Luxury ski lodging: Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe review

We've skied Northstar many times, each time opting for different accommodations. We've stayed in home rentals, in a condo at the Village at Northstar, and in a Northstar townhouse. Every time we visit, however, we look at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe, perched at mid-mountain like an elegant fortress, with longing.   Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe review: We've enjoyed meals at the Ritz … [Read more...]

Alta for everyone: Why this Utah resort should be on your radar

With fourteen ski resorts within 45 minutes of Salt Lake City, it can be hard to decide which to call your own for your next destination ski trip. I love Park City, but don't forget about the resorts tucked into the canyons just behind Provo, too! Alta Ski Resort sits in Little Cottonwood Canyon right next to Snowbird. Due to the terrain, skiers immediately feel completely tucked away and … [Read more...]

Why First Tracks ski tickets are worth the splurge

More and more family ski resorts are now offering First Tracks ski tickets. What is First Tracks? It's a ski ticket add-on that allows the bearer to access the slopes earlier than the general public. Usually, First Tracks programs start at 7:30 am, allowing skiers first access at groomed and powder terrain before the lifts begin turning at 9 am. First Tracks tickets are fairly spendy at … [Read more...]

Northstar California: a guide to the mountain for kids, by kids

After multiple trips to Northstar California resort with my kids, I asked them what, in their opinion, kids shouldn't miss on the slopes. Their top picks: Cat's Face, the 22-foot half-pipe: Built for Olympic medalist Shaun White (who recently selected Northstar as his home resort), this intimidating half-pipe (with vertical sides 22 feet tall) is used by Shawn for training purposes…but open … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: Ski day accessories

Today on Travel Gear We Use, we're talking ski accessories. The following ski gear items are products we use either to make ski days more fun or more affordable. Both are high on my list when planning ski trips! Goggle Graffiti: Haven't heard of Goggle Graffiti, or seen it on the slopes yet? Neither had we, until we tried it out. These fun labels attach to your kids' goggles, and add both … [Read more...]

Skiing with a Tween at Sierra-at-Tahoe

This post was originally published as part of our Home (Away) for the Holidays series. It's easy to find kid-friendly skiing in Tahoe, but what about those hard to please tweens and teens? I spent an extra day at Sierra-at-Tahoe last week with Nate, during which we noted what worked for his age group (middle school) and ability level (advanced). Sierra at Tahoe is not too big, and not … [Read more...]

Top reasons why Breckenridge is a perfect family ski vacation

Pit Stops for Kids is happy to take part in the third annual Back to Ski Week, which includes tips on planning a family ski vacation as well as chances to win prizes. To learn more visit the Back to Ski site and sign up for the newsletter, follow @back2ski on Twitter, or like it on Facebook. Today we hear from inveterate outdoorswoman and lover of the Rockies Amber Johnson of The Mile High Mama … [Read more...]

Mammoth ski trip tips: Overview of Mammoth Mountain

If you’ve been to Mammoth Mountain, you know that this California ski resort in the Eastern Sierras is bigger than life. Massive in size at 3,500 skiable acres, and with 28 lifts and 150 runs, this world-renown ski resort can be overwhelming to families. Read on for Mammoth ski trip tips gleaned from a first-time visit to Mammoth: Plan where to stay carefully: Given the sheer size of … [Read more...]

June Mountain skiing for families: the best kept secret of the Sierras

Skiing families have heard of Mammoth Mountain, one of the largest ski resorts in the western US. But are your familiar with Mammoth’s little sister, June? June Mountain Ski Area is located less than 20 minutes from Mammoth, tucked into a blissfully serene corner of the Eastern Sierras adjacent to pretty June Lake. Arrive at June—which cozies up to the boundary of Yosemite National Park—and you’d … [Read more...]

Best Ski Towns: an overview of Keystone Mountain for kids

We love Keystone Resort for kids! If you’re planning a Vail area ski trip with children, head to Keystone where kids ski free, kid-friendly programming abounds, and ski village convenience reigns. There’s no better place to start kids off skiing or riding, but if you have expert skiers and riders in tow, don’t worry: so do we, and we found some of our favorite expert terrain and challenging runs … [Read more...]