Winter Park Resort, CO ~ The Perfect Ski Resort for Families

Family skiing -not such an easy thing to do with a family from Texas - because let's face it - this white stuff is hard to deal with.  But I recently returned from a ski trip to Winter Park Resort, Colorado, and I think I have found the ideal place to take your family skiing.  Here's why:

1. Convenience - Located just 67 miles from Denver, Winter Park Resort is one of the closest ski resorts to the Denver International Airport.  The drive in is fairly quick and easy to navigate. We rented a car but there are shuttles you can take as well.

2. Ski In/Ski Out - I loved that there are multiple condos to choose from that are less than 500 feet from the base of the mountain and the ski lifts.  Personally, I am pretty clumsy in my ski boots and lugging my skis and poles around - I was pretty thankful to not have to walk far each morning (and each evening).  With children, the last thing you want to do if have to carry everyone's stuff all over town to get to the lifts.

3. Wagons - And if that 500 feet is just too far, these bright red wagons are all over town, ready for you to load with ski equipment and/or children.  We never had a hard time finding one.

4. So much to Ski! - While we were there, they had 146 different trails available to ski.  I appreciated how many greens and blues there were, as I am still very beginner.  Every age and skill level can be accommodated at Winter Park.  They recently divided the mountain up into seven different ski territories.  From the "chill beginners" to the "thrill seekers", there is something for everyone.

5. Ski & Ride School - We took a half day private lesson with the Winter Park Resort and found out instructor to be both fun and patient.  She was very helpful and challenged us to get out of our comfort zone.  Our time with her was so very valuable and helped build our confidence for the following days.  I am certain we would not have had such a great time, had we not spent the day with her first.

I was also very impressed with the organization of the entire Ski & Ride School.  Having to teach so many children, the staff is very professional, yet playful with the children.  I would not hesitate in putting my kids in a class (or 2).

6. Friendliest Staff - As a beginner skier, I was grateful with all the advice and help the staff of Winter Park Resort gave us.  From fitting us in our ski boots, to pointing us in the right direction, to helping us find a lost ski pole (ahem, we won't go there.....), everyone was so happy, easy going, fun to talk to - it was so refreshing.

7.  The Winter Park App - Our last day was a super windy day and lifts were closing left and right.  It was so helpful to have the WP Resort app on my iPhone to map out where we could and couldn't go for the day.  Make sure you download this if you are going.

8. Uncongested - Kinda a weird word to use to describe a ski resort, but this is the way I felt all week at Winter Park.  We chose a great time to go - (Wednesday - Saturday).  We never had to wait in line for a ski lift, the runs were not crowded at all and we rarely had to wait for a table at a restaurant.  Now, I know this is not always the case. However, with so many options of runs to ski, we rarely ran into the same people twice.  As a chicken skier, I liked having a hill to myself - less of a chance to take anyone out!

9. Amazing food - The Winter Park Resort Village has some great restaurants right at the base of the mountain that we enjoyed each day.  We loved the daily soup specials at the Back Bowl Soup Company and the amazing crepes at Goodys.  There are lots of great options on the mountain at different lift stops as well.

10. Fun things to do in the Village - The Resort also has fun activities going on to try in your downtime.  We really had a blast at the Coca-Cola Tubing park one evening - after a long day of skiing, it was fun to try something new!  The Village also offers Broomball, SnowCat Tours, Ice Skating, fire pits, shopping, and more. Again, you don't have to leave the resort for anything!

Personally, three days was not enough skiing for me.  I would honestly go back in a second if I could.  But I am all about the skiing, and for those who are not, Winter Park Resort is perfect as there is so much to do all in the same area.  Everyone can find something they like and have a great time. Take a quick look at all the fun we had:


I'm already planning our trip for next year.

My family and I were invited to visit Winter Park Resort and  were provided with ski lift tickets and equipment rentals.  I was not financially compensated for this post.  All opinions of Winter Park Resort  are strictly my own based on my experience.  

Good Time Adventures ~ Breckenridge, CO

Y'all remember my first time ski trip to Breckenridge, Colorado last winter - the one where I fell in love with skiing??  There was another amazing experience on that trip that I just have to tell you about.  Another first for our family - dog sledding with Good Time Adventures.  It was absolutely one of the coolest things we have done!

When I first heard that we could experience dog sledding while we were in Breckenridge, I assumed we would be riding all together in a cute little sleigh behind a team of huskies.  I thought we'd be along for the ride.  I thought it would be no work on our part - just take some cute pictures and enjoy the experience.  Well, I thought wrong.

