Skiing

Seeing as we’re sitting here on the brink of another apocalyptic winter storm and a week off school, I figure now is as good a time as any to contemplate a ski vacation.  Y’all are always a wealth of knowledge and I LOVE being able to ask for your opinions on all sorts of crazy things.  But before I do, here is a little back story…  Honey loooooves skiing.  As in snow skiing.  So much so, that he took his winter quarters in college to move out to Colorado and find any sort of odd job that would allow him to ski as much as possible.  Well, the patient man has his heart set on a long weekend of North Carolina skiing next year and I’ve not a clue as to how to plan this thing.  Here’s what I know…

  • The littles will be nine and six and have never been skiing. 
  • It will likely be their Christmas gift so we will want to go in January or February. 
  • Honey is pretty set on NC because of its proximity and prices.  I’m not so sure based on the pictures I’ve seen online.  We would be willing to expand the search further north.
  • I will want somewhere nice to stay and don’t care if I don’t set toe on the snow.  We would love somewhere very close to the action.

So what I’d love to hear from y’all are your suggestions and experiences on where to go and where to stay.  Much like the whole dog sitch, I am completely clueless and a bit reluctant to boot.  Talk me into this gals!!!  (I’m already shivering at the mere thought of this trip.)
xoxo

52 thoughts on “Skiing

  1. I live in Colorado! I think it will be a great family vacation! Boys in lessons and you cna hang out at the lodge and shop. Get a nice ski-in-ski-out condo.

  2. Has Honey skied Snowshoe, WV? We love the place. It is a bit of a hike from Atlanta but keep it in mind maybe for a future trip. I am sure other readers will give you the scoop on the Boone, NC sking.

  3. Are you set on driving to your destination? For not much more you can have a fabulous vacation out west. I am born and raised VA girl and have given up on the east coast skiing eons ago. I have been going west since I was a pre-teen. We now take our kids (11,8,and 5). The oldest has been going since she was 4. I can't say enough about Aspen/Snowmass, all my kids have learned to ski/board there. You fly right in, take a shuttle to your place (hotel, condo, house, etc)and you are all set. Plus there is a shuttle that can take you all around town and shopping/eating/walking in Aspen is AWESOME!!!

  4. What about Gatlinburg, TN? I have never been skiing, but our family went to Gatlinburg a couple of times when I was a child, and there were lots of activities that were kid friendly–skiing, ice skating, just riding the ski lift, etc. We stayed in cabins/chalets and they were nice, but I can't for the life of me remember what the name was/is. It sounds like lots of fun, and your littles will love it for sure. Good luck planning this family trip.

  5. I would head out West…Breckenridge or Telluride or Vail…..I love Aspen/Snowmass too! I've done them and love each.

  6. I live here in the mountains of NC and wouldn't you know I'm not an avid skiier myself, but I do like to have friends come up to stay when they want to ski! Around here you've got Beech Mtn, Sugar Mtn and Appalachian Mtn which are all decent or so I'm told on the actual ski front. What I think YOU would like is the towns of Blowing Rock and Banner Elk. There are some nice little shops around and it's very easy to just hop in the car while the boys freeze their tails off and get some action of your own – haha! There are several lodges close to the resorts or to stay in Blowing Rock you're still only around 10-15 minutes away. Feel free to yell if you want more information on the area! Come on up!

  7. Growing up our youth group always went to Boone, NC and Katie's group went to Winter Haven in WV. She loved it. They could ski and snowboard, and the cost was reasonable. Not too bad a drive either. I will say there is a big difference skiing on the east coast versus say CO. The east coast tends to have more packed (icy/wet) snow while the west fluffy powder. We took our oldest up to Sky Valley in North GA early on to see if she even liked it. Easy day trip "if" there is snow (might be this year given our crazy weather).

  8. I haven't read the other comments, so sorry if I'm repeating. Our fave place to go in NC is Sugar Mountain. We have a second home in Franklin, NC & love going over to play in the snow! I'll look up our info on specific resorts this afternoon. xo

  9. There are so many great places to ski however I have never skiied in NC. I am from outside Boston and Maine, Vermont and NH are great places. I would look at Vermont out of those three. You would fall in love with the beauty of those states. Woodstock, VT is gorgeous but maybe could be a getaway for you and Honey. The resort there is unreal. I would also look into Northern California and CO 0 the skiing there is awesome and I believe that Honey has skied out there in the past. I understand about the price as I have two young boys to and I gasp when I look at airfare. Please let me know if you want more information on those places.

