Skiing
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.
Insider Guide to A-List Aspen
This tony ski resort town is appealing in winter and summer. It even can be surprisingly affordable.
5 Free Aspen Attractions
After your ski day, join a fireside sing-along, tour an art gallery, visit Hallam Lake and enjoy other Aspen outings—for free.
How to Prevent Altitude Sickness
Ski season is starting! Prevent mountain sickness with these easy steps, which include drinking plenty of water and eating carbohydrates.
Destinations of Champions
Bobsled, luge, skate and ski at these North American sites that formerly hosted the Summer or Winter Olympic Games.
Family Fun in Sandpoint
Find the best attractions and places to take the kids when visiting this quaint Idaho mountain town.
Sandpoint, Idaho: Treasure of the West
Read why this gorgeous mountain destination with an acclaimed arts community is considered one of the best small towns in the west.
Where to Stay in Tahoe
Tahoe’s plethora of accommodations can fit any family’s budget or style, from luxury resorts to classic campgrounds.
Lake Tahoe’s Alternative Adventure Rush
From dog-sledding to kite-boarding to the new Heavenly Flyer, there are adrenaline rush experiences in Tahoe to sate any adventure lover.
End-of-Season Tahoe Discounts
Save money on your Lake Tahoe family vacation with these tips on special deals and discounts.
Tahoe, From Lake to Peak
A local highlights what’s best in the region for a Lake Tahoe vacation in any season.
And Rover Makes Five
Thanks to imaginative pet-tailored programs, four-legged friends can now join the family vacation fun.
Portland’s Great Outdoors
One reason to love this Pacific Northwest destination is the multitude of nearby outdoor adventure activities easily accessible on a Portland day trip.
Minimize Family Drama on the Slopes
Follow these tips to ensure you plan a successful family ski vacation.
Girlfriend Getaway: Women’s Ski Camps
Hone your skills on the slopes, bond with fellow females and learn lifetime lessons at a women-only weekend ski workshop.
Steamboat Springs: Ski Town U.S.A.
Linked to its western traditions, Steamboat Springs mixes champagne powder with cowboy style to create a Rocky Mountain high everyone can enjoy.
Ski and Save With Ski Packages for Families
Plan your 2008-2009 family ski vacation with these all-inclusive packages at popular ski lodgings in the United States.
Cabo for Couples, Free Night in Hawaii, London Charity
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.
Family Deals: Cruise, Ski, Spa
Special offers for Alaska cruises, Beaver Creek ski getaways and spa programs for teens
Taos Welcomes Snowboarders
Taos Ski Valley to welcome snowboarders as of March 19 to the once ski-only, exclusive resort to re-establish itself as family-friendly.
Head for the Slopes: 2008-2009 Opening Days
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.
Tips to Avoid Injuries on the Slopes
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.
Tips for Teaching Kids to Ski
Ski lessons from a professional ski instructor from Sun Valley, Idaho.
Traverse City: A Great Outdoor Getaway
Get outdoors with a trip to Traverse City, for beachcombing, scuba diving, kayaking and more.
Vail Valley: A Resort for All Seasons
As one season fades into the next, there is something to entice everyone at every age in this Rocky Mountain mecca.
Vail: What’s Hot in Winter
Check out these tips from our expert on what’s new to do in Vail during the winter season.
Master the Slopes at Whistler Blackcomb Resort
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: Nature Lover’s Paradise
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.
Weekend in Whistler
Enjoy a fondue snowmobiling dinner package or mingle with celebrities at the Whistler Film Festival.
Family Fun in Whistler
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.
Yosemite National Park’s Civilized Wilderness
Enjoy nature at its finest along with cultural amenities you might not expect in a national park.
Lake Tahoe Guidebooks: Summer and Winter Adventures
Read our review of two guidebooks to see whether a summer or winter Tahoe family vacation is right for you.
Ski Resort Guide Reviews for America and Europe
Top skiers uncover the best winter resorts in the United States, Canada and Europe.