At Good Time Adventures, you are actually driving the team of huskies - you are in control and it's exhilarating y'all!! Mush!!

When you first arrive, you are offered proper clothing - as you are flying through the snow, and there is a potential to fall into the snow...... trust me on this one. And then you get to meet the teams. 

Such a fun photo opp - these huskies are lovable and friendly.

All my fears on driving the team quickly disappeared as we met our guide and he took the time to show us how to run the team.  Each tour accommodates up to 6 people.  Two go on the sled, while the other 4 ride with the guide ahead of the team.  The 6 mile tour through the Rockies is done in a relay style with each person getting the opportunity to ride the sleigh and guide the team.

I let both my children try it before me and they were naturals.  You have to remember when to "help the team out a bit" and how to lean into the turns so as to not tip over, but it really is easy and a fun way to see the backcountry of the beautiful Colorado Rockies.  I mean, look at this scenery!

I loved having the ability to sit in front of my kiddos and take pictures of all their fun - it was a great way to record all these cool memories.

Dog Sledding is something that should be on your bucket list.  And it's an incredible way to see the Colorado Rockies.  Next time you plan a ski trip, especially to the Breckenridge area, put Good Time Adventures on your to do list!

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My family and I were invited to visit Breckenridge, Colorado as guests of the Breckenridge CVB.  I was not financially compensated for this post.  All opinions of Breckenridge, Colorado are strictly my own based on my experience.  

Family Friendly Restaurants in Breckenridge, Colorado

I know, the first thing that pops into your head when you think of Breckenridge, Colorado is SKI, SKI, SKI!!  Yes! Skiing is divine here, but you must also find a way to provide your self with some sustenance to SKI, SKI, SKI!!

Planning ahead is essential to a ski trip, especially when you are with family.  And that's why I have come up with a list of the Top Family Friendly Restaurants in Breckenridge for you to add to your itinerary.  All home-grown and local eateries, many of which have unique offerings on their menus.

So whether you are in Breckenridge skiing during the winter or hiking during the summer, these 5 restaurants can't be missed:

1. The Motherloaded Tavern 103 South Main St., Breckenridge, CO - This fun, eclectic restaurant serves up down home comfort food.  The portions are big and satisfying after a long day outside.  My husband enjoyed the Yankee Pot Roast, while I dove into a big plate of chicken & waffles.  The kids menu is great and they have TWO amazing desserts you must try!  The Deep Fried Twinkie and the Make Your Own S'Mores are worth just going in for dessert one afternoon!

2. Downstairs at Eric's 111 South Main St., Breckenridge, CO - Filled with energy, this "downstairs" has the feeling of a fun college basement.  There are tons of arcade games to play in the lobby - keep your kiddos busy, as there will most likely be a wait.  Or you can stroll down Main Street, as they notify you that your table is ready via a text on your phone.  The menu is great - something to satisfy everyone - wings, pizza, nachos, burgers.  On a side note, we had a small bout with altitude sickness while there and the owner was incredibly helpful to us - even sent over a physician who was dining that night.  This is a definite must go to fill up after a tiring day.

3. Columbine Cafe 109 South Main St, Breckenridge, CO - Make a plan to try this wonderful cafe out for a big, hearty breakfast! It has a casual atmosphere, but the breakfast is outstanding.  We all enjoyed the "big-as-your-plate" pancakes.  I had an omelet that was delicious and my hubby had the corn beef scramble that he loved.  It was the perfect, lazy start to our morning where we were not rushed through breakfast.

4. Empire Burger  500 South Main St, Breckenridge, CO - A Breckenridge institution, I couldn't wait to try these burgers - they did NOT disappoint.  Fresh, big, unique, and yummy.  I loved all the different dipping sauces you could get with the fresh cut fries and onion rings too - make sure you try the mango chutney one - sounds weird, but I promise you, it's so good! Because Empire Burger is so popular, expect a wait. It's well worth it!

5. Fatty's Pizza 106 South Ridge St, Breckenridge, CO - The last night of our ski trip, we were pretty exhausted and looking for a quick way to grab a pizza.  Most places we called had long waits, so we opted to pick up a few pizzas at Fatty's.  Great, traditional pizza - perfect crust, lots of cheese and kid-approved.  The atmosphere looked fun if you were dining in as well.  Because we picked up, it took less than a half hour to get dinner.

A list of best restaurants wouldn't be complete without a few desserts.  Other than the Motherloaded Tavern's fried twinkie, here are a few other desserts you must try while in Breckenridge:

Crepes A la Cart, featured in a walk-up cart on Main street, has the most delicious crepes to satisfy a sweet tooth.  They also have breakfast and lunch/dinner crepes as well.  We tried the Funky French Monkey (bananas, chocolate, and peanut butter- YUM)!  You will wait in line and it is outdoors, so be prepared.

