Vail: What’s Hot in Winter

Beaver Creek  

Variety of classes. This beautiful resort has a full range of instruction available for kids of all ages and abilities. The Children’s Center is an easy to maneuver, one-stop shop for ski-school retail and rental skis, snowboards and helmets; apparel; and last-minute can't-ski-withouts. Located in Village Hall, the Center is steps away from the beginner terrain.

Last season, my son Ted signed up for a group teen lesson. He learned a few new maneuvers and improved his bump skiing. His favorite takeaway was the location of a few “secret” jumps, trails and shortcuts that could only be revealed by an insider. His instructor was happy to share!

For many parents, it’s tough to determine which class is right for their child. Click here for a look at a video with helpful advice from the pros. 

New Children’s Gondola and Learning Area. An eight-passenger Buckaroo Express Gondola provides a warm and comfortable 3.75-minute ride to a new beginner learning area for kids—and adults, too. The learning area is located at the top of the gondola on the existing Haymeadow run. Skiers will find two magic carpets and customized learning slopes that facilitate the correct movements. A third magic carpet serves a slightly steeper pitch designed specifically for snowboarders in training.

Parkology. Beaver Creek’s award winning Parkology program is among the many interesting offerings available. It’s an innovative park and pipe lesson program featuring progressive learning terrain and weekly instruction for aspiring free skiers and riders, ages 3 to 17. A series of learning competitions for Parkology students are scheduled throughout the winter to help aspiring jibbers hone their skills, learn park etiquette and become more comfortable in a competitive setting.

Family Packages. There is a range of packages. For example: The Family Fun package, starting at $3,000, includes a five-night stay in a two-bedroom condominium at St. James Place in Beaver Creek with four days of skiing and ski rentals for two adults and two children. Based on availability. Valid now through April 13, 2008. Find out more: www.BeaverCreek.com.

Ski With a Ranger. Join a Forest Service volunteer on the slopes each Saturday to learn about the local ecology. The one-hour tour is free with your lift ticket.

Night Time Fun for Families. The good times continue after the lifts close with plenty of free activities for families. Check out the new disco ice-skating party and new storytelling evening around the outdoor fire pits. Glow stick ski-downs, rail jams, fireworks displays, kids’ tubing, figure-skating shows and family-friendly concerts round out an extensive line-up of complimentary activities offered each night throughout the winter. Sleigh-ride dinners, family cultural performances, a teen video arcade and year-round, outdoor ice-skating add to the fun.