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Sensational Skiing
Planning Your Family's Vacation
By Megan Kopp
The thought of planning a family ski resort vacation can be overwhelming. Where are the family-friendly resorts? What do you need to know ahead of time? Where can you find the information you need? These questions are easily answered if you follow a step-by-step approach.
Finding a family-friendly resort is the first step. Talk with your friends and family and find out which ski resorts they might have visited or contact your local travel agent and discuss your needs – they'll be able to point you in the right direction. Online there are numerous Web sites that provide lists of resorts including:
Once you've gathered a list of resorts, request pamphlets or surf their Web sites. "Really look at the brochures," says Sally Johnstone, a former children's ski instructor and current director of sales and marketing for Jiminy Peak, Inc. in Massachusetts. "Are there pictures of kids in ski school or with their families having fun, or are all the photos of extreme skiers and snowboarders? If all the photos show pierced 'Gen Xers' with green hair and overhead bar shots, then perhaps the resort is more about hype than taking care of your kids."
Barbara Thomke, director of public relations for Smugglers' Notch Resort in Vermont, agrees that it's "important to get materials from a resort." In addition to pamphlets, ask if there are videos available. She also suggests that you pay close attention when calling for information. What kind of reception do you get? Is the person forthcoming with information? Can they personalize the information to your family's particular needs?
