Recently, I read a Facebook update from a friend and fellow travel writer that declared something along the lines of, "Third time's a charm! On our third ski vacation, we finally fell in love with skiing." This happy statement made me reflect on my own family's ski 'journey', which started perhaps a bit differently than most. Unlike many parents, we considered ourselves a 'skiing family' even … [Read more...]
Squaw Valley CA with school-aged kids and teens: where to stay, dine, and ski
January 5, 2021 By
A ski vacation is the perfect socially-distanced getaway, in the outdoors! Every ski resort experience is different this season, so visit Squaw Alpine's website for the latest COVID updates and regulations..Squaw Valley CA has long enjoyed a reputation for challenging ski terrain for advanced and expert skiers. In the last several years--most recently after their merge with neighbor Alpine Meadows … [Read more...]
10 easy ways to decorate your hotel room for the holidays
December 4, 2020 By
The Pit Stops for Kids crew will be spending the holidays in a Tahoe vacation home this year, so I'm making plans now to make our stay as festive as we'd enjoy at home. If you, too, will be spending your winter holidays away from home, we have 10 easy ways to decorate your hotel room for the holidays...or any condo or vacation home! Decorate condo or hotel room windows or porch with a string … [Read more...]
Backcountry skiing basics: How to get into the sport
December 2, 2020 By
It's never been a better time to get into the backcountry and leave the crowds behind! Here's how to get into the sport during the COVID season! An avid downhill skier and snowshoer, I've been noting the small but growing trend toward backcountry skiing for some time now. This sport, which combines a love of nordic exploration and downhill excitement, attracts men and women (and yes, some kids) … [Read more...]
Best family vacations during a time of social distancing
November 12, 2020 By
If you’re an adventurous family, you're probably itching to travel again. Travel is coming back, but it will look different than in the past. We took an amazing rafting trip--and felt completely safe--in the midst of CV-19, for instance. Then, we 'glamped' in a rural location. The key: focus on outdoor-centric vacations that naturally promote social distancing. Note: Be careful if you’re … [Read more...]
What to expect from a ski vacation during COVID
November 9, 2020 By
Skiing and snowboarding families should expect some differences at ski resorts this year. Ready to try a ski vacation during COVID? Read on! The good news: ski vacations are inherently safe, since they're outdoors with plenty of fresh air and exercise. Families can pod together easily at ski resorts, and many resorts are expects a La Nina year! Here's what to expect from a ski vacation … [Read more...]
Camping recipe ideas and tips for fall
November 5, 2020 By
We enjoyed one of our last summer weekends on the Oregon Coast at Eel Creek Campground. It was cool and foggy, which meant fall camping conditions for us! We came to this part of the Oregon dunes to go sand boarding with a big group of tweens and teens, so we needed to really think through our meal lists. For all your year-round camping adventures, here are a few camping recipe ideas and … [Read more...]
Renting vs buying an RV: Which is right for you?
November 1, 2020 By
So many people are taking to the roadways to travel right now. With COVID cases rising not just in the U.S. but throughout the world, many people don’t want to hop on planes like they once did. Thinking of buying an RV? Read this first! The safety of a long car drive is probably pretty compelling if you don’t want to be in crowded places with other people, and particularly on a plane … [Read more...]
Pit Stops for Kids’ Pre-Road Trip Checklist
October 12, 2020 By
As my family and I gear up (literally speaking!) for our upcoming 22-day road trip throughout the western states, piles of equipment, duffel bags, coolers, and the like are starting to dot the landscape of our family room. As I always wonder before an extended trip, I've been asking myself: is this all really going to fit into our minivan? Somehow, it always does. The key to this magic trick? … [Read more...]
Quick and easy guide to kids’ road trip snacks
October 5, 2020 By
There’s a lot that goes into making a road trip happen. Your level of organization probably lands somewhere in between winging it and micromanaging every detail, and with kids, you always have to leave room for the unexpected. If there’s one thing you should get right, though, it’s snacks for the road. Guide to road trip snacks: A sick kid is the surest way to derail your plans, and packing … [Read more...]