  10. I'm with you about skiing. Erma Bombeck's quote about skiing says it all for me.

    "I will never engage in a winter sport with an ambulance parked at bottom of the hill."
    — Erma Bombeck

  11. I'm with you on the dog and ski trip. So, you won't get any encouraging from me. I'd say go back on your Disney cruise. LOL!

  12. Beaver Creek CO is our absolute FAV, but we took our kids to Beech Mountain, NC before we spent the money to go out west. Beech is an easy drive, skiing was fun for about 2 days. There are not enough runs for more than about 2 days. We put our kids in ski school and they lived it. Sugar Mountain is nearby too. It is a perfect place for a first ski trip.

  13. I agree about not liking winter sports! But I, too, have a ski loving husband. My only advice – Places like that always have two other options, great bars and spas! Take advantage of both while the others are skiing. I also think "dressing the part" is really fun as well! Faux furs, fluffy boots etc…

  14. I grew up skiing in Steamboat, CO. I always did ski school while my parents skied. I would go for Colorado! Just returned from a wonderful trip to Beaver Creek and seeing all of the ski school kiddos brought back great memories! Go West!

  15. I am one of the most clumsy people on the planet and upon the begging of my husband a few years ago, I agree to go on a ski trip for our annual trip. We went to Snowbird & Snow Basin, UT as well as Park City.

    I don't know what the east coast skiing is like, but I can tell you out west the snow is like baby powder and if you fall in it (which I did quite frequently) you don't really get wet. I've had people tell me that on the east coast, the snow is much different and it is a heavier, wet type of snow, but this is just hearsay.

    If anything, take a few ski lessons with the boys just to learn for your own sake and just stay on the bunny hill! If anything, it is a GREAT workout. I think I lost 15 pounds on that trip, despite the gluttonous meals we ate every night.

    If y'all can swing the west, though, I would recommend that. We were skiing in short sleeve tshirts one day because it was 58 degrees out (and dry!)

  16. If you're coming this way, the best little mountain for the boys to learn to ski is Appalachian. It's not a big resort but good for kids to learn on their first day.
    Then they could head over to Sugar and ski. It's a bigger mountain than Beech that's up here.
    As for places to stay. I would get on VRBO and look for somewhere. If not, maybe the Esseola Lodge is open during the winter? That's nearby.

  17. Just took the kids to Park City, UT and everyone loved it! Dropped the kids at ski school at 9:45 and picked them back up at 4:00. They had a blast and we got to ski all day.

  18. I'm in NC and have been to Sugar Mountain a couple of times. It's better than Appalachian Mountain. The last time we went we went to Snow Shoe, WV and I think Honey would enjoy it more if he is accustomed to skiing out West. The runs at Snow Shoe are a lot longer than the ones at Sugar but probably still short compared to Colorado (haven't been there myself). They have lodging right by the lifts and have restaurants and shops right there so you don't have to drive once you get there. They also have lessons but Sugar does as well.

  19. Definitely check out Seven Springs in PA. Have been going there since I was a kid and we now take our family. In fact that's where our daughter learned to ski at age 3. Awesome ski school. Great family atmosphere with pretty fair rates. Lots of non-skiing activities as well. Not the same as skiing out West for Honey but he will be busy with helping the boys so he won't miss the elevation. They have a pretty comprehensive website which should be of some help to you. I cannot say enough good things about their Spa as well.

  20. We live near Raleigh, NC and have taken our 4 children skiing every year for the past 9 years at Wintergreen Va. They were each 3 years old when they started skiing. It's a fairly small resort, but perfect for our family's needs. I highly suggest staying slope side. You could stay in their lodge which has a kitchenette or in a ski-in ski-out condo. Our kids never did ski school (my hubby and I both ski well and teach them and stay with them) but they do have a ski school there. Avoid weekends if possible and certainly avoid MLK weekend. They provide free tram service on property and we never got in our car once, for the whole week there. There's a free indoor pool and tubing, not free:) Take most of your food if you plan to cook, as there's a small market only. There's no cute little town, but we spend our down time playing cards and building legos. There is a spa. If Honey is used to skiing out west, he will not be impressed with the slopes, but it's perfect for young families! Good luck! And I think you should at least try skiing…learn along with your kiddos.

