'best ski towns' series and not include Vail, Colorado. There's a reason Vail has been absent from our list thus far...it's already on everyone else's list. That said, Vail deserves a place on ours as well, because with perhaps the exception of Deer Valley Utah, Vail and its neighbor and Vail Resorts partner, Beaver Creek, offer up the most luxurious ski vacation … [Read more...]

Where to eat in Breckenridge (in any season)

Breckenridge, Colorado is not just a ski town. It's also a hiking town, a mountain biking town, a fall leaf peeping town, and yes, a foodie town. Here's where to eat out, whether you're in town for the snow or the trails. With the kids: Need apres-ski or hiking spots big on fun, deck-space, brews for mom and dad, and a casual ambiance? Here’s where to go in town. Breckenridge … [Read more...]

Grown-up Getaway: What to do in Breckenridge in fall

Why would you go to Breckenridge in fall? As one local resident, mountain bike pro, and chef put it, "Why wouldn't you?" Autumn is a special time in this Colorado mountain town. When I arrived in mid-September, I half-expected a ghost town: after all, Breck is known for skiing. Instead, I found a town alive with a quiet, happy hum of activity: tourists and locals alike were enjoying the fall … [Read more...]

Where to hike in Breckenridge with kids

Think Breckenridge, Colorado is only a winter ski destination? No way! This mountain town is a great pick for summer and fall travel as well, offering historical significance, museums and culture, great dining, and, our personal favorite, excellent hiking for families. When families arrive in Breck, they'll find maps with literally dozens of hiking trails accessible right from town. Many of … [Read more...]

Tips for Rocky Mountain National Park with kids

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the United States’ premier family destinations, a jewel in the national park crown. In the summertime, the weather is beautiful, the scenery spectacular, and the opportunity to interact with nature unparalleled. Here are some things to know to help you make the most out of visiting with your kids. Tips for Rocky Mountain National Park with kids: West side … [Read more...]

Flyover country road trip: Fun in flyover country

I'm very excited to share that long-time Pit Stops for Kids contributor Kathleen Basi, a proud lifelong resident of “flyover country,” released a road-trip-themed novel this spring, and agreed to share a few places she uncovered in her research. If you’re on a flyover country road trip with kids this summer, check out one or two of these fun stops along the way! 1. Silver Beach … [Read more...]

Breckenridge winter vacation tips

I am lucky enough that I have now spent time in and around Breckenridge, Colorado in summer, fall, and winter. All are wonderful times to visit with their own merits, but winter certainly is a popular choice. With a world-class ski resort and magical winter atmosphere comes an increase in visitors and potentially challenging driving conditions. Here’s what you need to know to have an amazing … [Read more...]

Guide to skiing Breckenridge with teens (by teens)

Breckenridge Mountain is a huge ski resort with something for absolutely every type of skier and rider. On our latest trip, we went with our teens and pre-teen, who are all expert skiers and riders. I thought I’d let them tell readers their favorite places on the mountain from their perspective. If you have older kids and teens who like steeps and deeps, this is the post to read! Note to … [Read more...]

Vail luxury ski hotel: Sonnenalp hotel review

I have been lucky enough to stay in many luxury ski hotel properties, from Whistler to Tahoe to points east. My stay at The Sonnenalp, a Leading Hotels of the World property in Vail, Colorado, met the expectations that properties like the Fairmont or the Ritz Carlton had set for me, but also exceeded those expectations in subtle ways. What do I mean by this? The Sonnenalp Hotel, which is a true … [Read more...]

Keystone lodging review: The Springs at River Run Village

During or latest winter Keystone ski trip with kids, we stayed in a two-bedroom condo in River Run’s The Springs. At the end of our trip, my nine-year-old declared it the best ski lodging he’d experienced. Why did he rate it above other ski-in, ski-out resort lodging? Three reasons: 1. the Springs pool, 2. the proximity to the River Run Gondola, and 3. the fact that it’s surrounded by … [Read more...]