TRAVEL
By Karen T. Bartlett
Destination: The Slopes
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or certain Florida-based ski bunnies, snow bums, and their little bunny-kins, the term “snowbird” takes on a whole new meaning just about now. They hit the Patagonia and REI websites and start watching snow conditions on Colorado and Utah mountaintops. If you’re planning your first-ever family ski/ snowboard experience this winter, you may be overwhelmed at the sheer number and diversity of ski resorts. Here are a few familyfriendly snow destinations with unique features to get you started. World’s largest snow fort Colorado’s Keystone Resort has dialed the kid-o-meter to the max with its Kidtopia program, which showcases the world’s largest snow fort, plus indoor games and movies, Super Snowy Science Days, dog sledding, and meet and greets with the ski patrol’s adorable rescue dogs. They also have parades, Saturday night fireworks, sleigh rides, ice skating and tubing, family fondue nights, and milkshake socials. Kids’ lessons start at age 3. Call 970-4237100 or visit keystoneresort.com. Cookie cabin, teepee, and a sleigh ride to dinner Of course, it’s not only about the cookies (did I mention that they’re chocolate chip?); it’s also other special touches that make a memorable family vacation. The two-year-old Red Buffalo Park 20
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within the venerable Beaver Creek (Colorado) Resort has a gentle 13-slope family learning area, and lots of other goings-on within the resort, from ice skating to fireworks. Start the littlest ones in Haymeadow Park, where they’ll also love the interactive teepee and the build-your-own sundae in the yummy new Ice Cream Parlour. Visit beavercreek.com or call 970-754-4636. Celebrating all snow-abilities High on the Hollywood crowd’s winter sports A-list, Park City Mountain Resort is nearly impossible to access during the Sundance Film Festival, which just ended. But impossible turns to oh-so-possible for snow-lovers of all abilities and challenges at this world-class ski resort, thanks to its National Ability Center. From family-friendly, accessible lodging to amazing adaptive equipment, everyone from amputees to visually impaired, from those with spinal injuries and those on the autism spectrum, can hit the slopes. Kid and family favorites include the toboggan-style Alpine Coaster, the Flying Eagle Zip Line, sleigh rides, snowmobile tours, and the new High Meadow Park ski and snowboard school for beginners. Visit parkcitymountain.com or call 435-649-8111. Near and far Maggie Valley, North Carolina, always a Neapolitan fave in NEAPOLITANfamily • February 2020