  21. Check out Wintergreen Resort. It is a lot of fun with a wonderful kids program, SPA for adults and zipline, tubing, many restaurants, etc. It is further from you though located in Virginia.

  22. It is easier to ski out west but a lot more of an investment in time and money. I've skied sugar mountain/ and snow shoe in NC every year in high school and it is pretty good for the money. Find a ski in ski out place to stay meaning you don't have to haul all your gear into a car/shuttle and then back out also you can ski right up to your back porch, leave all the nasty wet gear outside and come in for lunch! Ski school for the boys and you…it's super fun I think you will be pleasantly surprised. have fun!!!

  23. I just back from a week long ski trip to Park City, Utah. We skied Park City Mountain Resort and Alta. Park City is a very cute mountain town with great shopping snd restuarants and the resort is very family friendly. Plus, it's less than an hour drive from the Salt Lake City airport. You haven't lived until you've had a hot apres ski waffle covered in chocolate!

  24. My husband also loves to ski and after college lived in Aspen, CO for a year. Afterwards, we moved to Atlanta and missed skiing so much we tried NC. Big mistake. Obviously, it can't be compared to Colorado, but it was all around a disappointing experience (think people crashing into you).

    With kids you need to choose a ski in/ski out resort with a good, all day ski school. We now live close to Michigan so we go to Boyne Mountain Grand Lodge & Spa (boyne.com). It is a beautiful lodge with a village, several restaurants and a huge indoor water park. They also have a wonderful spa and outdoor pool where you can swim in a heated pool while watching the skiers go down the mountain. It may be a trek for you from Atlanta but it's a great place for beginners and seasoned skiers alike. Perusing their Web site may give you guidance on what you need to look for in a ski resort too.

    I don't love to ski but it is wonderful time with your hubs outside in a really peaceful setting.

    Good luck!

  25. You should consider Colorado even though it is far. My husband and I were going to go to Winter Park, CO a couple of weeks ago, but got stuck in the ATL airport because of that snow storm, BUT the airplane tickets to Denver were surprisingly affordable! And the resort was running a deal on lodging (buy 2 nights get the 3rd night free or something like that). Hopefully if you decide to fly out there it will work out better for you and there won't be any crazy snow storms!

  26. Snowshoe, West Virginia is a hidden gem!!! Please check it out! You will be so surprised, and you won't have to travel across the country!

  27. Where did your hubby work? I've always thought he looked familiar! Colorado skiing is great. But, tickets will be pricey if you can't find a deal. I use to do Wintergreen. Of course you know at heart you are a girl that needs to go to Aspen. Talk about a scene!

  28. I have no clue! I would be content in the Lodge, by a fireplace with an Irish Coffee.

    Good luck!
    xo
    Pat
    P.S. The littles will pick it up easily and have a blast!

  29. I know you said NC, but I really think y'all will enjoy the trip so much more if you bite the bullet and head west. Steamboat Springs is superb. Great powder, incredible ski school, awesome Sheraton in Gondola Square….and a direct flight from Atlanta! Fun non-snow "hot tubbing" in natural hot springs! Tubing, skiing, snowboarding, spa, restaurants (namely Cafe Diva, Three Peaks and The Truffle Pig). You, Honey and the boys will love it. I promise. We take the kids every year. Fabulous town.

  30. I agree with Amyks. We took our children to Park City, Utah several times when they were young. The slopes are close to the airport, the town of Park city is adorable, and there is a big variety of places to ski. We have stayed in Park City and also at Deer Valley. They are both great. We usually tried to ski both mountains while we were there. The lodges are so much fun, and on the days I didn't ski, I just sat and read and met the family for lunch. You will love it!

