By Pamela Hoye
Taking a family ski trip is worth the effort, I promise—but it can be made far easier with a little pre-planning and upfront organization. As the mother of two almost adult boys, I have experienced both the unorganized and the organized.
If you’re not prepared, getting the family on the mountain can feel clunky. Photos of unpredictable kids, frantic glove searches, and sibling-on-sibling fights in the back seat of the SUV don’t always make the resort advertising.
But something magical happens when you are seated on your first lift of the day with your child’s undivided attention—screen free.
We started our family ski trips with the boys at ages three and four. Teaching your kids to ski is a gift that will last them a lifetime. My now 17-year-old son even wrote a college prep essay about how skiing shaped his life—proof that the effort pays off.
Three Essential Steps to Prepare for a Family Ski Season
1. Get Your Gear Ready
Inventory Everything: Are socks and gloves still a pair? Try on boots. Are skis still the right length? Test zippers. Hosting a mini “get ready for winter” day at home can make this fun—and yes, kids in pajama bottoms and ski boots is part of the experience.
Borrow, Trade, and Swap: Ski gear is expensive and kids grow quickly. Ask friends for hand-me-downs, check local resale groups, and explore seasonal ski swaps for great deals on lightly used equipment.
Plan to Rent: Most resorts offer full-service rentals with expert fitting. Renting reduces storage needs and simplifies logistics. Hunter Mountain’s online rental makes it easy to book ahead. Bonus: Epic Pass holders receive 20% off rentals.
2. Book Lodging, Passes, and Essentials Early
Buy Early, Save Big: Booking early is the most affordable way to secure your ski season. Epic Pass prices are reduced this year, and options like the Northeast Value Pass offer strong value for regional skiing.
Book Lodging Early: Family-friendly lodging fills quickly. Condos are ideal for space, kitchens, and flexibility. Seasons Condos at Mount Snow offers slopeside access, plus an indoor pool and hot tub.
3. Book Lessons and Activities in Advance
Leave Lessons to the Experts: Teaching your own kids sounds ideal—but professional instructors make learning smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. Programs at Stowe Mountain are a great example. Bonus: parents get a little time to themselves.
Plan Non-Ski Activities: Keep the fun going off the slopes with tubing, ice skating, shopping, or snowshoeing. Options like tubing at Mount Snow and Liberty Mountain Resort offer great variety.
Find Kid-Friendly Dining: Après isn’t just for adults. Family-friendly restaurants and hot chocolate moments are part of the full ski experience—and often the most memorable.
Make the Most of Every Family Ski Moment
Enjoy every turn with your family—time flies. See you on the slopes!
Pam Hoye is happy to offer advice about her experience packing up a family for a ski trip, but her real expertise is après. A self-proclaimed “chardonnay skier,” she has embraced the laidback ski lifestyle and is passionate about helping new skiers find their place on the mountain.