Share |
Print Article
Family Travel Files Ezine Family Vacations Resource
US: Free or Almost Free – Seven Great Ski Vacation Deals for Families.Resort at Glade Springs & Winterplace Southern West Virginia Kids with Snowman We are watching for the season’s best "snowy" family vacations and the latest ski deals for families including ski free days, kids fly free, kids stay free, and free snow tubing times.

Here’s the scoop.
Kids ski free or fly free, really? Yes, really. Even with our economy in sluggish mode many destinations have created excitement with extra travel benefits for just about everyone including families. I have assembled a few that show promise even if the fine print includes some blackout dates.

West Virginia: Daniels, Ski Free at Winterplace.
Off grid definitely describes a family winter holiday in Southern West Virginia. It’s an affordable and easy paced spot with oodles of options for families who want an active family vacation. In addition to hiking and cavern adventures add skiing, boarding, and tubing to the list. Bonus points: Winterplace is the home to the largest snow tubing park in West Virginia and that fact alone should make you want to pack the kids in the van and escape. Here’s the deal: Once again this season the Resort at Glade Springs offers guests free lift tickets for Winterplace. Actually it’s two lift tickets for each night’s stay plus complimentary daily shuttle to and from Winterplace; full buffet breakfast for the entire family each day; access to full the service leisure center with indoor pool, bowling alley, arcade, cinema room, and indoor basketball. Vacation planning details: Resort at Glade Springs Toll-free 1-888-477-3424 or www.gladesprings.com

North Carolina: Maggie Valley, Cataloochee Mountain Kids Ski Free. Located in the heart of Western North Carolina “where the sun rises on the Smokies”, Haywood County offers families four seasons of vacation fun. Cataloochee Mountain ski area, at the heart of the region anchors the fun. No need to worry about bare slopes when Mother Nature is too busy to scatter the needed white stuff the elves at Cataloochee make their own. Here’s the deal: Participants must be staying at a participating Haywood County accommodation to receive the voucher to be redeemed at Cataloochee. Bonus points: Starting January 9, every Wednesday is Family Day at Cataloochee and a child 17 and under receives a free lift ticket when accompanied by a parent purchasing a full price day, twilight or night lift ticket. Vacation planning details: Visit blog.visitncsmokies.com and www.tubemaggievalley.comSteamboat Springs Resort Kids Ski Free
 
Colorado: Steamboat Springs Kids Ski Free. This vintage western town with a contemporary atmosphere espouses a grand skiing heritage. The town is home to more winter sports Olympians than any other place in the U.S. It is known for Champagne Powder® snow, innovative family programs, Kids Vacation Center, unique off-mountain activities, and family-friendly lodging options. Here’s the deal: Steamboat Springs, Colorado has been offering free skiing benefits for kids since 1982. So of course they are once again offering Kids Ski Free for 2012/2013. Steamboat’s Kids Ski Free™ and Grandkids Ski Free programs allow children 12 years of age and younger to ski free the same number of days as their parents and grandparents when parents and grandparents purchase a five-day or more regular-priced adult lift ticket prices. Bonus points: Children participating in the Kids Ski Free™ lift ticket program will also receive free ski rentals and Teen Ticket participants will receive discounted ski rentals at all Steamboat Ski & Sport® locations and RideSports when parents rent skis for five days or more. Vacation planning details: www.steamboat.com

Colorado: Created Butte Mountain Resort – Fly Free. This small historic town with a premier ski mountain, dramatic Alpine views and friendly people is a nice fir for a winter family vacation. Here’s the deal. Crested Butte, Colorado once again is partnering with American Airlines to offer “Kids Fly for Free” which has obvious advantages for families. When a Crested Butte vacation is book for three or more people, every third airline ticket is free. The deal is actionable between 12/13/2012-04/01/2013 with some selected blackout dates, and flights must be booked by December 1st, 2012. Bonus points: From March 16 - April  7, 2013, kids 12 and under stay and ski free (one free child ticket per one adult paid ticket) when families book their lodgings through Crested Butte Vacations. Vacation planning details: www.skicb.com

Colorado: Granby, YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch - Families Ski, Skate and Sled for Free. YMCA of the Rockies Quick Getaway. Framed by the impressive Rocky Mountains, time together at Snow Mountain Ranch makes sharing experiences and creating memories easy for all ages. Snow Mountain Ranch is the perfect setting for families and friends to spend quality time together. The property spans 5,200 acres of mountain meadows at an altitude of 9,000 feet. For downhill skiers and snowboarders, it is not far to the resorts of Winter Park and Sol Vista. But perhaps the best is on site with winter activities including ice skating pavilion, a lighted sledding and tubing hill, and miles of well groomed trails ideal for cross-country skiing and snow shoeing. Here’s the deal: Throughout the autumn, winter and spring, YMCA of the Rockies offers special all-inclusive family festivals for all ages. The weekend package includes lodging, meals and activities starting Friday evening through Sunday morning, and run from $95-$105 per adult, and $65-$75 per child under 12. Vacation planning details: Snow Mountain Ranch 1101 County Road 53 Granby, CO 80446. Toll-free 1-800-777-9622 or www.ymcarockies.org
 
