Destinations: Aspen, Vail, Montréal, Lake Tahoe, Seattle
Themes: Mountain Vacations, Outdoor Adventures, Luxury Travel, Spas
Despite the plights of Sonny Bono and Michael Kennedy, skiing remains an extremely popular (and relatively safe) family activity. The most common type of skiing is alpine, or downhill, skiing, in which both the heel and toe of the boot are attached to the ski. However, Nordic skiing techniques (where only the toe is attached) such as telemark and cross-country are quite popular as well.
5,000-year-old rock drawings attest to the long history of skiing, but modern skiing began in the late 19th century with the invention of bindings that held ski to boot by Norwegian Sondre Norheim, often called “the father of modern skiing.” The sport continues to develop and cross pollinate with snowboarding, taking on new innovations such as side cut or “parabolic” skis for improved carving and turning.
Though environmentalists warn that winters are getting warmer, there are still plenty of cool places to ski. Among the most popular U.S. destinations are Aspen and Vail, and Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia. Chamonix Mont-Blanc in France, Switzerland (Gstaad), Italy (Cortina) and Austria (Lech-Zurs, Seefeld) also boast some of the world’s best skiing.
This tony ski resort town is appealing in winter and summer. It even can be surprisingly affordable.
After your ski day, join a fireside sing-along, tour an art gallery, visit Hallam Lake and enjoy other Aspen outings—for free.
Ski season is starting! Prevent mountain sickness with these easy steps, which include drinking plenty of water and eating carbohydrates.
Bobsled, luge, skate and ski at these North American sites that formerly hosted the Summer or Winter Olympic Games.
Find the best attractions and places to take the kids when visiting this quaint Idaho mountain town.
Read why this gorgeous mountain destination with an acclaimed arts community is considered one of the best small towns in the west.
Tahoe’s plethora of accommodations can fit any family’s budget or style, from luxury resorts to classic campgrounds.
From dog-sledding to kite-boarding to the new Heavenly Flyer, there are adrenaline rush experiences in Tahoe to sate any adventure lover.
Save money on your Lake Tahoe family vacation with these tips on special deals and discounts.
A local highlights what’s best in the region for a Lake Tahoe vacation in any season.
Thanks to imaginative pet-tailored programs, four-legged friends can now join the family vacation fun.
One reason to love this Pacific Northwest destination is the multitude of nearby outdoor adventure activities easily accessible on a Portland day trip.
Follow these tips to ensure you plan a successful family ski vacation.
Hone your skills on the slopes, bond with fellow females and learn lifetime lessons at a women-only weekend ski workshop.
Linked to its western traditions, Steamboat Springs mixes champagne powder with cowboy style to create a Rocky Mountain high everyone can enjoy.
Plan your 2008-2009 family ski vacation with these all-inclusive packages at popular ski lodgings in the United States.
This week’s discounts are for Los Cabos and Honolulu hotels, an Innsbruck ski season package and a way to contribute during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Special offers for Alaska cruises, Beaver Creek ski getaways and spa programs for teens
Taos Ski Valley to welcome snowboarders as of March 19 to the once ski-only, exclusive resort to re-establish itself as family-friendly.
Start to plan your 2008-2009 ski trips. Here are the season’s opening dates for premier ski resorts in the United States and Canada.
After all the time and money spent planning a winter getaway, why would you take any risks? Here are steps to help avoid injuries on your ski trip.
Ski lessons from a professional ski instructor from Sun Valley, Idaho.
Get outdoors with a trip to Traverse City, for beachcombing, scuba diving, kayaking and more.
As one season fades into the next, there is something to entice everyone at every age in this Rocky Mountain mecca.
Check out these tips from our expert on what’s new to do in Vail during the winter season.
Learn how to best navigate the mountains at North America’s largest ski resort, whether you’re a ski and snowboard pro or novice.
Whistler is known for its skiing, but it’s also a nature lover’s paradise in spring, summer and fall, making it a resort for all seasons.
Enjoy a fondue snowmobiling dinner package or mingle with celebrities at the Whistler Film Festival.
Whistler ski resort in British Columbia, Canada—ranked number one in North America and the site of the 2010 Olympics—offers an incredible assortment of thrilling winter activities for the family.
Venture into the wild with the help of expert naturalist guides.
Enjoy nature at its finest along with cultural amenities you might not expect in a national park.
Read our review of two guidebooks to see whether a summer or winter Tahoe family vacation is right for you.
Top skiers uncover the best winter resorts in the United States, Canada and Europe.
