Family at Great Glen Trails under Mt. Washington in NH
Plan to gather up the kids and head to the hills this winter. No need to head to warmer climes - winter can be snowy, yet mild, and perfect for a family vacation with plenty of activities such as cross country (XC) skiing and snowshoeing. According to the experts, who regularly update XCSkiResorts.com, the nation's top XC ski resorts are exceedingly family-friendly with lots to enjoy together both on the snow and off. What families want and need is exactly what an xc ski vacation delivers: multi-generational participation, quality time and shared memories.
There are special touches such as talent shows, child-friendly classes and family style meals to help your XC ski and snowshoe vacation become the perfect memorable getaway with your loved ones. Families can find resorts that offer the perfect combination of carefree atmosphere and picture-perfect views together with beautiful lodging, family dining, and expertly groomed trails and learn how they can enjoy the winter outdoors together. The following are top suggestions from the site:
EAST
Lapland Lake Ski & Vacation Center in Northville, NY has nightly bonfires on the weekends and the kids love to play Napa Kikku, which is a Finnish game on ice with a sled and a pole. Kicksleds, tubing, ice skating and parents use pulk sleds to pull the kids along the XC ski trails. The range of trails include many that are excellent for family skiers that have different ability levels. The overnight cottages have kitchens, too.
Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, ME has family programs to engage kids and adults with outdoors and educational activities such as XC skiing, sleigh rides, mountain biking, equestrian, exploring life and animals on the farm, apple cider making, milking a cow, and much more.
Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT is one of the most famous family resorts where the hills come alive with the "Sound of Music." In the Green Mountains of Vermont, Trapp Family Lodge is a paradise for families with a fitness center, an indoor pool and the Mountain Kids Club provides playtime, craft time and movies for kids.
Kids of all ages will dig the Fun Zone at Smuggler’s Notch
Smuggler's Notch Resort in Smuggler's Notch, VT has a dynamic lineup of family programs with 1,000 acres for families that include XC skiers, snowshoers, alpine skiers and snowboarders. Smuggs as it is known, has teen centers, kids camps and the not-to-be-missed FunZone play area, all within the resort village with shops and restaurants, condo lodging, and walk-to free shuttles. There are XC ski and snowshoe trails and programs, winter walking, ice skating, and more. Recognition for Smuggs’ family focus has annually been awarded by numerous magazines.
CENTRAL
Maplelag Resort in Callaway, Minnesota is run by a 3-generation extended family and this resort has families coming back year after year. They serve family style meals and host a talent/variety show, which is a big hit for families. The state’s largest hot tub, famous bottomless cookie jars, sledding, ice skating, and XC ski/snowshoe trails combine to make this one of the most popular family destinations.
The trails at Cross Country Ski Headquarters in Roscommon, MI are approachable, which means they can be skied by folks of different ability levels and that’s great for families to ski together. They got free XC ski lessons on Saturdays and weekend food and music programs for the whole family to make a day of it and have a memorable outing.
WEST
Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa in Tabernash, CO has outdoor adventures from XC skiing and snowshoeing to Zipline, horseback riding and laser biathlon. There are "cowpoke camps" for overnight guests with kids in half and full day programs, heated pool, movie nights, game room, and more.
You'll be amazed by the giant trees in Sequoia National Park and Monument near the Bear Valley Adventures, in Bear Valley, CA. They’ve got junior sized XC skis and snowshoe rentals to fit kids and pulk sleds to pull the little ones. Sledding and tubing are also activities for the family to enjoy.