Winter travel with children starts here!
Welcome to the frosty wonderland of family fun – where snowy slopes meet giggles and unforgettable memories! In this blog, we're diving into the exhilarating world of planning the perfect ski weekend with kids. Picture crisp mountain air, snowy peaks, and the joyous laughter of your little ones as they conquer their first slopes. Whether you're a seasoned ski family or venturing into winter adventures for the first time, this guide is your ticket to a magical and stress-free getaway. Let's make this ski weekend a winter tale your family will cherish forever!
January experience starts here: Keystone, Colorado
CHOOSING A FAMILY FRIENDLY SKI RESORT:
This was our 4th annual ski trip and you can not beat Keystone, River Run Village. If you have ever wanted to feel like you're in a Hallmark movie, River Run Village is perfection. From ski rentals, entertainment, restaurants, to lodging. Everything is designed to give you the most wonderful experience. My top 3 things I love about this resort: 1. Your staying at the base of Dercum Mountain. This mountain offers skiers long, groomed beginner runs, including family ski trails and plenty for intermediate and advanced skiers. It really does offer something for everyone!
This trip, as we talked to locals, we realized not many people know that Keystone offers FREE SKIING FOR KIDS 12 AND UNDER. I guess that is well kept secret! We knew about this program when we started taking our triplets up the mountain. (that's why we went the first time!) I assumed everyone knew! So if you have a little one 12 and under, I encourage you to take advantage of this program! It's very user friendly and is so worth it!
Read more info here: https://www.keystoneresort.com/plan-your-trip/stay/kids-ski-free.aspx
Also River Run has a complete kids area and daily kid-friendly skiing activities including an ice rink.
PLANNING WINTER WEEKEND ITINERARY:
We flew into Denver, CO. From there we had a shuttle pick up scheduled. We used Summit Express linked here: https://www.summitexpress.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiAzJOtBhALEiwAtwj8tojTpm7-fLAEW59wm1Wwp3-DgZ8fzk0mzgK6BeCgrxXwjHUZouRX5RoCFEYQAvD_BwE
Summit offers a 30 minute grocery stop. We put in a grocery pick up order for Walmart, prior to our trip. *pro tip: Colorado does not provide single-use plastic bags. So pack your own. Great items to add to your grocery list:
Breakfast items: oatmeal, eggs, tortillas, shredded cheese, coffee, yougurt
Lunch items: peanut butter, jelly, bread, bananas, granola bars, ramen noodles, soups, water, soda
Dinner items: (we planned to only cook dinner once) beef, veggies, broth, crackers, mac n cheese, wine, tea
Snacks and extras: grapes, apples, jello, popcorn, cookies, laundry detergent, sandwich bags
We did a 3-day lift ticket and that includes NIGHT SKIING offered on Fridays and Saturdays. My boys love this part! Skiing in the dark so pack lights you can attach to your group:)
One day the boys went skiing and my mom and I explored the Keystone Stables. We booked the 1 hour sleigh ride. You'll take a shuttle to a different village (Riverside). From there you'll get in another shuttle to take you to the stables (about 20-30 minutes from Riverside). You'll arrive to a horse drawn sleigh and two cowboys. You'll ride about 30 minutes, across soda lake, and arrive at a small cabin nestled in the mountains. The cabin has heat and restrooms. They had cookies and cider with optional rum to add inside the cabin. After you warm up and have your snack, you'll head back to the stables. The staff and atmosphere are magical. Highly recommend. 
PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP:
Our packing list included: two base layers | ski gear (bibs, boots, goggles, face mask, coats) | two casual WARM outfits | socks, undies, pjs | swim wear (for the hot tub)
Remember you ordered laundry detergent. I like to do laundry on trips. It helps me pack less, while also tackling that chore before coming home.
Three MUST HAVES for this trip -
1. liquid IV packets to add to water for hydration (this altitude is no joke)
2. salt tabs (we use the one recommended by cyclists) because this altitude is no joke:)
3. ski straps! If you're taking little ones up the mountain, nothing is more frustrating than hauling your gear to the lift. It's hard for me! Much less the children. These straps were under $5 and made our life so much easier! I wish I had them that first year!
DINING AT THE RESORT:
There is a restaurant at the top of the mountain. We ate there once last year. It's fine but is crowded. Great place to refuel and take a break. At the base you'll find Steep which is a great brewery style spot. They also offer live music most nights. We usually stop there for hot toddies and a snack.
Our favorite dinner places are Pizza On The Runhttps://www.pizzaontherunkeystone.com/
and Lime https://www.eatatlime.com/
You really can't wrong with any of the eateries in the village.
We try to cook one dinner in the condo. This trip my mom made some amazing soup for us!
CAPTURING MEMORIES:
What do you do with all the pictures and keepsakes from a trip?? I love to collect magnets from our adventures. They are easy to pack and are great visuals of our experiences. The photos are my favorite way to sticker journal. I have one journal that is used for all our adventures. I use it for the research, planning and memory journaling. Having everything in one journal has been a game changer for my ADHD brain! My Planner: https://a.co/d/9G5NnwW
As we wrap up our snowy escapade, it's not just the slopes we leave behind but a trail of laughter, shared moments, and the warmth of family bonds in the midst of winter's chill. Skiing with kids is not just about conquering mountains; it's about conquering fears, creating traditions, and weaving a tapestry of memories that withstand the test of time. Whether it was the first wobbly glide down the bunny hill or the cozy moments by the fire, every second on this snowy adventure was a brushstroke on the canvas of our family story.
As you reflect on your own ski weekend with kids, remember that the magic lies not just in the snowy landscapes but in the joyous laughter echoing through the mountains and the shared triumphs on the slopes. Cherish these moments, for they are the powder that dusts the journey of a lifetime. Until the next snowy escapade, keep the spirit of winter alive and the warmth of family close. Happy skiing, adventurers!
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xoxo,
Kristal
1 comment
Love it!!! Looks like great advice! And you obviously had a great time 🥰