Utah: Park City - Ski and Ride Free. From the Salt Lake City Airport it is possible to reach 11 major ski and snowboarding resorts within an hour. So, for families with teens this free ski advantage may be a perfect fit. Here’s the deal: The Park City Quick START (Ski Today and Ride Today) Vacation lets you convert your airline boarding pass into a same-day lift ticket to the Park City resort of your choice -  Canyons Resort, Park City Mountain Resort or Deer Valley Resort the deal is valid from now until close of ski season in mid April with customary blackout days scattered along the way. Vacation planning details:  Park City Quick Start

Snow Places for Family VacationsMore snowy winter family vacation ideas.
In addition to vacation package our SnowPlaces showcases oodles of winter family vacation ideas, travel advice, vacation planning and destination information for family time in the snow - skiing, boarding, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, snow mobiling, free-range sledding, ice skating and ice fishing. Is there anything else?

Note: Deals decribed were active and available at publishing however as always details must be confirmed with the destination prior to making travel plans. Content researched and assembled by Nancy Nelson-Duac, Editor FTF. Images courtesy of Resort at Glade Springs, Steamboat Springs Resort, and YMCA of the Rockies. Copyright 2012.
Share |
RELATED ARTICLES
West Virginia: Beckley, Spring Breaks with Tubing, Ziplining, and a Cavern Adventure.
Off grid definitely describes a family spring break in Southern West Virginia. Affordable and easy paced the area offers plenty for families to share including hiking, fishing, biking, ziplining, and stargazing plus a cavern adventure.
US: Rocky Mountain States - Spring Break Family Vacations with Skiing, Snow Tubing, and Waterpark Fun.
From Montana and Colorado to Utah and Wyoming we have family vacation ideas to cure spring fever. The good stuff awaits – take a spring break with your kids.
US: Southeast - Best Snow Tubing Spots in North Carolina and Georgia.
Anyone who loves to go sledding will be thrilled by snow tubing because it combines the thrill of a great slide with a little extra bounce. It’s pure family fun.
US: Mid Atlantic - Best Snow Tubing Places in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Sharing adventures with your kids is one of the ways to define family vacation fun and during the snowy months snow tubing ranks at the top of the fun list.
North Carolina: Crystal Coast, Family Beach Vacation - Fun for $10 or Less.
his destination definitely belongs on our list of secret family vacation spots offering friendly beach atmosphere, natural beauty and high value – low cost fun. Popular activities include boating, sailing, kayaking, shelling, surfing, diving, living history and best of all beach time.

Read More Articles

FAMILY VACATION IDEAS
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa - Avon, CO

There is a world of fun just waiting for your kids at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. [Read More]

Hyatt Escala Lodge - Park City, UT

Explore Park City the Hyatt Way. [Read More]

Wingate by Wyndham - St. George, UT

Checkout our National Parks Package. [Read More]

Best Western Plaza Hotel - Charleston, WV

Stay with us to experience wild fun times West Virginia has to offer. [Read More]

Hampton Inn & Suites Cashiers- Sapphire Valley

Bring the kids and escape to the Blue Ridge Mountains [Read More]

Hilton Charlotte University Place Hotel

Near popular attractions, shopping, and fun. [Read More]

Related Article Related Article

Hampton Inn Greensboro Airport Hotel

Greensboro, North Carolina Family Reunion Hotel Special Package. [Read More]

Hyatt Regency Tech Center - Denver , CO

Our beautifully appointed Hyatt Regency Denver Hotel is a luxury Denver hotel for family vacationers. [Read More]

Related Article Related Article

Crowne Plaza Colorado Springs

Offering our Family Package which includes Mr. Biggs ultimate destination for family fun. [Read More]

Chapel Hill University Inn

Centrally located near the heart of scenic downtown Chapel Hill. [Read More]

Vail International Condominiums Hotel

Bring your family to our year around fun-filled mountain. [Read More]

Bryce Canyon Resort - Bryce, UT

Experience the splendor of Utah’s national parks, national monuments and state parks at our doorstep. [Read More]

North Carolina Farm Stay - Share Natural Adventures.

See what fun awaits your family. [Read More]

Utah Ranch Stays - Free Range Family Fun.

Bring the kids and enjoy life on a real ranch - no batteries needed. [Read More]

West Virginia Farm Stay - Connect with the County Life.

Share simple things with your kids. [Read More]

Colorado Ranch & Farm Stays - Free Range Family Fun.

Unplug and see what fun awaits your family. [Read More]

YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch

Winter Fun Package. Families Ski, Skate and Sled for Free. [Read More]

Wingate Inn Greenwood Village

Family vacation choices. Enjoy more-for less with our terrific vacation packages. [Read More]

Related Article Related Article

Rumbling Bald Resort

An ideal setting for reunions, weddings, and year-round golf. [Read More]

Earth Shine Mountain Lodge - Lake Toxaway, NC

Come watch the earth and shine with your family. [Read More]

See More Family Vacation Ideas


Use of Travel Communications, Inc., websites constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use.
Site designed and hosted by Tempest Technologies, LLC