For those of us who love winter sports, it’s a happy day when we can introduce our children to the world of perfect powder. Often, it’s not easy. Or inexpensive. But the opportunities for mountainside family fun continue to multiply.

Plan Ahead

Timing. Not surprisingly, ski resorts are most expensive and crowded during school holidays. If you can plan a trip outside the typical school breaks—Christmas, President’s Day weekend and Spring Break—you will save a considerable amount of money, have more room on the slopes and have less of a crowd in the snow-sport classes. And of course, travel is educational! Bit if you must travel during peak times, book early.

• Snow birds? No, Vail ski groomers.
• Jack Affleck, Vail Resorts

Find the freebies. There are an increasing number of deals and fly/ski free packages for families to consider. This year if you fly non-stop to Vail/Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) from now through April 13, 2008, you’ll ski for free on the day of arrival at Vail or Beaver Creek with a valid boarding pass and lodging confirmation. Passengers on direct flights from Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Denver will be able to take advantage of this program. Original or online printed boarding passes must be presented at lift ticket windows along with a valid Vail Valley lodging confirmation receipt and/or photocopy. Only one lift ticket per person, per boarding pass and lodging confirmation permitted. For details call 800-503-8748.

To find out about other free programs for kids, including Kids Fly Free promotions go to www.visitvailvalley.com or call 800-404-3535.

Gear check. With fast-growing kids in your camp, sometimes renting gear makes the most sense. To save time and the hassle of struggling through airports and parking lots with skis, boots, boards and poles, we’ve used Rentskis.com. Order the latest equipment online and then pick up your gear upon arrival. You can even arrange to pick up from one of seven shops closest to your lodging choice. Advance reservations receive up to 20 percent off the regular daily price and for every adult rental, a junior (age 12 or younger) gets a free rental for the same number of days. For details visit www.rentskis.com or call 800-544-6648.