Mary Mountain Cookies has the most AMAZING cookies you will find in all of Colorado - get a warm chocolate chip cookie in the store on Main Street and grab a few of the gourmet ones to go - they are just as yummy as they are beautiful! They also have online ordering if you need some once you have returned home.....

So enjoy your outdoor adventures in Breckenridge, but make sure to plan some time to take in these fine eateries!

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My family and I were invited to visit Breckenridge, Colorado as guests of the Breckenridge CVB.  I was not financially compensated for this post.  All opinions of Breckenridge, Colorado are strictly my own based on my experience.  

Breckenridge on Dwellable

6 Fun Activities to Do with Kids in Breckenridge....besides ski!

As a family, we took our very first ski trip this past winter in Breckenridge, Colorado.  And while we absolutely fell in love with snow skiing, we also discovered so many more fun things to do in the snowy wonderland too.  Breckenridge has plenty of options of great family activities to enjoy beyond skiing.

Here are 6 Fun Activities to Do with Kids in Breckenridge:

When we started planning our winter escape from Texas, skiing was top of mind. However, we wanted to experience some other fun adventures in snow as well.  The Go Breck! website was a great resource to find all sorts of wintry fun.

The first thing that got all of our attention to try was the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster.  Located on Peak 8, the coaster ended up being my kids' favorite activity.  You can ride the 2500 feet of roller coaster track in a single or double seater, in winter or in summer.  The kids loved the speed, the curves, the dips...and asked to go again and again!

Another great outdoors activity is a Dog Sledding Tour.  We spent the afternoon with Good Times Adventures, touring the Swan River Valley while being pulled by eight gorgeous huskies.  Each of us had a chance to ride in the sled and guide the sled during the tour.  While 2 are on the sled, the others ride in a snowmobile-pulled sleigh in front, allowing for a chance to take some incredible photos.  It also was a great chance to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful areas.

A winter vacation is not complete without a little Ice Skating.  Take advantage of two NHL-sized ice rinks at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena, both indoor and outdoor.  It was fun to skate outdoors (as the only chance we can do it down here in Texas is indoors) and enjoy the cold air while ice skating.  It just feels like such a winter activity when you are doing it at a ski resort!  The Ice Arena offers open public skate times and skating classes as well.

One last outdoor activity that all my kids really enjoyed was a Horse-drawn Sleigh Ride. We were able to experience an evening sleigh ride up Peak 9 to a yurt with a yummy dinner and entertainment with Breckenridge Stables.  It was fascinating to us to be pulled up same ski runs we had spent the last 2 days going down!  And as we traveled back down the hills from dinner, it started lightly snowing, making it a very magical and memorable experience.

If you have younger children and are looking for great indoor activities, the Mountain Top Children's Museum is open seven days a week during the winter.  This great museum features tons of great play and learn experiences for all ages.  They also feature daily activities with fun science experiments.   It's a great reprieve from the chilly weather.

Breckenridge has a wonderful Arts District where you can experience art exhibits and partake in Art Classes in a unique setting.  While we were visiting, my youngest and I enjoyed a fun art class at the Fuqua Livery Stable.  We decorated bags, creating a fun souvenir of our trip.  You can see more of what the Breckenridge Arts District has available here.

Though we came to ski, we were so pleasantly surprised at how much Breckenridge had for kids to do!!  We had a full winter's experience in Breckenridge - one that created lasting memories!!

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My family and I were invited to visit Breckenridge, Colorado as guests of the Breckenridge CVB.  I was not financially compensated for this post.  All opinions of Breckenridge, Colorado are strictly my own based on my experience.  

5 Lessons I Learned Skiing at Breckenridge (Know Before You Go!)

Last week our family had a fantastic trip to Breckenridge, Colorado for our very first ski trip ever.  In fact, it was the first time skiing for me and the kids (my hubby's been there, done that).  As prepared as I tried to be, there is still a steep learning curve when it comes to a family ski trip.  And though we learned a ton that week, there were key things that I learned in Breckenridge that could easily apply to any first-time skier's trip.

Here are 5 Lessons I Learned Skiing at Breckenridge:

1. You DON'T look ridiculous in all that clothing.  As a naive winter weather person (I live in Texas y'all!), I was overwhelmed with advice on what to wear while skiing.  Luckily, I took all the advice and packed ski clothes and undergarments and heavy socks and scarves, and ski gloves, and hats and on and on. Not once...NOT ONCE....did I regret my overpacking.