  31. We are out in CA so Lake Tahoe is our ski destination. My family is similar to yours; my husband is a GREAT skier (think black diamond type of skier), my boys are 10 and 8 and I don't ski. I've taken lessons and given it the old college try, but I wasn't created to ski. What works for our family- Get a really nice condo with a European village feel right at the bottom of the slopes. There will be shops, ice skating rinks, hot tubs, shopping, jewelry making, dining etc… Boys take lessons 1/2 day, Honey skis on the slopes while they are in lessons, you do your thing (and take photos of boys learning) and y'all all meet up for smores and hot cocoa! We also have tubing which is a BLAST for everyone!! Now, I wish I could tell you in NC where such a North Star/Squaw Valley type place is, but I'm certain some gals on your blog can help with the names of some contenders! Have fun!

  32. I grew up skiing in WV. I learned to ski and still go back to Winterplace when I have the chance. It's a decent sized resort for the area and not too expensive. The ski school area is great and there are lots of beginner and easy trails, and also hard stuff too to keep everyone entertained. There's also tubing and two lodges. Of course, that area there isn't much else to do except stay at the resort nearby that has pools and a spa I believe. If you want the real WV ski experience along with lots of shopping, restaurants, and activities, you want to go to Snowshoe. Tons and tons of options for lodging, tons and tons of trails, and lots and lots to do. It's out in rural WV, but it is absolutely a gorgeous place!

  33. Breckenridge, CO is a MUST! Excellent classes and beginner slopes for the littles and SHOPPING for Mom. Rent a condo and do a ski in ski out. Honey can stay out from 1st lift to last lift and the littles can come in when they tire out.

  34. We went as a large extended family to sugar/beech mountains. We rented 2 large houses side by side that was just a few miles from the slopes. We were lucky to have a lot of snow. There was sledding parks, several ski slopes, lots of places to eat and not too far from Boone. It met our requirements: something for all ages (1 to 70), beautiful area, nice places to stay at pretty reasonable prices, good food and slopes with different skill levels. I hope you have fun planning.

  35. YES!! YES!! YES!! can't give advice on NC but the boys will love it!! and you will too.

    and you have to get all new clothes! Ski slope clothes, lodge clothes, Cabin clothes!!!! Tell Honey it's a must!

  36. I'm clueless when it comes to skiing since Hubby & I are both warm weather folks. All our neighbors/ friends who ski swear by Breckenridge, CO. Belle has inquired several times about skiing but since the boys are still young, we aren't forced to act on it…she's quite easily pacified with ballet:)

    Best of luck sista!

  37. I know you are asking for NC recs, but I have none! I think it's worth the extra pennies to go to Park City, Utah. The skiing is great, prices are much more reasonable than a lot of the Colorado resorts (Vail, Beaver Creek, Aspen) and it so very family friendly. I would recommend the Waldorf Astoria – we booked in advance and got a great rate. The rooms are large with fireplaces (I would upgrade to the suite with kitchenette), the location is great, there is no charge for parking (although there is a dally resort fee) and they have free shuttles to the other resorts and town.

  38. I would take lessons for all in your area first. Then Colorado, it is so beautiful and I am so not a cold weather gal. We stayed in Breckinridge ski in and out condo overlooking ski school for the littles. I could sit on deck and sip coffee and snap pictures of my cuties in the morning. It was perfect! Not to miss horse drawn carriage under the Colorado skies. Fun!

  39. Oh don't go to NC… get a quick Atlanta direct flight to Salt Lake City, and let your boys try skiing for the first time in real deep snow in Park City UT (Deer Valley, PCM, or the Canyons are all terrific). It is so much easier to learn in good conditions and the travel time is just the same as driving to NC.

  40. I have been to Boone,NC and Snowshoe,WV… I liked WV much better. Highland house was where we stayed and it was nice! I am from GA and it was a 9hr drive for us.

  41. We ski in Vermont but it sounds like that might be too long of a drive for you. I don't know anything about the NC ski areas but if you are going to fly somewhere then I would go to Colorado or Park City, UT. Definitely choose a place with a cute town nearby so you can shop or go to a spa while the boys ski. The kids are a great age to start. They should be able to pick it up pretty quickly. Just put them in a few lessons. Have fun planning!
    -Shelley

  42. Well you have a lot to digest. We grew up going to beech, Sugar and Appalachian. The snow is much wetter and when you fall down you get wet and possibly colder. Do you think that the cold will really bother the boys?. Since your boys are athletic, look into taking them to CO. The snow is more powdery and gets you less wet.
    If you do decide to go to NC look for a ski in/ski out condo. The best for ease and so fun for the skiers!

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