Best of 2014: Best destinations for families you can book now!

Every December, we take time to reflect upon the past year of travel, and select five experiences---yes, just five!---that we crown the best of the year. Last year, our top travel experiences of 2013 took us from Alaska to the Caribbean. This year, we're focusing on the American West and MidAtlantic, showcasing everything from five-star city hotels to cabins. We stand behind these picks as … [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...]

Keystone Resort vacation for families: Why ski Keystone with kids

Almost all major ski resorts offer family-friendly amenities. However, only a handful are truly family-focused. A Keystone Resort vacation in Dillon Colorado ranks in our top three family-friendly ski resorts (along with sister property Northstar California and Big White Ski Resort). What makes Keystone kid-focused? A combination of programs, conveniences, and amenities, which, when offered in … [Read more...]

Northstar California with kids: an Aspen Grove mountain condo stay

Families visiting Northstar California have a dizzying array of lodging options.  If you're staying a week or more, or have a large group, we recommend a home rental in one of Northstar's mountain neighborhoods. If you want luxury and ski-in, ski-out pampering (recommended with small kids or short visits) or want to be close to the action, book a stay in the Northstar Village with Tahoe Mountain … [Read more...]

Winter at the Utah Olympic Park with kids

While exploring Park City Utah with kids, families will want to reserve time to visit the Utah Olympic Park. This half-day excursion is only minutes from Park City Utah, and 25 miles from Salt Lake City. The Utah Olympic Park is the site of several winter sports in the 2002 Winter Games, and is still home to several Olympic teams and hopefuls. Most days, visitors can see training in process … [Read more...]

Canyons Resort Park City with kids

We love Park City Utah skiing with kids! And we know there are several resorts and lodging options in Park City, but when we go, we always ski at Canyons Resort Park City. It's kind of like ordering the same thing off a great menu every time...when you know you love something, why take a chance on something else? What's to love at The Canyons Resort Park City with kids: The amazing terrain! … [Read more...]

Grand Summit Hotel at Canyons Resort, Park City

Last year, we named Park City as a Pit Stops for Kids' best ski town. We reviewed the Westgate Resort at the base of Canyons Resort, and we talked up the quaint downtown with its great shops and restaurants for families. Now we're back with our review of Grand Summit Hotel. Who's ready to hit Park City with kids? Why the Grand Summit works well for families: The Grand Summit Hotel at The … [Read more...]

Big White Ski Resort: family-friendly skiing in Kelowna BC

It speaks to Big White Ski Resort's dedication to families that there's too many family-friendly activities, events, and programs to include in just one post. Over the next week, we'll be featuring our favorites, in addition to this overview of the mountain and its lodging, dining, and family fun. First, an overview from the Pit Stops for Kids video channel: Skiing at Big White: I asked … [Read more...]