It was one thing to be prepared to ski, but I wanted to look "cute" when I went to dinner.  Made that mistake only once when I came back from diner with frozen toes.  Everyone dresses to the weather - and certainly not to look "cute".  No one looks silly - everyone looks comfortable and practical and WARM in their 16 layers.

2. Ski Lessons are the BOMB! As a first-timer, there was no way I was getting on skis without lessons.  Though they are a bit pricy, I felt they were worth every penny.  I took an all-day lesson that had me skiing bravely down a steep hill on Peak 9 (for me that is!!) by the end of the day.  While the lessons gave me the basics of skiing, they provided me with the confidence to ski with my kids the rest of the vacation.  I have since spoken with other that did not take a lesson and spent the day either in the snow or scared to death, not enjoying this fantastic sport like they wanted to.

3. Tip Generously.  I enjoyed meeting the various instructors, sleigh drivers, dog sledders, and waiters all week. I loved hearing all the reasons they love to live in Colorado.  Everyone works really hard to make our time enjoyable and they deserve to be appreciated for the hard work they do.  A ski instructor isn't teaching your kids for the money, they are doing it for the love of the sport and the love to teach others.  After spending a full day teaching YOUR kids to ski, they deserve a bit of thanks and appreciation.

4. Be Prepared for Altitude Sickness.  I read up on it and thought we were prepared - I hydrated myself, my hubby, and my older two, never thinking it would effect the little one.  Wrong.  My 3 year old spent the whole week sick.  The first morning we put him in ski school, we received a call within 30 minutes that he had gotten sick.  We quickly re-arranged our plans so that one of us could stay home with him and tried our best to hydrate him.

Just when he'd show signs of feeling better, he'd get sick again.  Luckily, we were surrounded by very kind locals who helped in various ways (one even bought us a canister of oxygen!).  From what I hear, you never know who it will effect. My advice is to go with the flow, make allowances, and don't let it mess up the vacation for the whole family.  We traded off days at home and everyone was able to get some skiing in. If you look at it from the bright side, which I like to do, it gave me a chance to ski at my own pace and be alone with my thoughts - it was a heavenly 2 hours alone for me!

5. Know Where You Are Going & Have a Plan! This is especially true at larger ski resorts.  I think I was so caught up in what to pack and how to dress, that I didn't focus on logistics.  If I could do it all over again,  I would have studied the bus routes (FREE, great if you don't have a car!) the city map and the mountain runs better.  I would have given us more time to get from place to place.  I wouldn't have skied on one Peak the whole trip because it was closest to the condo. Next ski trip I am all over the lifts and runs - planning out exactly which ones I want to hit.

Notice I said next ski trip.  Oh, there will most definitely be another ski trip.  Because despite the sickness that stuck with us and the general feeling of un-prepardness, we fell in love with this amazing sport.  Our winter vacation to Breckenridge was more than just altitude sickness and skiing.  We had amazing adventures dog sledding, sleigh riding, in art classes, and shopping.  We had yummy food everywhere we went and encounter genuine, helpful people (especially when we got lost - remember  tip #5). We fell in love with the culture, the mountains, the snow.  We will most definitely be back.

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My family and I were invited to visit Breckenridge, Colorado as guests of the Breckenridge CVB.  I was not financially compensated for this post.  All opinions of Breckenridge, Colorado are strictly my own based on my experience.  

30 Skiing Tips for Beginners

Never been skiing?  Needs some tips? Here are 30 Skiing Tips for Beginners:

In two weeks friends, this momma and her family are heading off on a vacation trying something completely new.  We're going to Breckenridge, Colorado for 4 days of snowy fun, including our very first time skiing!! We are thrilled!!

And yet, I find myself equally terrified.

How is it possible that I lived out in the West for 9 years of my life and never went snow skiing?  And now, when I'm almost 40, now I'm ready to attempt it?  Yes, this not-very-coordinated momma will be  gracing the slopes of Breckenridge looking like the guy in the picture above, all in the name of adventure.  And my kids.

They are dying to learn to ski.  So really, it's all about them.  And then it becomes all worth it.

So in preparation for our big trip, I have researched, googled, and asked a few of my closest travel experts and friends to help me with what they feel I absolutely need to know for our trip.

