February 11, 2010 E-MAIL PRINT

Ski deals available for February vacation

by Heather Burke/

Wildcat has several fun events for the entire family during President's week. (photo: Greg Burke)

Wildcat has several fun events for the entire family during President's week. (photo: Greg Burke)

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The upside to a down-turned economy is there are still deals for vacation week at your favorite downhill resorts. Ski lodging that used to book a year in advance now sits waiting for those last-minute travel surfers. So there is plenty of opportunity to take your family skiing during President’s week, whether it’s a day trip or an over-nighter.

During February vacation weeks, New England resorts pull out all the stops. The snow is piled up from a season’s worth of blowing, special events are scheduled and the mascots come out of their closets to greet families.

Okemo knows how to entertain families, especially during holiday weeks. Torchlight parades, fireworks, scavenger hunts, even snowshoe tours and candy bag bingo are a few of the fun events scheduled for February vacation. And you can count on big trail counts because Okemo blows a ton of snow. Staying on mountain at Okemo makes a family holiday super convenient.

One of our family’s favorite resorts is Sunday River, for consistently great snow and speedy lifts. Lodging slopeside at the Summit, Jordan Grand Hotel, or a condo is best for serious skiers. But staying in Bethelcan be fun, too. The town has constructed a snow maze, and it’s huge - no surprise coming from the community that built the tallest snowmen, Angus in 1999 and Olympiain 2008. The snow maze is free for families as well as the ice rink and snow sculpture slide. The Bethel Inn has attractive family packages (kids stay free with parents).

Killington is king for keeping the entire family amused. The Ram’s Head area caters to beginners while The Stash (Burton’s nature-inspired terrain park) is super popular for the trickster teens in your pack. Lots of snowmaking, lodging, and dining options makes Killington a good pick for a family vacation.

Or you can simply make day trips if the overnight seems like an ordeal (or over budget). There are exciting events next week at most New England resorts (to make up for full holiday ticket prices). Go to Ragged in New Hampshire and find the pink flamingo hidden on the slopes -you score a free day to come back again.

Sunapee is easy to get to and they host the Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge on Feb. 16. Kids love to do the Dew race and you get a free can of caffeine to keep you awake for the drive home.

Wildcat has some crazy events planned for President's week, including the Cardboard Kitty Litter Box Race on Feb. 16 and the Nine Lives Lunch Tray Luge on Feb. 17. Your kids will think these zany races are the cat’s meow and you will love getting your 2,000-foot vertical each run on the scenic Wildcat Express.

Combine all this family fun with watching the Winter Olympics apres ski on TV, it’s bound to be a winner family ski week.

For more tips on family skiing, go to www.familyskitrips.com.

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