And here is what I found to be the most important tips to know for a Beginner Skier:

What to Wear:
1. Ski/snow pants or bibs and and outerwear jacket are a must to keep you dry.  Think Under-armor to keep you warm underneath.
2. Buy neck gaiters - "You won't want to mess with scarves on the mountain and these things are game changers when it comes to staying warm!" Jennifer Close from Two Kids & a Map
3.Wear helmets and helmet liners if it is cold
4. Wear goggles that fit around a helmet to keep the wind out of your eyes
5. Some prefer to wear sunglasses as the snow can be pretty bright
6. You can purchase ski clothing at inexpensive places like Academy, a used sporting goods store, or online.
7. If you don't want to invest in all the clothing, you can rent snow pants and outerwear jackets at most ski resorts.

What to Pack:
8. Around the neck wallets for the kids to store lip balm, money, phone numbers, etc.
9. Advil, sunscreen, lip balm with SPF (one for each skier)
10. Hand Warmers for your hands and feet
11. Swim suits for indoor pools or hot tubs
12. Light backpack for stashing extra clothing and snacks while skiing
13. Pack using the "space bags" that suck the air out and compresses everything down
14. "Before you pack and depart, write a ski trip checklist with needed gear and supplies" - Amy Whitley from Pit Stops for Kids

And take a look at this amazing Ski Packing List from SnowMamas.com

Ski Equipment:
15. Take your time when getting fit for equipment. "Getting fit, putting it on, and using it correctly are all novice time wasters. The experts can help." Michelle Brennan from Trekaroo.com
16. Keep plastic bags in the car to put your muddy/slushy boots in after a full day of snow

Actually Skiing:
17. "Pizza (to stop) French Fries (to go). That's how you point your skis." Sabina King at A Kings Life
18. Lessons!  This was the number ONE tip I received! I found this article from Jen at Two Kids and a Map to be helpful in making the decision to take lessons as soon as we arrived.

"Also look into a full day lesson instead of group lesson for an hour. It helped our kids a lot to be in ski school for a full day. An hour group lesson is not as effective especially for first time skier. By the time an hour is done, you just learn how to put the ski on and off." - Amy Querido from The Q Family Adventures

"If they're not too expensive try to get at least one private lesson for everyone once you have the basics of stop, go and turn. Group lessons are much more affordable but when you are first learning you will learn 5x as much in one private lesson as you will in one group lesson so it's worth it. Or look at a private family lesson if that is more affordable." - Tracy Burns from Our Travel Lifestyle

19. Talk to the ski instructors to learn what you (and your kids) need to work on.
20. Schedule in bathroom breaks while skiing - especially with kids!
21. "Make sure to let your kids take breaks when needed, including sitting down indoors and having some snacks. Everyone feels better after that."- Debbie Kaplan from Jersey Kids

Other than Skiing....
22. Plan other available activities. "I learned that the hard way--when my son broke his wrist 40 minutes into a ski boarding lesson on our first day in Aspen. It was a long 3 days trying to entertain an unhappy 11-year-old who was in pain."- Cindy Richards of TravelingMom.com

Paul Johnson of A Luxury Travel Blog has a great post titled "7 things to do on a ski holiday, other than skiing"with fun ideas.

23. Look into free activities (or search for local coupons/groupons)."Look for free activities around the resorts like scenic gondola rides or get an inexpensive sled (donate afterwards if flying or bring home if on a road trip) and find a hill for hours of fun." Mary Solio from The World is a Book
24. Don't overdo your trip.  Love this advice from Tracy Burns (Our Travel Lifestyle): "Try to have the occasional morning or afternoon off. Getting out the door with all your gear is stressful. Skiing holidays are expensive so you want to get the most out of your time there,  but skiing is also really tiring for young children.  Take turns looking after the kids while Mum and Dad hit the slopes with any children that aren't too tired to ski."

Meals/Eating/Snacks:
25. To save money & time, pack lunches, put non-mushy snacks in your coat pockets and put hot chocolate powder in travel mugs (fill with hot water later).
26. Make a plan for dinner.  Everyone is exhausted and ready to eat, so know the phone number for pizza delivery.

Altitude Sickness Preparedness:
Something I didn't even think about until a friend pointed it out to me.....
27. Drink a lot of water in the days (week) leading up to your trip, to avoid altitude sickness.
28. Acclimate yourself to the higher altitude and don't over do it the first day.

Kara Williams of The Vacation Gals has an excellent post on avoiding altitude sickness.

29. Take a small pocket camera to capture the moment - you won't regret it.
30. Have fun.  Seriously, have fun, don't over do it and enjoy the snow! <--- My personal favorite tip!

I'm prepared, started gathering all the essentials and we are excited to go!  Thanks to everyone for all their advice. It's going to be an awesome trip!